Expert: Martin Meyer - 5/28/2009

Question
While setting the time on my Sligh grandfather clock, I
moved the minute hand too quickly past the 15 minute chime
intervals.  Normally I have to stop and let the chimes catch
up.  This time when moving the minute hand I felt slight
tension on the minute hand and herd a snap.  Now the clock
will not chime at all and the left and right weights do not
move down.  I am sure I broke something, just no sure how
easy it will be to repair.

Thanks, George

Answer
Hi George,

You may have broken something, but it's a bit more likely that the chime mechanism is just jammed. There's not too much that you can try yourself, because the chime mechanism is complicated and delicate. However, try removing the right and left weights and turning the minute hand through a one-hour cycle. If you feel any resistance, stop immediately and don't continue turning. You can also remove the panel or open the small door on the right (as you're looking at the clock) side. You will see a row of four or eight chime hammers. If one or more is lifted back, that is, they are not all in a straight row, lift the whole row back at once, and the pinwheel may snap back into place and correct your problem. Finally, you will see a fan-shaped part at the very top of the movement as you look in on the right side. Find the next gear down in the gear train, that is, the gear that the fan engages with. Now turn this gear VERY GENTLY a partial turn. It will only move in one direction, so find the direction it moves in, and DO NOT force it in the opposite direction. This gear should turn very easily, so if you feel any resistance, stop immediately and do not attempt this method. If none of these methods help, you will need to have a professional clock repairer do a service call.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com