Expert: William J Perkins - 6/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: We recently moved.  Of course the weights in the grandfather clock
(purchased 1995) had to be removed.  I don't know if I should simply re-
attach them to the wires (probably) but if so what kind of knot, etc.  
Somewhere we have instructions--but not about the re-attachment of the
weights.  I emailed Stickley for a referral to a repair person but got no
answer.  Thank you very much for your help.

ANSWER: I truly do not understand what you are trying to tell me.  That established I will tell you how the weights are normally attached.  You mentioned wires so I presume the wires are really cables.  The cables are always attached to a winding drum from which they hang.  The loose end is passed through the yoke of a pulley and onto the groove of the pulley wheel, it is then brought up to the bottom of the movement and fastened there, by either a loop in the cable or a cable end piece.  The weights are then hung from the pulley yoke via the hook on the end of the weight.  This should do it for you.  If this does not work for you, send me a better description of your problem, with a picture, if possible.  Regards WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK, got the instructions, everything you say makes sense and I may be able to
fix this!  (Yes, found the pulley loop attachment....) The only problem I have is
SEEING where the cable nut end attaches.  It's a pretty small item.  For  a
beginner, do you recommend taking the back of the clock off, which is what the
instructions seem to imply you do?  Thanks again.

Answer
Clock makers are inconsistent about the way they secure the cable end to the movement.  Sometimes they use keyholes cut into the movements front or back plates.  Sometime they install hooks on the plates,  Sometimes they use hooks screwed into the seat board.  It certainly would be helpful to you if you could remove the back of the clock to provide you an open view of the movement.  My best guess is you should look for little keyholes through which you would pass the cable, then, pull downwards to lock it in place.  Again, my regards WJP