Expert: Michael Radi - 7/10/2009

Question
Greetings from Vancouver Island BC Canada.
My wife recently inherited a Hentschel Grandfather (mother) clock.  The serial number is #3978 from Ontario Canada.
One of the 8 chime rods has broken off.  I have removed the chime block from the clock and it has stamped/cast in it the number B122/16.  The chime that is broken is approximately 15 5/16" from the top of the brass screw to the bottom of the rod.  There are 8 rods all together with the longest being approximately  20 1/2" from the top of the brass to the bottom of the rod.  The rod diameters are approximate 0.130"  or 3.3mm  the rods look like a blue/black steel colour.

Can you tell me where a could purchase a replacement rod or complete set of 8.  Also I noticed that the brass bushing is tightened very tight into the chime block.  Is there anything I should do to make the removal of the brass bushing easier ie does the block need heating?
I have looked at "Timesavers" but not sure where the measurements of the rods are taken from.  I noticed that their part numbers for some of the rods start with 122, do you know if this is a reference to the part number stamped on the chime block?

Thanks

Answer
I don't have information on the chime block numbers. I can tell you a bit about the rods though. I measure chime rods at the full length including the screw. I don't know if Timesavers does it this way. The length and diameter of the rod determines the pitch of the chime rod. I usually start with a longer rod and cut it to raise the pitch to the desired note. They can be cut with a hack saw or a diamond wheel on a dremel tool or lathe. When I get really close to the pitch I grind the last bit of metal off with a grinding wheel.
If you purchase the rod that is 15-5/16" the pitch may be too high and you can't lower it, only raise it.
For removing the screw from the block, heating the block near the screw with a butane torch will help. The last resort is to drill out the brass part of the screw with a small drill. I put two or three holes in it (all the way through the screw). You will need to avoid the steel rod in the middle because the drill will have a hard time getting through it. Once you have some holes in it you can remove the pieces easily because the pressure will be released from the threads.
I probably have the rod you need. Let me know if you want me to check the diameter.
Michael
norkro.com