Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/5/2009

Question
Glass which is held by Bezel which has a hinge which mounts on the wall clock.  The glass in the bezel is intact but the hinge broke.  What needs to be repaired?  CAn I order another hinge?

thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Debbie,

Hinges are available from clock supply companies like Timesavers (www.timesavers.com) or Merritts Antiques (www.merritts.com). Woodworking supply companies also carry hinges. It may be difficult finding a hinge the same size as your original, but you should probably be able to find something close enough to fit.

I would have to see the clock to know what needs to be repaired. It is more common for the connection of the hinge to the bezel or to the dial frame to break, than it is for the hinge itself to break, although that is possible too. The hinge is usually connected to the bezel and dial frame by either rivets or soldering. On some clocks, there is no dial frame, and the hinge is fastened to the back of the dial itself. Both soldering and riveting repairs can require quite a bit of experience to do successfully. It is also possible that the hinge pin has simply come out. If you can find a pin that fits (possibly requiring buying a whole new hinge) this would be an easy repair.   http://www.clockmasteronline.com