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Clocks, Watches/Howard Miller Grandfather installing weight chain
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Question
I have a Howard miller Curio Display Grandfather clock.My brass Wire chain that drives the chimes (right weight) Broke. In order to get the broken chain off of the spindle, I had to rewind the spindle a little at a time. After removing the spring, I can no longer turn the spindle in either directuion with the key. I have to rotate the spindle in order to thread the new braided chain on the spindle. What can I do to rotate the spindle (with the key?) or what procedure can I follow to install the chain?... thank you for any help, comer
Comer, weight driven clocks use either chains or cables. I think you are talking about a cable. I'm not sure what you did to "rewind the spindle". It sounds like it has been damaged or jammed. I would have to see a photo of the area of the problem and it might not be accessible for that purpose. However, if you can get a clear photo of it, send it to my shop email address below. How did it break? It is possible that you are going to need to have an experienced clockmaker look at it.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
(General Note: Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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