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Expert: - 8/11/2009


Question
The clock has three chains two are pulled all the eay to the top and there is no way to release it to attach the weights Can you tell me how to release the chain ??

Answer
Rosemarie, as they say, "There is more than one way to skin a cat".  It's been a long time since I have heard or said that one!  The movement would probably have to be removed to get to the chains to release them.  But here's what I do.  Take a wire coat hanger and cut 3 pieces of wire about 8" long.  Form a hook on each end of each wire.  Reach up in the clock and hook one end of the wire to the pull tab at the end of each chain (There might be a little difficulty getting the hook on the tab depending upon how high it is pulled up).  When the wires are hooked to the chains, hang each weight on the bottom end of the wires.  Start the clock and if it is running and the chimes and strike are working properly, the wires and chains will drop enough in a few hours to remove the wires and rehook the weights in the chain hooks.  Try that and let me know if it works for you.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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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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