Expert: John Newman - 10/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: all my chains are off.  Where do I start? Please HELP!  Thank you mab

ANSWER: Marie, reinstalling chains depends on the manufacturer and model of the movement and the clock.  I might possibly need to know this. But generally, the outside chains are installed as follows.  Does your clock have side panels or doors next to the movement?  If so remove or open them.  Each chain will have a solid tab on one end and a hook or eye on the other end.  If two chains have hooks and the third has an eye, the one with the eye will be usually be installed on the right side (as you face the clock).  Start by looking through the left side and locating the sprocket wheel that the chain goes over.  Use a pair of long needle-nose pliers to hold the end of the chain with the solid tab, and place it over the teeth of the sprocket wheel.  Use a long thin screwdriver to push the teeth of the sprocket wheel. rotating it so the end of the chain will drop down far enough so you can grasp the tab and pull the chain down a foot or so.  The drop the other end of the chain through the hole or slot under the movement.  That is the end from which the weight will hang.  Now the chain is on the sprocket wheel and drops straight down on both sides.  Repeat the procedure for the right side.  Notice that the two sprocket wheels turned in opposite directions.  The reason for this is that the center sprocket wheel will turn in the same direction as the right one when installing the center chain.  The center chain is the most difficult to reinstall.  Most clockmakers will remove the movement from the case, turn the movement upside down to install the chains.  To eliminate this, I have developed a simple wire tool made from coat hanger wire to use to thread the chain back on the sprocket wheel.  If you will send an email to my shop address below, I will reply with a photo of the wire and show how the chain attaches.  too First the pendulum and other weights have to be unhooked from the movement.  Then you have to remove the tab (not hook or eye) from the end of the chain.  This can be done by spreading the end chain link and removing that link and the tab from the chain.  Put them aside.  Now hook the last link of the chain on the wire tool and hold it on the wire tool to insert it up and slightly around the top of the sprocket wheel.  As you observed the rotation of the sprocket wheel, you will insert the wire and chain going up on the right side of the sprocket wheel. This almost has to be done blindly, as you have to bend over sideways and backwards inside the clock.  I call it the back breaker method!  Once the chain is in position, you can use a small screwdriver or similar tool to turn the sprocket until the chain goes over the top, while the tool is slowly removed.  Then continue turning the sprocket until the chain end drops down far enough to grasp it and pull it through so you can reattach the tab and open link.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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

QUESTION: I have 2eyelets and 1 hook.  Can you send me a pic. perhaps...I have NO idea how or where to put them.  Thank you so much for your kindness.  Marie Antoinette Brown  

Answer
Marie, Generally, as you face the clock, the chains with the two eyelets are on the left and center.  The hook is on the right chain.  As you didn't indicate whether the 2 eyelets and 1 hook are on the chains or weights, this could be reversed.  But the rule is that the hooks go with the eyelets and the eyelets go with the hooks.  This is so the heaviest weight will be hung on the right side.  If this is still unclear, email me at my shop email address below, I will try to find a setup in my showroom or parts and send you a photo of the chains hooks and weights in the proper positions.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)