Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 1/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: In trying to replace my kieninger grandfather clock strike cable, the “click” (ratchet pawl) is mounted inside the drum rather than outside the drum and is impossible to pull away from the ratchet wheel.  Since I need to install the cable in the fully unwound position, is there another solution to achieving the unwound position?  Thank you.

ANSWER: you need to remove the mechanism from the clock - did you do that?

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

QUESTION: I'm not certain what model Kieninger I have.  The markings on the back are as follows: Original Kieninger, Made in Germany, No(0) Jewels Unadjusted, 2K, 116 CM.  I have the movement out of the case, but have not separated the dial face from the movement.  I have removed the old cable and the anchor hole is at 12PM.  Since this clock has a stop work mechanism, is there no way to set the drum to the fully unwound position without lifting the ratchet pawl or removing the gears of the stop work mechanism?  If not, how would one remove the stop work mechanism so that the drum could be placed in the fully unwound position and then reinstalled and realigned?

Answer
remove the hands and the dial

fully wind up one of the good cables (keep tension so it winds evenly)

measure the length of cable w/o the pulley that extends to the end off the drum from the bottom edge of the movement.

if the stop works are like the attached photo--notice that the single dot on the upper winder shaft tooth meshes when fully wound up between the two dots on the idler gear.

pull the E clip off the idler for the drum that you are replacing the cable on

lift the ratchet pawl and rotate till you get to the keyhole for the end of the cable to go in

wind the new cable on evenly with tension applied till you reach the cable tail measurement made above then replace the idler meshed as above and you are done!