Expert: William J Perkins - 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: If, as you say, the ratchet is installed inside the drum, you will have to remove the drum from the clock in order to pop off the back cover in order to trip the pawl.  Frankly I can't see what difference this could make.  With no cable attached you should be able to wind the drum forever with no consequence.  I'm not following you at all on this one.  Regards WJP

---------- 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
Stop works are very unusual for a cable driven movement.  Yours must be a high end Kieninger.  To do the job you contemplate you will need to disarm the stop works mechanism, then reset it after installing the cable. I personally would not consider installing a new cable without removing the barrel.  To me there is no substitute for doing the job right.  Regards WJP