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Clocks, Watches/Middle Chain Came off
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Question
Barwick 4878
How does a person put the chain back on. Removed weights for moving and this one chain came off
Thanks!
Roger, I cannot reference the movement type with the clock model, as there is very little information available on modern production clocks. However, if this is one of the conventional movements, I will attach a photo of the tool I made and the information I give to hang the chain.
)
Installing chains:
"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 chain. To
eliminate this, I have developed a simple wire tool you can make to thread the chain
back on the sprocket wheel. First the pendulum and other weights have to be unhooked
from the movement. Then you have to remove the tab (not hook) end of the fallen chain
and hold it on the wire tool to insert it up and slightly around the top of the sprocket
wheel. I have found that most of the three chain movements have a center wheel that
will rotate counterclockwise to pull the chain. So you would insert the chain on the
right side of the center sprocket wheel and over, turning the wheel in the counterclockwise
direction. The photo shows the wire and chain oriented in the proper direction. 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."
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 personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Excellent response thanks. The tool and direction for feedig the chain were very much needed. Also the encouragement that it can be doen with some effort. | ||
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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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