Expert: Michael Radi - 3/20/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a grandmother clock that i shipped from overseas and they took off the weights and unhooked the chains etc. for moving purposes.  I don't remember how to get it put back together to get it working and I can't afford to have someone from clock repair to come and fix it. Can you help?

ANSWER: I can help you but need to know exactly what we are dealing with. Are the chains still on the clock?


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

QUESTION: yes the chains are still on.

ANSWER: Check the chains to be sure they are firmly on the chain gears. They must go all the way over the top and back down the other side. If they are hung over the edge of the gear the weight will fall down after the clock runs for a bit.
Hang the heaviest weight on the right side as you face the clock. The lightest weight goes on the left and the third weight goes in the middle.
The pendulum hangs from the leader (the leader is a thin piece about 4" long that hangs down from the top of the movement in the back. The pendulum top will match the bottom of the leader. It might be a split hook onto a pin or it could be a solid hook onto a hole at the bottom of the leader.
Give the pendulum an easy push and hopefully it will start ticking. Advance the minute hand stopping at each quarter to let the chimes run.
Let me know if you run into any troubles.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair


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

QUESTION: Here's my problem:  I got the two chains hanging on the chain gears so i have 4 chains hanging down (4 halves altogether makes 2 chains#.  I only have two weights and one pendulum.  Is that possible or am i missing a weight? When you say to hang the third weight in the middle--well I have 2 chains hanging down in the middle-so if I had a 3rd weight(which I don't)which middle chain would it hang from?

Answer
Perhaps your clock is designed for two weights (time and strike).
2 chains and 2 weights are correct. One side of each chain should have a hook for the weight to hang from. Be sure that the hook is on the correct side before you put the weight on or it will zip right down to the bottom of the case. The side without the hook should pull down to lift the weight. If the hook is on the wrong side, open up the chain link take the hook off and switch it with the solid end on the other side.
Let me know if you need more help.
Michael