Expert: William J Perkins - 5/13/2010

Question
I just purchased a used Ridgeway Grandfather clock model # 210 with HL movement.  The chain fell off the middle weight and I want to put it back on but don't know how.  Also, do you know where I can get information on this clock.  Seller said they purchased it years ago; how many I don't know?  Thank you.

Answer
You will need to remove the movement from the case.  Before removing ,secure the other two chain with bread ties or just plain soft wire.  That done you turn the movement upside down.  You will see the cog wheel the chain must be strung onto. Remove the hook from the end of the chain and start feeding it over the cog wheel, use a plain old fashion pencil with an eraser on the end to slowly turn the cog wheel, rotate then clock movement as you feed so the chain does not feed over the axle of an adjacent gear.  As soon as the end of the chain is visible, coming over the cog, hook it and pull it down.  Using another bread tie secure the chain so that it does not come off.  That done you can place the movement back into the case.  Be sure to restore the hook to the chain.  This job takes patience.  Regards WJP