Expert: Michael Radi - 8/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: how hard is it to run the chains

ANSWER: Hi George, I'm not quite sure what your question is. Are you trying to put chains on the clock?
Please tell me exactly what it is you need to know.
Thanks,
Michael

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

QUESTION: it seems 1  chain is bound up the other is  clear off

Answer
The gear that the chain goes over should only turn one direction. Here is how you  put the chain on: Find out what direction the chain gear rotates by pushing the teeth in either direction. Identify the ends of the chain, one end will have the weight hook on it, the other will have the chain pull. Take the chain pull off the chain by opening the chain link with a pair of pliers and passing it through the opening in the link.  Leave the weight hook on the other end of the chain.
Put the chain end on the chain gear and rotate the gear so that the chain is pulled up over the top of the gear. It will go over the top and down the other side and out the bottom.
I don't know what the problem is with the stuck chain on the other side. Like I said it should only travel one direction. If it is wound up all the way to the top the only way it will come down is by running the clock. If it's the time side put the weight on and see if you can get the pendulum to run. If it's the strike side put the weight on and advance the minute hand so that the clock strikes. The weight will slowly come down if you can get that side to run.
Otherwise you have to take the hook off of the chain and pull the other side until it comes all the way off. This is a last resort procedure because if you do this you have to put it back on as per the instructions above.
Let me know if you need more help.
Michael