Expert: William J Perkins - 9/7/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi!
I have a Ridgeway Carriage clock (age unknown).
The lever that controls the on/off chime function is not working properly. The chime was turned off and I cannot re-activate it. The lever appears loose.

I tried tightening the screw that attaches the bracket to the lever arm...and of course, the screw came off! I cannot replace the screw without removing the clock mechanism. I was able to remove the minute hand but not the hour hand. Cannot figure out why or how to remove the hour hand.
Also, if the on/off lever is loosely attached to the body of the clock mechanism, how do I go about tightening this lever?
Sorry for the length of this question...hope it is clear.
Thanks!


ANSWER: You remove the hour hand by first removing the minute hand, then pull the hour hand straight out.  It is friction fit so there should be no problem.  Before removing the hands stop the clock and note their position.  This will assure restoration to the proper position.  Not being able to see your clock I must presume that you will have to remove the dial in order to access the offending part.  Otherwise you will have to remove the movement from its case to gain access to the movements frontplate.  I hope this helps you.  Regards WJP

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt reply. The hour hand is really hard to get off. I don't see and clamp holding it in place. Does it usually require much force to pull off?
Thanks

Answer
The hand should remove without great effort.  From your description of your efforts to accomplish this task I am beginning to suspect there is more to the problem than I initially thought.  Please examine the brass back plate of your clock and relay to me all the information that is stamped or engraved thereon.  This will identify the movement to me.  Regards WJP