Expert: Michael Radi - 9/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: i have a westminsiter mantle clock is did work now it does'nt the middlecog is stuck would this stop the clock working the chime works but cannot get it to tick please help

ANSWER: Hi Kerry, I'll need more info. from you. I'm nit sure what you mean when you say the "middlecog is stuck". Please explain.
Michael

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QUESTION: hi thanks for getting back in touch so quick, the clock has 3 holes that the key fits into so you can wind it up i can turn 2 of them but not the middle one the clock did work until i posted it off cause i sold it now its come back not working is it middle one that winds the clock u as it may have been over wound but i don't want to force it, the chime works but i can not get the clock to work i've attached a picture for you thanks kerry

ANSWER: It's OK for the clock to be wound up all the way. If this is the case, it may seem like it is stuck because the key can no longer be turned. The clock might be "out of beat". This is where the ticking sounds unevenly spaced in time. The ticks should sound like the feet of someone running hitting the pavement. If it sounds out of beat, push the pendulum hanger side to side. It should move easily and then meet some resistance. The distance from center to this resistance spot should be even in both the left and the right sides. If it is not, push it into the resistance and you should feel it move. Now check the left to right. Repeat this process, if you went to far, you can correct it be moving it in the other direction. When you have it right the ticking should sound even.
Let me know how it goes.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair

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QUESTION: hi this seems to work when i push the pendulum it goes from side to side making the ticking noise for about a min or so then stops is it suppose do this i've repeated it a few times now not sure if i have done right though by moving the pendulum from side to side,it does'nt sound out of beat to me when i do this
thanks kerry

Answer
When you advance the minute hand does the clock chime the 1/4 hours and strike the hour?
If it chimes and strikes, putting it in beat and perhaps oiling the movement are the only two things I can suggest without examining the clock myself. There are dozens of things that could make the clock stop. It could by anything from a minor adjustment to a total rebuild job.
Michael Radi
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair