Expert: Martin Meyer - 12/5/2007

Question
I have two out of three chains that have been pulled off. Do I need to remove the face and hands of the clock to fix it? If so, how do I remove the hands?

Answer
Hi Tracy,
    If the chains that are off are the two side chains, you can replace them through the small side panels at the level of the dial (if you have side panels) or by removing the hood or back panel of the clock.
    First remove the pull-end tabs from the chains, then thread the chains onto the sprockets, rotating the sprocket as you do it to get the chains on far enough that you can then pull them down as you would when wind the clock normally.
    The center chain is much more difficult. Removing the dial won't be of much help. Usually, it is necessary to remove the movement from the clock to replace it. When the movement is out of the clock, turn the center sprocket to determine which way it turns, then (with pull-end tab removed) thread the chain onto the sprocket as above.
    Removing the movement from the clock varies from clock to clock, and there are too many variations for me to describe the whole process. Usually there are two long screws going up through the seatboard and into the movement, which hold the movement onto the seatboard. But you will probably have to figure out how to remove other parts, like the dial frame and possibly other brackets. This is too detailed for me to into in this forum.
    If you do want to remove the dial, set the clock at 12:00, then unscrew the round nut that holds the minute hand. The hands will then pull straight off. Make sure to replace them at 12:00, the same position that they were in when you took them off.