Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/12/2007

Question
I took the chains out of my clock to move the clock, and now cannot figure out how to put the chains back in. Is there a way you can explain that, or should I call someone to come out to my house to re-install the chains.  I am not sure which way they should go, in other words I don't know if the end of the chain that holds the weight should be on right or left side of wheel that holds the chain.

Thank you for taking your time to respond.

Answer
Hi Robin,
    The two side chains are not difficult to reinstall if you can access them by removing the side panels of the clock. The center chain is another story. It is extremely difficult to reach, and I usually remove the whole movement from the clock to reinstall it. It is sometimes possible to get the chain started by hooking it onto the end of a bent coat hanger and nudging it up onto the ratchet wheel from below, then turning the ratchet wheel with your finger to feed the chain along until it is all the way through. If this doesn't sound easy, it isn't, and poking around inside the clock movement is always asking for trouble.
    To determine which end of the chain to feed onto the ratchet wheel (sprocket): One end of the chain will have a hook to hold the weight, the other will have a tab to pull the chain down. Remove the tab from the chain. That is the end you will feed onto the sprocket. Reaching into the movement, push on the sprocket. It will only turn one way. Feed the tab end of the chain (with tab removed) onto the sprocket in the direction it turns. Again, this will not be easy for the center chain.
    Unless you feel comfortable removing the movement from the clock, you will probably want to have a clock repairer reinstall the chains. By the way, it is not necessary to remove the chains when you move the clock. Just bunch them together, and tie them up together as close to the movement as you can.
    Thanks for your question.   Martin