Expert: Martin Meyer - 12/25/2007

Question
Our grandfather clock is relatively new. The chain to wind the clock seems to
be stuck. That wheel and wheels connected are stuck or jammed. The clock
seemed to be working just fine before this.

Answer
Hi Jessica,
    If I understand your question correctly, one or more of the chains are jammed, and cannot be pulled in either direction, but are still able to hold the weights.
    Jammed chains are a common problem in this type of clock. This often happens when, as some instruction manuals recommend, the weight is supported or gently lifted while the chain is being wound. I do not personally recommend this procedure.
    The difficulty in correcting a jammed chain depends on which chain is jammed. The two side chains are easily accessible from the side panels of the clock, or by removing the hood. The center chain is much more difficult to access.
    To correct the jammed side chains, access the movement by removing or opening the side doors or panels, removing the hood, or removing the back panel (whichever method your clock has). Remove the weights and realign the chains onto the sprocket. This is a part much like a bicycle sprocket which is on the large wheel which holds the chains. The chain may be jammed into nearby gears or in the space between the sprocket and the front or back main plates of the movement, and may take some delicate manipulation to free.
    The center chain is difficult to access. You may be able to reach it with a tool like a dental pick or wire. If you're not able to do this, you will have to remove the movement from the seatboard, and reattach the chain from the bottom of the movement. There are many different configurations of how the movement attaches to the seatboard, and it's not possible for me to describe all the variations in this forum. Usually it is not too difficult to figure out how to do this yourself. If this is more complicated than you feel comfortable doing, you will need to have a professional clock repairer do a service call.
    If a chain is correctly attached to the sprocket, and can still not be pulled up, there is a problem in the large wheel which holds the chains, and you will need the services of a professional clock repairer.