Expert: Martin Meyer - 9/21/2007

Question
I have a emperor clock and the weight chains are giving up I can only get the chimes to work by only winding the clock up to half. I hope you can help me.  Thanks                        Charles

Answer
Hi Charles,
    I'm not sure what you mean by the "chains giving up." I suspect that you mean that the links are opening up due to stretching from the constant weight on them.
    If this is the problem, you need to replace the chains. Chain sizes are different for each type of movement. You need to look at the back of clock's movement and find out which make and model it is. Then you can go to a clock materials supplier on the net and find the correct chains for your clock. If your clock movement is not listed among available chains, you can order generic chains by links-per-foot. You need to lay out the chain on a flat surface, pulled tight with no slack, and accurately count how many links are in foot of chain.
    Replacement of the chain is easy for the two side weights, but for the center weight you will probably have to remove the movement from the clock, as the chain sprocket is difficult to reach.