Want it to keep on tickin'!
March 26, 2011 11:15 AM Subscribe
I inherited a great grandfather clock. Awesome! But there is something amiss... The left weight is not descending, making the chimes run out of order and the hour fail to strike. Any grandfather clock gurus out there that could help a fella out?
The clock is a Westminster chime clock, and boy is it pretty. I really want this thing to work perfectly, and there doesn't appear to be a clock repairman in the area.
I've done a little looking online, but this is all I've found:
"If just the left weight is not dropping, the hour strike is not operating. Open the side panel and check that the steel retard bar has not lowered onto the strike hammers, keeping them from moving. Check to see if the hammers are moving freely. The last thing to check is the trip lever from the chimes. Make sure the strike train is operating properly and releasing the strike train."
I have no idea what that means! Hopefully someone can explain it to a simpleton like myself in simpler terms, or maybe point me toward a more visual resource?
Thanks, clock mavens!
The clock is a Westminster chime clock, and boy is it pretty. I really want this thing to work perfectly, and there doesn't appear to be a clock repairman in the area.
I've done a little looking online, but this is all I've found:
"If just the left weight is not dropping, the hour strike is not operating. Open the side panel and check that the steel retard bar has not lowered onto the strike hammers, keeping them from moving. Check to see if the hammers are moving freely. The last thing to check is the trip lever from the chimes. Make sure the strike train is operating properly and releasing the strike train."
I have no idea what that means! Hopefully someone can explain it to a simpleton like myself in simpler terms, or maybe point me toward a more visual resource?
Thanks, clock mavens!
Grandfather clocks can be a PITA. When we inherited one we ended up calling a clock repair company that came to the house and got it back into proper working condition for us.
posted by COD at 4:26 PM on March 26, 2011
posted by COD at 4:26 PM on March 26, 2011
My father has worked on clocks for many years as a hobby, and here is his advice:
Any mechanical clock needs to be serviced regularly. There are many moving parts in a clock and they need to be cleaned and lubricated at least every ten years. If your clock's strike portion has stopped running it is a pretty good indication that it needs a professional to do the service. My advice is that you stop the clock from running and look for a clock shop or jeweler who will give it a full cleaning and lubrication. If you have this done on a regular basis your clock will run for centuries. Don't try to do this yourself.posted by heatherann at 7:23 PM on March 27, 2011
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posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 12:45 PM on March 26, 2011