English longcase clock problem

[Lotus]

Hi
I was here a while ago posting as a rank newbie, trying to get started cleaning my first clock, then I fell down the stairs and messed up my leg, so I was out of comission for a while. Now I'm back, STILL not having cleaned my first clock, but with a new problem that I can't fix. So, here I am asking for your kind assistance.
I have a circa 1830-50 English longcase clock. Just brought it back from being serviced, (cleaned and oiled and a hand replaced) It WAS working perfectly, but didn't do well on the ride home, the tape my clockmaker put on the cables to keep it from coming off the drum? (is that the correct term??) loosened and the cable got wrapped around the shaft. I called my clockmaker and he said put the weight on anyway and it will correct itself. Well, it didn't, it's just wrapped around the shaft tighter! How can I fix this, short of hauling it back to my clockmaker?
Remember, I am still pretty clock stupid- or maybe I should be kinder to myself and say just a novice?
In any case, thanks!


Barbara

 

[Richard T.]

Putting the weight on with the cable wrapped around the winding arbor certainly wouldn't do anything except make it tighter.

Remove the weight and use something to fish the cable out from around the winding arbor. A crochet hook might work or something similar. It may not be easy but hopefully you can do it. Then straighten out the cable, it would be good if you could let it all the way down but you may not be able to release the click. If not straighten it out on the barrel, attach the weight and carefully wind it up.

Good luck....

Best,

Richard T.

 

[Lotus]

Thanks Richard. I'll try, kind of afraid I might break the cable. And I don't know WHAT or WHERE the click is. So much to learn. Not feelin too confident right now.
I must've explained what the problem was wrongly to my clockguy. He has fixed over 200 clocks for me, never a problem. Till I get my hands on them.

Barbara

 

[Scottie-TX]

I am TOTALLY puzzled that he'd tell you to hang the weight to a cable that ran off the drum. Certainly he would know the results. If taking it back is not a major problem - I'd certainly take it back. You can see what needs done - that the cable needs routed backwards off the arbor until none remains there, the clock rewound with cable only on the drum. I don't think you need fear breaking the cable. Avoid kinking it of course. I just can't imagine trying to do this without removing the movement at least unless perhaps you have access from the side.

 

[Richard T.]

Since it's an English longcase I thought the "bonnet" would slide off to allow access to the movement

Best,

Richard T.

 

[Dave B]

If removing the hood provides enough access to get at the cables, the suggestion of using a crochet hook is a good one. Just a minor suggestion, though. File a groove across the end of the crochet hook (you may need two - both filed that way so you can work the cable from opposite sides of the drum.) With them, you then cn either push or pull on the cable, to untangle it.

If you look at the clock parts "sticky" at the top of the forum, you can probably tell what the "click" is. All this would be easiest if you can locate the click, and (without the weights on) lift the click so that you can pull all the cable down by hand. Once it is all down, then it is a simple matter to hang the weight, and wind the cable back onto the drum.

 

[shutterbug]

I think I'd unhook the end of the cable from the hook so you'd be able to pull it loose more easily. After you get it loose, I think I'd hook the end back up and run the clock until the weights are on the floor. That should take care of any tangles that are on the spool. Then wind it up, and you're good to go.

 

[Mike Phelan]

If you can get to the clicks you can pull the cables from the barrels with the pulleys and weights in place, then wind them back in their grooves.

Don't forget to oil the pulleys - a point often missed.

 

[Lotus]

Hi everyone

Thank you all so much for your replies, you helped so much- the clock is fine now. With the bonnet off I had good access to the cable and drum, but it was the info about the click that did it. I would never of known what to do seeing I never even heard of a click before much less seen one. Actually my husband located it and then we just raised it and lowered the cable and wound it up again. I am just thrilled to pieces, I am not a happy camper when one of my clocks is not working as it should. I hope you don't mind when I start asking all these inane questions about clock cleaning.

Barbara

 

[harold bain]

Hi, Barbara, and welcome to the message board. Glad you were able to fix your cable problem.
Sounds like you have a lot of clocks (much like most of us). Keep the questions coming, we are here to help you learn.

 

[Scottie-TX]

ALL here understand the feeling of a clock not running - the very catalyst that DRIVES us to finding the problem and helping others do the same.
We LOVE questions. It is not possible to ask too many and none are inane.
Congrats BARBARA. Glad our counsel clicked!