Grandfather Clock stopped chiming/striking

[Kevin M]

A customer of mine has a Grandfather Clock and from time to time it will stop chiming or striking for seemingly no reason. I have gotten it to chime/strike by rotating the CHIME/SILENT knob a few times and sometimes it will work. The customer said the clock repair guy said if the weights are wound too tight it may keep it from chiming and he advised to wind to a certain height, but I have proven this doesn't work all the time either.

About a week ago I heard the Chime sequence but then it seem like it went haywire as it never went to the STRIKE, just kept repeating the Westminster chime sequence. Did this approx 10-15 times (I lost count). Then 15 minutes later no chime and it hasn't chimed since. I tried my old standby of rotating the CHIME/SILENT knob to no avail this time. I also figured maybe the weights for the chime may have gotten stuck so I wound the weights pretty tight, but maybe now the weights are too high. Is there a way to release the weights to a lower level if they are too high? I figured there may be a release button of some sort that would release the tension of the weights so they can be lowered.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

K

 

[Kevin M]

A customer of mine has a Grandfather Clock and from time to time it will stop chiming or striking for seemingly no reason. I have gotten it to chime/strike by rotating the CHIME/SILENT knob a few times and sometimes it will work. The customer said the clock repair guy said if the weights are wound too tight it may keep it from chiming and he advised to wind to a certain height, but I have proven this doesn't work all the time either.

About a week ago I heard the Chime sequence but then it seem like it went haywire as it never went to the STRIKE, just kept repeating the Westminster chime sequence. Did this approx 10-15 times (I lost count). Then 15 minutes later no chime and it hasn't chimed since. I tried my old standby of rotating the CHIME/SILENT knob to no avail this time. I also figured maybe the weights for the chime may have gotten stuck so I wound the weights pretty tight, but maybe now the weights are too high. Is there a way to release the weights to a lower level if they are too high? I figured there may be a release button of some sort that would release the tension of the weights so they can be lowered.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

K

 

[tymfxr]

Kevin, you said 'a customer of yours'. Are you in the clock sales/repair business? I'm guessing from the questions you are asking you have little or no experience in clock repair. I would suggest that you have an experienced clock repair person look at the clock. A Herschede Hall Clock is not something you want to tinker with.
Mike C.

 

[Kevin M]

No I do not do any kind of clock work, but I do wind their clocks every week while I am there. I have even synchronized their clocks to chime 30 seconds after the next so the clock that first chimes is actually at 1 minute before the hour, and next 30 seconds before the hour, a mantle clock is right at the hour, another quartz bookshelf clock is 30 seconds after the hour, and a small mantle clock 1 minute after the hour, and 3 others every 30 seconds. As you know with any non quartz clock the time varies, so I have to juggle the clocks timing every week or so to maintain this precise chiming sequence. All started with my Atomic Time from my watch.

 

[Kevin M]

I have read online that overwinding a clock is actually a myth, so why would the repair guy say that could be the reason why it wouldn't chime/strike on a few previous occasions?

Also even consciously NOT overwinding the clock, this problem still occurs, as this was the case this time.

Honestly if I were the people I work for, I'd get a second opinion as this guy works on alot of their clocks, but if this clock's chime issue is all a matter of the gummed up workings and not properly oiled up gears, then I honestly don't know what he is doing and why they'd be paying him.

 

[tymfxr]

You really shouldn't try 'fixing' it yourself, you will be putting yourself in jeapardy (damaging this type of clock can be very expensive) if you continue to 'tinker' with it.
Mike C.

 

[tymfxr]

Suggest to your customer to get someone with lots of experience repairing Herschede Hall Clocks. Let us know where in Florida and maybe someone on the message board will have suggestions.
Mike C.

 

[Kevin M]

You're really not "answering" my questions. Is it possible to overwind a clock? As far as me fixing or tinkering with the clock I havent tried or would consider doing that, I am winding the clock for God's sake thats all.

 

[shutterbug]

Kevin - I think the responders mean well, they see you getting into a liability position. It appears that this is not an issue, since you are friends with the people. Suggest to them that they have the clock serviced by a professional so they can enjoy it and pass it down to the next generation in working order. It's a great clock, and deserving of preservation. Who knows - if you play your cards right, it could end up yours This sounds like a minor problem, but is indicative of a clock neglected for a long time.

 

[tymfxr]

Kevin, you have said-
I have gotten it to chime/strike by rotating the CHIME/SILENT knob a few times and sometimes it will work.
I tried my old standby of rotating the CHIME/SILENT knob to no avail this time. I also figured maybe the weights for the chime may have gotten stuck so I wound the weights pretty tight, but maybe now the weights are too high.

I have read online that overwinding a clock is actually a myth,

Kevin, from what you have said so far
1. You answered your question about overwinding.
2. I have no idea how much more you would do to try to get it to work properly.
I was trying to stress how important it is for you not to do any more tinkering for your own protection.
RESPECTFULLY
Mike C.

 

[Kevin M]

Thanks Shutterbug, I tend to assume they hire the best people for the job, as they know the value of someone knowledgeable in their respective field of expertise. That said the guy they have that services/fixes their clocks is a professional and is well renowned. I will have to ask them if this guy ever cleaned and oiled the workinging in this particular clock.

I noticed they bought some antique clocks that didn't have arbor keys and he sold them some to fit, one in particular slips on the arbor which is a pain in the a for regulating time on that clock.

 

[tymfxr]

shutterbug,-- friends, relatives, whatever-wouldn't he still feel obligated to make up for damaging the clock? A Herschede neglected for a 'long time 'most likely will need an overhaul.
Mike C.

 

[Kevin M]

This sounds like a minor problem, but is indicative of a clock neglected for a long time.

Shutterbug I tend to think it may be in need of maintenance, but the fact is the clock repair guy isn't a stranger he comes by every few months maybe more frequent even, which makes me scratch my head as to why this clock would be neglected considering this guy has worked for them for a few years now.

 

[Kevin M]

tymfxr, by your wording it's almost like you are saying I damaged the clock. I guess you aren't hearing me. I am basically saying the clock has issues beyond my weekly winding, the clock guy obviously hasn't fixed from the same problem it had happen a couple of years ago but it would work ok for a few months then stop chiming again. This has been an on-going issue.

 

[tymfxr]

Kevin, I said nothing about you having damaged the clock, I have said that you could damage it if you try tinkering with it. Read my posts again and I think you will see that I am only trying to help you to not get in a bad situation with your customer/friend.
I have to go now-
by the way- you're welcome.
Mike C.

 

[Kevin M]

tymfxr, you keep mentioning the word "tinkering". Do you consider winding the clock tinkering? Don't worry about liability issues as I am all about helping the people I work for. You mention that this is a Herschede Hall Clock, but I don't think that's what it is, IIRC, its an antique Seth Thomas 8 day clock with a Westminster/Whittington chime.

 

[tymfxr]

I answered another post about a Herschede, I guess it stuck in my mind. Same thing goes for the Seth Thomas though, being weight-driven and most likely heavy weights, the clock can be damaged by inexperienced hands. I consider tinkering-winding weights PRETTY TIGHT, turning knobs, doing anything thinking that you might be able to fix it (why else would you do it?). Please don't be defensive, I'm not critising you, I've been working on those kind of clocks for 30 years now. I know what I'm talking about.
As for liability-I have liability insurance to cover me in case I screw up or a customer tries to ---- me. So it doesn't matter what your intentions are, you still can make a mistake and damage the clock and feel obliged to pay for it.
If you still feel like I'm being unfair with you in some way, then say so and I will back off and maybe someone else will be of better assistance.
I'll check this thread in the morning.
Good night,
Mike C.

 

[tymfxr]

After reading this thread again I have to correct something that was said about overwinding a clock. We are talking about a weight-driven clock. You can in a sense 'overwind' it by causing the weight or pulley to thump the seatboard. If done enough times it can cause the chain links to spread or the cable to stretch or start damaging the hole it is secured to. Also if there is too much cable on the drum (I find this sometimes) it will overlap and cause other problems. Just wanted to bring this up in case someone inexperienced with clocks read this thread.
Mike C.

 

[Kevin M]

tymfxr,

Apparantly winding a weight driven clock is not a problem considering you can't over wind a clock. How is that a liability? (unless you are going to be the one that says you CAN overwind a clock, which is why I asked and no you can't) And to be honest I am doing these people a favor of winding all their clocks, setting for daylight savings time etc for approximately 8 years. I initially did this favor for them as they are busy people and I like to help them, and once I did this as a nice gesture I guess it was expected of me to continue this like I have. I think by now I would have gotten the hang of turning a crank or a clock key with all the practice of 12 or so clocks they have that need winding every week. Geez...

Without my help I would bet all of these clocks would wind down causing more problems than me "tinkering" (winding) these clocks.

 

[Kevin M]

From the research I have done overwinding is a "myth". The reason a problem would be blamed as to overwinding would be due to a defective main spring beforehand not due to the "overwinding" per se, as well as inproperly cleaned/oiled workings causeing the compressed (tightened) spring to become "stuck" if you will. My point is if "overwinding" causes a problem (it can't) it is due to some other underlying issue the clock has going on.

>>>You can in a sense 'overwind' it by causing the weight or pulley to thump the seatboard. <<<

For something like this to happen you would have to torque the hell out of the crank intentionally for this to happen. When I crank you gradually can feel the crank getting harder to push and for me I usually back off a full 2 turns before the max. Nothing I would hardly call overwinding.

 

[Robert M.]

Kev,I think this is turning into a p*ssing contest between you and Mike.Why don't we let it go.Thats not what this message board is all about.We're all here to try to help you resolve your chime problems but some how these posts got caught up in a legality issue.Lets get back to your original problem,irratic chiming.
Personally I think you may a lever hanging up or perhaps one of the lever tails is not seating properly in one of the cams,just my own opinion.Maybe the next time your friends hook up with their clock guy they can get him to pull the dial and check the motion of the various locks,Not a major job.If he or she doesn't see anything obvious then perhaps that ole Seth Thomas is due for an overhaul.
Best of luck finding your problem.It certainly doesn't sound like anything serious.
Respectfully,Bob Fullerton

 

[Kevin M]

Thanks Bob, and I apologize for getting defensive, but Mike's replys were cast with a suspicious tone and I didn't appreciate it. Bob, your post is the kind of response I was looking for thanks.

 

[shutterbug]

Kevin - I'll add just one more caution You mentioned that one of the keys the clock guy supplied slips on the arbor. The key is too big and will do damage to the arbor. Maybe one of their other keys will fit (?) but I wouldn't wind that one until the proper key is found. Fixing a rounded off arbor is a real pain

 

[Kevin M]

Shutterbug, the arbor key is a hair too big, but it's for an entirely different clock a small French Antique mantle clock. I assume the keys are made of a softer metal than the arbor itself so if anything gets rounded out it would be the key and not the arbor itself. Key looks to be brass.

Yeah a grouphug is nice thanks.

 

[tymfxr]

Kevin, please take our advice, you did ask for it. I repeat, I am not criticising you, I am not suspicious of what you are doing, I am only trying to help you. Yes, you can overwind a WEIGHT-DRIVEN clock, if you read my 08:53 reply again, I was referring to the weight-driven clock that you were concerned about-not a spring-driven clock. Shutterbug gave you advice about the key being worn and you didn't accept that. The reason I'm bringing it up again is that no one else is backing it up, except for Phil, so I'm afraid that an inexperienced person reading this thread might not accept our suggestions too.
I am being sincere.
Mike C.

 

[Kevin M]

Thanks for the suggestions here from everyone. The only reason I even brought up an unrelated clock key was not to confuse anyone but mainly to show the clock repair guy 'goofed' if you will. He provided the wrong sized clock key and like Phil mentioned over time that brass key can or may round the arbor notches itself. I brought up the goof of this repair guy to show that maybe he isn't the best guy for the job (even though I would expect a repair guy to know what he is doing). And just because someone is considered a professional, they may not actually BE professional. Once again I am not attacking anyone but I was thinking maybe some of you guys that really ARE professional would be telling me, "Hey this repair guy sounds like he doesn't know what he is doing, find a new one ASAP."

 

[Mike Phelan]

Originally posted by Kevin M:
I have read online that overwinding a clock is actually a myth, so why would the repair guy say that could be the reason why it wouldn't chime/strike on a few previous occasions?

Because he needs replacing? :biggrin:
With the availability and price of keys, there is no excuse to fil the wrong one and cause damage on the arbor square.

 

[Dave Heise]

OK fellas and gals, let's step back and look at some of the information provided.
1) Kevin winds the clocks, resets the time, makes changes at eastern standard and daylight times and has synchroized the striking of his clients' clocks - nothing more.
2) The clocks have been maintained by an individual being described as a professional and someone who is well renowned in the area (the clients' description.) Kevin "tends to think that they hire the best people for the job as they know the value of someone knowledgeable in their respective field of expertise." The clients possess ~20 clocks, give or take.
3) This individual "comes by every few months, maybe more frequent even" which puzzles me unless he is a friend of the family.
4) The repair person has provided a key which, as described, is the wrong size for one of the clocks.
5) The repair person so much as blamed the original problem on weights that could be wound too tight - maybe, but I doubt it.
I'm going to go out on a limb and will make some assumptions: the clients are moderate to well-to-do retirees living in Florida who hire others (like Kevin) to take care of everything for them from keeping their financial records straight to keeping the lawn watered - not that there's anything wrong with that - I live in a full-service condominium myself and hire out for painting, plumbing, etc. That being said, the clients have formulated their own opinions as to who the best in their given fields are. What we don't know is the criteria that they use to make that determination - mainly, is price the main denominator? If this repair person, who may or may not be qualified, is the ONLY advertised individual in their particular geographical area, they may be resigned to utilizing him due to the pricing constraints of someone who is non-local. If, on the other hand, he is but one of a number of clock repair concerns in the area, he may have been chosen due to his proximity, price, or "reputation." Now, some questions for Kevin to help us better understand the clock guy: when he "stops by", what does he do? When a clock needs to be lubricated, does he handle the job right there? If so, does he just apply drops of oil to the pivots or does he (God forbid) spray WD-40 or some other lubricant liberally all over the movement inside? Does he ever take a clock/movement with him for cleaning/repair/lubrication? How often does he recommend that a clock movement be cleaned & lubricated? Would you feel comfortable in asking him if he dismantles (or has ever dismantled) any of the movements when he has cleaned them?
Kevin, these are all legitimate questions that should be asked in order to select a qualified, competant repairperson with which your clients would wish to entrust their clocks to. The fact that a key was provided that just doesn't fit quite right is bothersome; replacement keys are plentiful and cheap! While I can appreciate your part in this relationship, I feel that you are not being helped in your role (winding, etc.) by someone who, if he has been careless about something as simple as a clock key, MAY have been careless in other areas as well.
You sound to me to be an individual who might be interested in the inner workings of mechanical clocks and for this, I applaud you. The profession does not have a sufficient supply of qualified, caring individuals that truly feel proud of their work especially when it comes time (pardon the pun) to return the completed project to its owner. We all feel as if we are breathing new life into old clock hearts when we complete a repair & restoration, that is why it is very easy to let our emotions get in the way of the details. Let's find some more out about your repair person and continue on to assist you from there.

 

[Kevin M]

OK fellas and gals, let's step back and look at some of the information provided.
1) Kevin winds the clocks, resets the time, makes changes at eastern standard and daylight times and has synchroized the striking of his clients' clocks - nothing more. >>>Correct<<<
2) The clocks have been maintained by an individual being described as a professional and someone who is well renowned in the area (the clients' description.) Kevin "tends to think that they hire the best people for the job as they know the value of someone knowledgeable in their respective field of expertise." The clients possess ~20 clocks, give or take. >>>Correct<<<
3) This individual "comes by every few months, maybe more frequent even" which puzzles me unless he is a friend of the family. >>>I'd say at a minimum, he is by at least every 2 months. Most of the time he takes the clock/movements with him if there is a problem with a clock they've just bought (They buy antique clocks from time to time and he will get the clock working if it's not working, or on one occasion with a bookcase clock from the 1800's, he removed the complete movement out of the casing and replaced it with a battery powered quartz clock that has a Westminster Chime. Resetting the time on that is difficult as the clock is very heavy and it sits atop a bookcase 8-10ft tall. and he sort of rigged the plastic movement in with brass legs that are supposed to keep the movement stationary.)<<<
4) The repair person has provided a key which, as described, is the wrong size for one of the clocks. >>> True, I don't know if he told them this key is close enough or what, and maybe he didn't even charge them for it I don't know the story about that. I do know it is slightly bigger than the arbor. The arbor turns but for some reason on THAT clock the arbor doesnt have detented clicks for fast or slow which seems odd.<<<
5) The repair person so much as blamed the original problem on weights that could be wound too tight - maybe, but I doubt it. >>> Well actually he didn't blame it on that specifically, but he said since the clock is so old and delicate overwinding it might cause it to stop chiming, and recommended that the hooks that hold the weights be no higher than a certain level that he showed.<<<
I'm going to go out on a limb and will make some assumptions: the clients are moderate to well-to-do retirees living in Florida who hire others (like Kevin) >>>Well to do, but not retired<<< to take care of everything for them from keeping their financial records straight to keeping the lawn watered - not that there's anything wrong with that - I live in a full-service condominium myself and hire out for painting, plumbing, etc. That being said, the clients have formulated their own opinions as to who the best in their given fields are. >>>Actually they hope and expect the best quality service since the people they hire like myself as well as the other service people, don't come cheap, and on most of the services they hire, I see half assed jobs that run the gamut from their general contractor to their landscapers. Funny thing today I actually replaced a recessed light fixure (which is NOT my expertise although I do know alot about electronics etc.) for them as the light was out and the electricians didn't fix it right the first time. They didn't even use wire nuts where the wires were spliced and they must have used a half roll of electrical tape (IDIOTS!!!)<<< What we don't know is the criteria that they use to make that determination - mainly, is price the main denominator? >>>No! Price is not a factor for quality service to them<<< If this repair person, who may or may not be qualified, is the ONLY advertised individual in their particular geographical area, they may be resigned to utilizing him due to the pricing constraints of someone who is non-local. >>>Not sure if he is the only local repair guy (I highly doubt it), but I think he was recommended to them since he specializes in antique clocks<<< If, on the other hand, he is but one of a number of clock repair concerns in the area, he may have been chosen due to his proximity, price, or "reputation." Now, some questions for Kevin to help us better understand the clock guy: when he "stops by", what does he do? >>>I rarely have seen him. I met him maybe 3 times tops. The one time he had to get an old mantle clock working again as it would work for 5 minutes and then stop. He said you can't start it like a normal pendulum by letting it drop but to "tap" it to start it, and actually this worked but it sounded flaky to me when he first mentioned that<<< When a clock needs to be lubricated, does he handle the job right there? >>>I have no idea if he does this or ever has done this, I'd assume he should have done this by now since he's been working for them<<< If so, does he just apply drops of oil to the pivots or does he (God forbid) spray WD-40 or some other lubricant liberally all over the movement inside? >>>No idea...<<< Does he ever take a clock/movement with him for cleaning/repair/lubrication? >>>The 2 out of the 3 times I have seen him he took some new small clocks they just pourchased that were non-working when they bought them<<< How often does he recommend that a clock movement be cleaned & lubricated? >>>Not sure<<< Would you feel comfortable in asking him if he dismantles (or has ever dismantled) any of the movements when he has cleaned them? >>>I WOULD be asking these questions, but I don't know if my customer asks him these kinds of technial questions, they probably assume he is the expert, and in times they confide in me about the negligence or carelessness of one the their service guys etc. they just don't like to confroint them for whatever reason<<<
Kevin, these are all legitimate questions that should be asked in order to select a qualified, competant repairperson with which your clients would wish to entrust their clocks to. The fact that a key was provided that just doesn't fit quite right is bothersome; replacement keys are plentiful and cheap! While I can appreciate your part in this relationship, I feel that you are not being helped in your role (winding, etc.) by someone who, if he has been careless about something as simple as a clock key, MAY have been careless in other areas as well. >>>I totally agree with that statement you made, but I don't want to cause any hard feelings or anything. I have more problems with the general contractor / carpenter that seem to take advantage of their generosity and wealth<<<
You sound to me to be an individual who might be interested in the inner workings of mechanical clocks and for this, I applaud you. >>>I was just thinking today how that would be a great hobby or side career someday. I tend to like technical things like computers and I wire and enjoy building/ rebuilding guitars<<< The profession does not have a sufficient supply of qualified, caring individuals that truly feel proud of their work especially when it comes time (pardon the pun) to return the completed project to its owner. >>>I see that with alot of "professionals" in the service industry here. Maybe it's the idea I am living in Florida and not many people put alot of pride into their work, I've noticed<<< We all feel as if we are breathing new life into old clock hearts when we complete a repair & restoration, that is why it is very easy to let our emotions get in the way of the details. Let's find some more out about your repair person and continue on to assist you from there.

 

[Dave Heise]

Thank you, Kevin for your detailed answers. The most telling statement that you have made is that in at least one case, this individual has replaced an original movement with a quartz movement - something that most of us, I would think, would NEVER do. This was an unprofessional and cheap fix (never mind the westminster part) for a problem that he could not or would not tackle.
If there is some way to diplomatically steer them to another shop, I would do that for their own well-being. You could also refer them to our forum or just tell them that the general consensus of enlightened opinion is that this couse of action would be in their own best interests.

 

[Kevin M]

Dave I agree, I may suggest that, but I think they value loyalty, and I doubt they have any idea that he is doing anything but the best service for them. I can only imagine what he charges for his services, but I really don't want to get that nozy lol.

 

[Kevin M]

Dave very true about the quartz movement replacement. Maybe he knows the value of movements working or not, and something of that vintage even for parts could be valuable to a person in his field. Perhaps thats where the ill-fitting arbor key he supplied them for the clock that didn't have one when they purchased it, came from... someone elses non working clock.

 

[Joe Collins]

I really don't have much to add to this thread except, I believe the over sized key problem refers to the rating arbor end of a double ended key.

I noticed they bought some antique clocks that didn't have arbor keys and he sold them some to fit, one in particular slips on the arbor which is a pain in the a for regulating time on that clock.

I do know it is slightly bigger than the arbor. The arbor turns but for some reason on THAT clock the arbor doesnt have detented clicks for fast or slow which seems odd.

Thats the way I read it.

Joe

 

[Kevin M]

Joe, you are correct it is a double ended key.

 

[lamarw]

I would say it is time to cut to the chase. Apparently there is not much if anything we and/or Kevin can do in this situation. Kevin is not the owner of the clock(s). Kevin (rightfully so) does not need to take any siginficant repair action to property he does not own without the permission of the owner. Kevin in his own words is doubtful he will be able to persuade the owner to change clock repair services. Case closed and now we turn our energy to attack a problem with at least a possibility of a solution. Kevin is now free to obtain clocks of his own so he might share in our horological delight.

Oops, I see Kevin has a Hamilton mantle clock. So, maybe the collective energy will solve this problem and be of help to Kevin.

 

[shutterbug]

It appears that the best solution to this problem is for Kevin to learn clock repair. He's obviously a consciencious worker and would do the proper kind of job after he goes through the learning curve. He's already trusted by the clock owners, so perhaps could replace the trusted but untrustworthy fellow that is currently doing their "repairs". Go for it Kevin! I hope you learn to love clocks enough that you're repulsed by a quartz replacement of an antique movement like we are I wish you well, friend!

 

[Kevin M]

Haha shutterbug thanks for the vote of confidence, I do find an interest in this but thats what it is and knowing my compulsive nature I will probably pursue an interest in it for myself.

As for the quartz movement yes that repulsed me when I saw how nice the clock itself is and then I had to change the 2 C-batteries last year, haha.

 

[Tunderer]

Kevin,
Seems like folks got blown way off course from all the gale force winds in these parts, and they have not actually answered your question(s).

If your clock has winding stops you will not be able to raise the weights too high. If it doesn't it may be possible to to go too high and may be even damage the edges of the pulleys if they can hit something with a sharp edge. Hard to say with out knowing the exact clock you have. Unless you are trying to bend the crank it is unlikely you could damage anything else. The exact height a weight is raised has nothing to do with the chime running or not running. Assuming the chime is set to run it should run as long as the weight is not at the very bottom of its travel. If the chime/silent knob is set to the chime position it should run (assuming it is not the cause of problems). If it does not run that could indicate that you have a sticking lever. There is usually an interlock lever that prevents the strike from running until the chime is completed. This lever must drop to let the strike run. Turning the clime/silence knob just locks a lever in the system that either prevents the train from running or prevents the hammers from hitting the gong rods. If it makes the chime run it is likely that all it did was jiggle the mechanism. It may be that this clock needs lubrication or cleaning. In my experience the chime is frequently the first part of the clock to stop working properly when the lubrication is failing. There is always the possiblility that some pin or lever has worn or failed. You might look to see if the cable lays neatly on the drum. If it overlaps itself it could jam things. I frequently see sticky chime levers because someone thought they needed to be lubricated.

As far as releasing the the weights. The best way to do that is make the chime run. Releasing the click and lowering the weight is not for the faint of heart or the uninitiated...too easy to drop the weight through the bottom of the clock.

If you have a key that slips on the arbor stop using it and find one that fits properly. You will round over the edges on the arbor.

There are "clock guys" and there are clock guys. I have cleaned up after some very expensive "clock guys". YOur clock guy may be very good and just needs to have the problem brought to his attention. If he is afraid to take the clock apart enough to ferret out the problem he is a "clock guy" and you need to find some one who knows what he is doing.

Generally speaking letting a clock wind down does no damage. It certainly reduces wear. A properly cleaned and lubricated clock should start up without problems. ( It may be a pain to syncronize the time and strike on some clocks.) The problems usually arise in clocks that lack lubrication. It seems like the old lube freezes in to varnish when it stops moving. dry pivots seem to weld themselves to the plate when they stop moving. I live in an area with lots of people moving in. I see many clocks coming out of transit/storage that will not start due to lack of lubrication. When some one says to me, "It never gave me a bit of trouble for 25 years..." I don't even bother to ask if the clock has ever been lubricated. I just quote my full over haul fee.

I hope this helps.

 

[Kevin M]

Very helpful Tunderer, thank you very much!