Nails that move

[Tinker Dwight]

I found an interesting thing on my grand father clock.
On the back are two nails. They look like they were there
to hold the back on until the screws were put in.
When I serviced my clock, I notice that they were most
of the way out. I got my hammer and tapped them
back in ( quite a bit of resistance ).
This was about a month ago.
I just looked and sure enough, one nail had worked
it way out again by about 1/8 inch.
It is a tube chime clock so I suspect the vibration
must be doing it.
Just thought it was interesting.
Tinker Dwight

 

[Scottie-TX]

Reads like a good name for a rock band; The Insane Walkin' Nails".

 

[Isaac]

Another factor could also be that the humidity in the room. If the humidity is stable in the room, then I would conclude that the vibration works the nails out.

 

[harold bain]

Reads like a good name for a rock band; The Insane Walkin' Nails".

Could tour with the 9 inch nails.
I suppose for holding power, spiral nails are the best, but I don't like finding them in antiques.

 

[Bogey]

Simple... GHOSTS!!!

 

[soaringjoy]

Tinker's "Haunted Home Clock"; people will stand in line for tickets!

 

[Tinker Dwight]

I'm not worried that the nails fall out as the
board is screwed on well. I'm sure the nails were
just used to locate while the pilot holes for the screws
were drilled. One nail did leave a mark on the sheetrock.
I did mention that the nails were tight when driving
them back in.
There is a different piece of the case right where the
nails are relative to the rest.
Maybe humidity changes or vibration? The backboard
is also unsupported from about an inch and a half from
that point up because of the hood. Only the support for
the chime tubes is attached higher. That would tend to point
towards the vibration as the likely suspect.
Next time they work there way out, I may just remove them.
As I say, I don't think they serve and purpose after
the screws were put in.
Tinker Dwight

 

[shutterbug]

Maybe the chimes are vibrating the case just enough. Clothes always turn inside out in the drier because they naturally seek their original state (they are sewn and then turned so the seams are inside). The nails and case have a similar 'desire' for normalcy, and the nails will work themselves out if given enough stimulation.