Broken Chime Rods on tripple chime movement wall clock

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 12:39 am     Post subject: Broken Chime Rods on tripple chime movement wall clock

Hi, i have a Howard Miller Jennison wall clock. 2 of the chime rods are broken off, and i cant find anywhere that has a new assembly. My clock has a 8 rod, and longest is 14 inches.

I bought a factory tuned assembly with the right rods, but the casting points the wrong way. will i be able to simply put all the new rods in my old casting, or do they have to be tuned? is it easy to tune them?
What do you suggest i should do?
Thanks

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 1:14 pm     Post subject:

In most cases, for most mechanical movements, the rods are not interchangeable between castings. Typically, the rods are permantently secured to the casting. Attempting to remove the rods will more than likely render the entire chime rod assembly useless.

The type of chime rod assembly you would require will depend on the movement installed within your clock case. Initially, you should attempt to identify your movement manufacturer and model number. Note that this will have nothing to do with the manufacturer of the clock case itself (Howard Miller). In many cases, the movement information will probably appear on the rear plate of the movement itself. Note that you may have to remove the movement to obtain this information. Once you know the movement model number and manufacturer, you should be able to locate the proper chime rod assembly to replace your current one.

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:39 pm     Post subject:

My movement is a hermle 1051-030
I contacted Howard miller, and they told me to contact black forest imports. and they have don't have stock.
The rods in the both of my blocks are removable, and would fit from on to another. The new one is still returnable, but i cant find the correct one. What do you sugest i do? i could change them out without damaging them, but i am concerned about sound and tuning. will they stay tuned if i used a set of the right rods, or do they have to be tuned while installed?
Thanks

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 6:38 pm     Post subject:

To be honest, I have no idea. I have never attempted to exchange chime rods between castings. Sorry I could not help further. Broken chime rods recieved to our facility are usually destined for the scrap pile (at least, to the best of my awareness). I am curious, however, as to how the rods are secured in your assembly if they are removable... Again, chime rod assemblies we recieve (which are Hermle chime rod assemblies) have the rods permanently secured to the casting block.

Aside from Black Forrest Imports, you could also try Timesavers (see page 47 of their online catalog - No. 23656) or Merritts Antiques. Either might be an option for purchasing the required chime rod assembly.

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:08 pm     Post subject:

End note: I spent a little more time looking through Timesavers catalog and do see that there are press fit chime rods and threaded chime rods (sold separately from the casting block). It appears that the rods themselves could potentially be replaced. I tell you, I learn something new everyday. Unfortunately, I lack the experience for information on the proper proceedure. If no one else should respond back to your post, you may want to contact a clock repair person about this. They may be able to provide a bit more insight.

Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 9:56 pm     Post subject:

you need to make sure the right metal is used and the length is the same when fitted.
Hermle use steel which look blackish. on older clocks they used bronze.

these rods are usually screwed into the block very tight indeed.

you need to hold the block in a vice and use a good fitting, large screwdriver to undo the rod.

Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2010 1:32 am     Post subject:


Have you contacted Mark Butterworth, his company is a large distributor in hermle clock movements. Mark Butterworth at butterworth@machlink.com or call 563.263.6759 M F CDT. Maybe he can get you the correct chime block.

Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2010 9:56 pm     Post subject:




I wouldn't have a problem changing out the rods, as i am a machinist, and always working with stuff like that. Main question is will they sound the same after changing out if i change out all the rods? is tuning based on the length of the rods or is it also important how far they are screwed in?
Thanks

Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2010 9:56 pm     Post subject:



I will try that if the rods that i currently have will not work. Thanks for the referral.

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 10:28 am     Post subject:

hello, yes from experience i would make it the same length to keep the note as near as possible.
There is no guarantee that it will sound exactly the same but won't be far away and could be very close.