Chains stuck

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:28 am     Post subject: Chains stuck

My husband has inherited an old grandfather clock that's made by Westclox, Division of General Time Instruments Corporation. According to the paperwork we found inside, it looks like it was purchased around 1946. At any rate, we would love to get it working again but the first problem is that the chains (used to pull up the chimes) are clear up at the top of the clock and stuck there. They will not pull down. Its like it was "wound" or whatever you call it, too tight. Any ideas on how to fix this or do I need to call a clock repair man?

Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:23 am     Post subject:

usually you have 'seatboard' which is what the brass mechanism sits on and underneath the chains which drive the time and chime and strike.
if the chains ends are stuck there may still be enough of the hook showing to use. put something strong like string on the hook and tie to the weight to see if this will put enough tension on the chain to drive it a short while to bring the ends down.

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 7:20 am     Post subject: Didn't work

The chains are already at the top and we're able to grab hold of them but they just will not budge. Its like its been "wound" so tight that its frozen. My husband tried to loosen the chain on the wheel inside the top of the clock but it didn't work. I'm afraid we'll probably have to call a clock guy in. Not sure if it will be worth fixing or not. But thanks for the help though.

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 3:04 pm     Post subject: Chains at the top

Hello if the hook end of the chains is at the top that is the way it is supposed to be in the beginning of a wind. They can be pulled a bit to high and if you can't get the wait on the method the other user suggested (adding some strong string to the hook to allow you to attach the weight) is a good remedy. The chains will only come down on the hook end as the movement runs and chimes and the weights falling are the power for the clock. Try putting the weights in place and getting the movement to do it's thing. While it is chiming you should be able to see the weight fall.

Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:17 am     Post subject:

Just like Bobbie and clokfxr said it may be that the weight hooks are just pulled all the way to the top not giving you enough clearence to attach the weights. The string idea sounds doable to me! You could also fasion a piece of wire with 2 hooks to hook onto the weight hook and the weight and like the others said, let it run till you get enough slack to hang the weights. I'm only saying this because a piece of wire may be a little easier to work with. You Can't "overwind' a weight clock. Somebody just pulled the chains up without the weights. Good luck and let us know how you made out.

Jim