Question ON Silencing the Chimes

Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:16 pm     Post subject: Question ON Silencing the Chimes

I have a Howard Miller mantel clock which I intend to shut off the chimes & stricker (I have a grandfather clock in same room and I don't want both of them chiming). Should I let the chime and stricker wind down or does it matter?

Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:38 pm     Post subject:

Letting it wind down would be better for the mainsprings as they would last longer in a 'relaxed' state.
Having said that the rack tail on the mechanism would be constantly going under the hour wheel snail which may wear a ring groove into it.

Best answer is to let it run down nearly completely letting it finish chiming and striking then block the fly turning on both sides at the tops.
If you still hear clunk - loudest at th twleve - the rach is still dropping which happens on some clocks in which case you won't be able to do it yourself.