striking???

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:53 am     Post subject: striking???

I bought a grandfather clock at a yard sale (kieninger 73 rk11). Keeps good time, chimes every 15 minutes the way it should. On the hour it only strikes once. What might the problem be?

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 6:13 pm     Post subject: Re: Striking

Modern clock movements have what's known as rack and snail striking for the hour strike. From your description of the problem, the rack is probably not dropping into position for the hour train to strike the correct number of times. (since it only strikes once, no matter what the hour). The snail is part of the hour hand shaft and moves with it. When it is time to strike the hour, the rack, governed by the position of the snail on the hour shaft, will fall into position presenting the correct number of teeth to the strike train. The gear 'walks' its way down the teeth on the rack until it drops off the end and the clock stops striking. e.g. If it's six o'clock there should be 6 teeth for the gear to 'walk' through. The rack may need a drop of oil for it to move freely on it's shaft, allowing it to drop into position for that hour. It's also possible that the movement is in need of oiling. Not knowing the age of the clock or it's condition, it's not possible to determine if other problems might exist.

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 8:38 pm     Post subject: striking???

I am not sure about the age but I think that the 73 in the # might be the year it was made.
If I remove the striking weight prior to the hour and let the clock chime continusly for two of three minutes after it reaches the hour, put the weight back on and then the clock will strike the correct amount of times.

Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:45 am     Post subject: Re: Striking

You are correct in thinking that the '73' is the year of manufacture for this movement. At the very least, a 34 year old movement is probably in need of cleaning and lubrication. There could also be wear problems, but that can only be determined after a proper inspection of the movement.