Grandfather Clock Chime Issues
Grandfather Clock Chime Issues
When a grandfather clock has issues with the chime functioning these are some basic corrections. The chime is the song that plays every 15 minutes and not to be confused with the strike. The strike is what calls out the hours after it is done with the chime song. This section will resolve chime issues that are not the fault of the clock movement itself. In other words what falls into the realm of being a set up issue instead of a movement issue. Please note that post WW2 German mechanical clocks are designed so that if turning the hands fast or stop the clock for a long while it may not chime for up to 3/4 of an hour. This is because the clock is looking for the top of the hour so it does not lose its place as to when to chime.
Could be looking for the top of the hour
First thing to do is see if it chimes after 3/4 of an hour. Go forward with the minute hand with fingers while going slow past the quarters. A faint click can be heard and at that point pause and see if it starts chiming. If it does not chime go forward to the next and the next quarter. If the minute hand goes all the way around for an hour with no chime, continue to the next section.
Silent switch and roll pin
There may be a switch at the 3 o'clock and this switch turns the chimes on or off. If the clock is a triple chime movement, meaning it has three songs, it will have the song selection and also silent on this switch. The movement may have this switch but the dial may not have a slot to get at it on some Westminster only units. If this is the situation access it from the back of the clock instead. Not all movements have the silence switch. So if there is no switch then this cannot be the reason for no chimes.
If it's a Westminster only unit, UP is off and DOWN is chime. However, only if there is a switch. When the clock selector switch is on chime and still does not work, the next thing to check is a jam in the roll pin. To correct this pull all the chime side hammers back all at once and then let go. This will release a jam in the chime roll pin and let it bounce into position. Shipping may cause the roll pin to jam up like this. Changing the chime song when the current song is in midstream can cause this same issue.
Weights, cables, or chains not right
Confirm the heaviest weight is on the right while facing the clock. This is the chime side of the clock and requires the heaviest weight of them all. Check the cables or chains that they are not rubbing anything on their way down to the weight. In other words, the chains or cables do not rub the seat board, pinch or wrap around the movement pillar, or anything like this. They should be straight from the ratchet wheel or cable drum and straight down to the clock weight with nothing rubbing. If the cable or chain is rubbing something it will cause resistance. Resistance is what makes a clock stop because there is not enough weight to drive through whatever is rubbing. So if the chain or cable is rubbing something it's the same as not having the right amount of weight on the clock.
ANSO = Automatic Night Shut Off is on
Higher end mechanical clock movements sometimes include an ANSO feature. This stands for Automatic night shut off, and the intention is to have the clock be silent automatically from 10pm to 7am (usually). It is possible that it thinks it's night when it's really day, and therefore will not chime. If the clock does not chime it will not strike, so therefore the clock remains silent. This being a mechanical clock, it has no sensors to determine on its own what is night or day. Solution is to go around 12 hours with the clock hands. If there is an ANSO feature on the clock movement the switch would usually be on the left when facing the clock at 9 o'clock. On some movements it is between the hand shaft and the 3 o'clock selection switch in the middle of the dial.
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I have a Ridgeway Model 210 with a HL movement. It keeps perfect time and strikes correctly on the hour. The Westminster chimes however do not. At the quarter, half and 3/4 hour the hammers are activated but the tip does not reach the sound bars. How can this be corrected?
See this link
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/clock-chime-hammer-positioning
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi there, I have a Hentschel Linwood 3084 that was moved to my new home about 6 months ago and professionally disassembled/moved/reassembled. It worked perfectly fine for the 6 months but recently my partner silenced the clock. When he turned the chime back on, we noticed that the clock wasn’t chiming. It made the whirring sound at 15-30-45-60 but no chime. My partner attempted to adjust the chime setting again and even the whirring stopped. We found that the lever to set between chimes and silent was completely stuck. We tried the “pull all the hammers back and let go” step and the clock seemed to whir back into action. The clock chimed a couple of times, but then stopped chiming again. At this point, we are able to successfully use the chime lever to set the clock to Silent or 4/4 Silent, but we cannot move it into a position for any of the three chimes. It appears that one of the teeth on the roll pin is preventing the roll pin from moving into position when adjusting the chime lever. It connects with the 3rd bottom tooth (for the 3rd hammer) and cannot travel further to the right, into position for the chime.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I’d be so very grateful for any tips you may have. I hope my description made sense.
The back of the clock reads, as far as I can tell from a photo:
1171-850
114cm
60
From here, do not know. We have the new movement to offer if it all goes south, this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-1171-850-clock-movement-by-hermle
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
All good now. From reading one of your other posts we learned that it’s ok to move the hour hand independently. So we just moved it to match the chimes or I guess, the strikes. And it’s back in shape. Thanks.
We have a grandfather clock that belonged to my great grandparents and was built in 1853. It has always been in perfect working order, but recently we had a house sitter who we left a “clock winding instructional video” for, but something must have been done wrong because it isn’t striking correctly now. It strikes consistently on the half hour, but inconsistently on the hour and when it does, it’s not the right number of strikes. We’re now waiting for it to run down, hoping that, miraculously, it will right itself when we wind it again.
We’d love to hear your advice before we get to that stage, in case you have a different idea. Thanks!
Ann and Nathan.
From here, not sure. If you would like to send it in for restoration we can make it work like new again. Clocks need maintenance and Iam sure its due. Are you interested in sending the movement only in for restoration?
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller grandfather clock(circa 1994-1995) with 3 chime selection and off selection,. The selection lever is located on the right of the dial by the number “3”. When moving the lever to change the chime selection, something “broke”, and the lever just moves up and down but does not change the chime or select “silent” . I found a “half nut” and a washer and screw in the bottom of the clock, but have no idea where they connect. I have not tried taking the clock apart. Could someone tell me where these parts attach to, and possibly send me a picture so I have an idea about what to do to fix this?
Thank you very much.
Paul Voyles
Must be Kieninger. They seem to have a plastic selector hump thing that breaks. That part is not available to purchase either. All we can do is get the movement numbers off the back plate and go from there
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My Howard Miller properly chimes on the quarter hour, but it strikes the hour at half past. Where do I even start looking for the problem? Maybe you already covered this on a page and I missed it. Thank you in advance.
Turn the minute hand back ward for two and a half chime quarters and then set to time slowly letting it chime as you go. Yes you can go backward with the hands on this unit.
Or just take the minute hand off and flip it around, and then set to time.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Excellent solution, Thanks!
I have a Howard Miller grandfather clock with rod chimes that is about 50 years old. It has always run perfectly and keeps accurate time. This month when I tried to spring ahead, first I moved the minute hand ahead 15 minutes but realized that I had to move it backwards to the new time. So, then I reversed the minute hand direction to get to the spring ahead time. Now the clock still keeps perfect time, but it does not chime the quarter hours at 3,6, and 9 as it is supposed to. Instead, it now chimes the quarter hours at 12. Every 4th hour it chimes the hour chime and accurately strikes the hour. What happened and how can I correct this?
Confused on the words but if it all goes south just make it chime and strike the hours, take off the hands and reinstall to whatever hour chimed / struck. Set to time.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
HI When I have the clock set In the ANSO position the chimes stop at 1.30am and start again at 10.30am. Instead of 10pm to 7am .Phil
Setting the ANSO can be tricky, and even more tricky to explain.
What movement is this? What is the numbers?
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather clock is striking out the hour on the half hour instead of the hour. Ex: At 10:30 the clock strikes 10 times. How do I fix this?
Take off the minute hand and point it the other way
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I inherited a wall clock (key wound) with a Westminster chime. I have no idea of the manufacturer, but it has “Western Germany” on the face. The clock keeps absolutely accurate time after adjusting the pendulum, the problem is (and this is weird), it chimes the musical on the quarters fine, but the hour strikes incorrectly only 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11! 12 chimes 12 and 1 through 6 strike correctly. Then 7 through 11 are 1 hour off – chimes 7 gets 6 strikes, etc. What on earth? It had hung in my father’s house and hadn’t been wound or run for years. I have no idea how to adjust this out.
See this link on the issue
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a 45 year old Howard Miller grandfather clock that isn’t shrinking and chiming correctly.
it chimes correctly on all the quarter hours but when it should strike the hour at 12 it doesn’t.
it strikes the hour at 3 or the first quarter hour, the hour strike is off 15 minutes.
I can’t figure out how to get it in sync again.
Hour hand is friction fit, point it to where ever makes sense.
Minute hand you can just take off and point it to the right place also if it comes down to it.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a seth thomas model 610-701 grand father clock it some times misses the half hour chime
Got some pics of this clock?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Ridgeway grandfather clock. It chimes correctly and strikes the correct number of times on the hour through 8 o’clock. Then only strikes 8 times for 9, 10, 11 and 12 o’clock. Thoughts?
See this link for the fix
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I may have address my issue with you prior, so please excuse me. I have a Kieninger Grandfather lock from the 70’s when I was in the Army. It does NOT strike nor chime. I have followed ALL the issues mentioned from you and still NO luck. It does NOT have the silence switch, nor the ANSO. I took q tips with alcohol and cleaned it the best I could & then oiled it slightly. Numbers on the back are 12\71 and says No (0) Jewels unadjusted.I am totally at my ends wit as what I can do next. PLEASE if you can help me or give me any other suggestions, I would certainly appreciate it……
Al Smekal
Huntington Beach, CA
That is a Kieninger H series. No longer made. These are very good quality units, and see you squeezed 50 years out of it. This is more than expected with no overhaul, but ultimately this is what is needed at this time. Would you like to send the movement alone with nothing else in for service ?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have my 1970’s Kieninger grandfather clock from when I was in the Army in Germany. Works very well, keeps good time, but will not chime or strike. Clean it with alcohol and oiled it the best I could. No luck! Will I be able to get it to chime & strike without taking it into a clock repair shop? PLEASE any help or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. AND chime & strike is in the “on” position & the weights are also in the correct sequence.
Thank you,
Al from Huntington Beach, CA
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My Ridgeway Grandfather Clock chimes on the half hour instead of hour. How do I fix this?
Turn the minute hand backwards two quarters to correct, the hour hand is friction fit, point to whatever hour it strikes. Chimes maybe screwed up for one hour but will correct itself
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Tempus Fugit with Movement E Model 304 Serial #10183 and 1v/32/1A movements 355417 no chimes. ?
These are 30 year units at best, yours is over 40. Please order the 32319 from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/uw32319-urgos-clock-movement
It is the same unit, but with a new number / name
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My c. 100 yr old grandfather clock chimes without stopping. How can I fix it?
Take off the hands and the clock face dial and try it. The parts needed to be in view are in the front of the movement and not between the plates. By taking the hands and dial off we can see the section in question. With the dial off, see if it strikes forever. Then try with the clock hands only on the clock and no dial. If both of these setups still it strikes forever, please take a pic of the front of the clock movement and send it here please and we can see if there is something that can be seen wrong.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
We bought a used Colonial Grandfather clock. Ser # 7910838 – Model # 6092 276. Movement is Hermle 451-053. It has a Silent / Chime lever to the right of the ‘3’ on the clock face. It was bought at an estate sale in as is condition. They didn’t know if the deceased had it working.
It seems to keep good time. However, we have a problem with the chimes/strikes. It chimes correctly on the Quarter, Half and Three-Quarters. However there is a click on the hour and NO chiming/striking … unless while it is at the hour, I move the lever to ‘Silent’ and then back to ‘Chime’. Then the full chiming/striking for that hour sounds. If I do nothing when it hits the hour, nothing sounds and neither do the upcoming quarter hour chimes.
Have you have any suggestions on how to remedy this?
Seems the chime sequence is very slightly misadjusted or has the chime cam loose. This may help =
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/mechanical-chime-sequence-resetting-instructions
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
how do you turn off the chimes-we have an americana grandfather clock
They do not all have a chime shut off. The ones that do not have a chime off, usually it is a simple thing to come up with some way to make it quiet at night.
The oldest Americana clocks have one bell on the top, it would not be hard to tie a string with a ring at the end to the bell hammer to pull the hammer back from the bell when wanting quiet. The string would tie to the hammer striking arm and on the other end of the ring would hook to a screw in the case thus holding the hammer back from striking.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
hello can you please tell me why my grandfather clock sometimes strickes 19 …
Need to take the dial off the clock to see what is going on for this one. Run it with no dial, let it strike fully on its own.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller g’father clock. I’ve had it for 25 years. I recently made some adjusts to it (including leveling) which has made it happy again.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the clock chimes at 1 minute past the 12/3/6/9 marks. Any suggestions?
See this link
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/mechanical-clock-chime-on-time
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Tempus Fugit with King Arthur Movement. It won’t chime or strike. Movement reads:
83, King Arthur, Fairhope, Ala. 365352, 451-050H, 94 cm, 66
Can you help?
Made in 1983. These are 30 year units at best, yours is 40. Best to get the new one it is far more economical than working on that one
Please order the 451-050H94cm from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-451-050-clock-movement-by-hermle
In High bridge (H)
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Addendum to the question I just asked. It IS making the click noise; it’s just not chiming or striking at all.
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My Howard Miller grandfather clock has quit chiming and striking. It doesn’t make that click noise anymore as it passes each quarter and the hour. Is there a fix?
Is the chime selector on chime
Is the auto night selector on daytime
Is the hammers hitting anything in its path when they move or the back of the case
Is the heaviest weight on the your right as you face the clock
Is the chain rubbing the seat board or pinched between the movement and seat board
Is the chime selector drum unit jammed on the hammers trying to go up – move all the chime hammers back at once to release the roll pin drum to move where it wants and it will be fixed
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller Grandfather clock and it strikes one hour later for each hour (e.g. 3PM strikes 4 times). How do I correct this?
See this link instead
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a question.. my clock will not play the last note on the 15 minute marks…but will play the whole tune on the hr? Thanks
See this link on the issue
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/last-chime-hammer-stuck-up-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather started chiming the worn time only at 11 pm. The rest of the time it chimes the correct time.
Please see this link on the issue
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller and the chime tune is out of order. What can I do?
Could the number be C6 K?
Does it says something like 116cm after that ?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Yes 116cm
See this link on the issue
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/mechanical-chime-sequence-resetting-instructions
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I followed the instructions and it worked! Thank you!
And do you have to remove the face of the clock to reset the chimes?
Please explain what you mean by reset the chimes to be clear please
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Chimes not working but turned on
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a pearl grandfather clock
The weights got pulled up to high and now they aren’t falling and the clock isn’t chiming
Iv read through this page and tried all the tips and tricks and nothing seems to be working
Any more tips or tricks up your sleeve?
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller Grandfather that now chimes a maximum of 8 times on the hour. Nothing on 9/10/11/12. Can you help please?
Please see this link on the issue
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a 1970’s Emperor Clock Model 300 series grandfather clock (triple chime, emperor clock movement). It has recently stopped striking correctly and only strikes once per hour on the hour. The 15/30/45 work fine. Clue as to what might be going on? Thank you!
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Tempus Fugit Ridgeway Model 336 Movement E. None of my weights are marked I just inherited this clock. I cannot get the chimes to chime. It does not have a switch on the face by the “3”. It keeps time very well and I hear the click every 15 minute mark. Thanks for any help!!
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
It looks like UW32/1A 337992
See this link regarding strike quantity issues
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
Keep in mind that movement is over 40 years old, they are 30 year units at absolute best usually.
Best to get the new one
Please order the 32319 from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/uw32319-urgos-clock-movement
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thanks for the info! The lever was down. I got the chimes at every 15 minutes. I replaced the hands, and the chimes are off about 5 minutes. I put the hands back on and set the time and the pendulum will stop ticking within a minute or so. Can you put the hour hand on too far? I have taken them both off currently and I am getting chimes as expected and the pendulum has been going for a few hours now but seems to stop when I put them (hands) both back on. I apologize for all the issues. I work on dialysis machines, so I am mechanically inclined, but definitely learning this clock piece. Thanks for your patience!
Be sure the hour hand is not rubbing the dial. Put the minute hand on just to turn the time to make it chime and also strike out the hours. Now you can tighten the nut for the minute hand. Be sure the hands are not touching each other. Should be fine after putting it in beat.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I ordered the new UW32319 it went in perfect no issues; the clock is keeping time. I did receive new hands and another part with it that looks like a small rectangle part with one side having a point. I still can’t get the clock to chime or click even when moving past the 15 min marks. Is there something I missed in the instructions? I tried to weigh the weights but they all seem to be the same, could this possibly be the issue?
Thanks
Clock needs 1 weight at 4.7LBS and two weights at 6.6LBS from this link if the pendulum bob is 8.5 inch or more.
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights
Clock needs 1 weight at 6.6LBS and two weights at 4.7LBS from this link if the pendulum bob less than 8.5 inch wide
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights
The heaviest weight would go on your right as you face the clock.
The lightest weight will go on your left as you face the clock.
The middle is light or heavy depending on the bob diameter.
(The larger bob diameters require more weight in the center.)
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Sorry to hear your having issues getting the chimes going. This is a simple thing to fix up usually, please remove the hands and dial to focus on the issue at hand.
Please run it without the hands and the clock dial for testing the chime. It will narrow things down. Next, put the minute hand on just slightly to turn it to the next chime, and the next, let it strike out the hours fully. If it chimed and striked ok, your all set, put the dial and hands back on. What happened is the rack fell behind the snail (the hour hand tube) and brought it forward some. It brought the hour hand forward to the point that when the minute hand is installed it squashed the hour hand upon tightening the minute hand nut. With the strike squashed between the front plate and the snail, all sorts of weird issues occur. If this was a fail and the clock did not chime through this, continue with the below check points.
Be sure the clock’s silent lever is in the down position. This lever is at 3oclock on the movement. This is chime ON.
The chain cant be rubbing anything in its path like the seat board. Should be ratchet wheel straight to the weight, not rubbing anything.
Is the hammers hitting anything in its path when they move? If the hammers are rubbing the back of the clock case, or if there hitting or rubbing against each other, the clock will hang up and not chime
The heaviest weight on your right as you face the clock? The chime weight is the heaviest weight out of the three and goes in this position.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello-my grandfather clocks chimes and strikes correctly (count wise) but my issue is with the rhythm of the chime. It seem like the 4th chime sound by the hammer is always off beat and slower than the first three. This happens at every chime every fourth count. Thank you.
See this article on adjusting the hammer heads
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/clock-chime-hammer-positioning
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Howard Miller grandmother clock. Had to fix bottom of clock so tilted it over. When I uprighted it, no chiming or strikes occurred. Self-corrected somehow to resume chiming and striking after running a few hours (clock resumed running after uprighting). Only problem now is that the chiming occurs about 15 minutes early (i.e., chimes twice at 15 after, 3x at half past, etc.) What might I try to correct this?
Make it strike the hour. Take off the hands and reinstall so they point to the right hour it struck out. Then set to time. This is the simplest and most all encompassing answer to this issue, without asking what movement number it is and so forth.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Grandfathers clock appears to stop at about the same time 5:30. What would cause the clock to stop at that position everyday? The clock works fine until it reaches that area on the clock.
I will follow through on picture but right now can provide model# 301 Emperor clockwork. Clock stops altogether. Slows to a full stop. Mechanism less than 2 years old
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Stops chiming or running?
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather clock has stopped chiming. It was cleaned about 7 months ago. Recently it stopped chiming. We pulled back the hammers and it worked fine for awhile. We did the hammers again and still nothing. I noticed that the middle weight is lowering faster then the other two. Don’t know what to try.
.Here are the numbers on the back of my clock. 85 Made For Viking Clock Company By Hermle Black Forest Clock 1161-053H 94cm 66. This is a kit that bought I guess in 1985. When we got the clock back from being clean after a month or so the hour chimes were off. He said he had 40 years repairing clocks It cost lot to have him do what he did. He was the only one around can does this work.
These are 30 year units at best. There is no point in restoring the old unit when the new unit is less than half the price of the new one.
Please order the 1161-053 94cm from this link – ignore the H in the number
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-1161-053-clock-movement-by-hermle
This is the same unit you have but new, comes oiled with chains and hand nut. Instructions and support as well.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather clock is not chiming, it makes a click sound when it suppose to chime then nothing happens
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a howard miller 610. It strikes the 1 thru 5 hours fine but 6 thru 12 it only strikes 5 times on the hour.
See this article on strike quantity issues
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi! My clock is chiming at night and not during the day. This is after I changed the time due to the time change. Daylight savings
The clock is turned off to night chine at night but just the opposite is happening?!!
Turn the hands forward 12 hours
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi, my dad and I are having an hourly chime issue with his grandfather clock. It does not chime the correct hour and the chimes are not in order. One hour will chime 2 times and then the next time will chime 7 times. Also the chimes never go higher than 8 chimes. My dad tried the quick chime reset and it did not work. He cleaned and oiled the clock and there has been no change.
Can you help?
Andy & Anne
Chimes = quarter hour melody
Strike = hourly count
What one is the issue, please clarify
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Sorry about that. The strike is the issue.
See this link on strike quantity corrections
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Okay, we have tried the correction and it has not fixed the problem. Can you give any other suggestions?
Hi,
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Original Kieninger 7 7 R 93
Considering the age of that unit it is best to just get the new one. These are 30 year units at best before restoration or swap out with a new one is required. Restoration is 2 times or more the cost of the brand new one, the new one comes oiled, with instructions, and support.
Need to know the length of the shaft that the hands go on, from the front plate of the movement and all the way out to the end of the minute hand nut threads please. The dial needs to come off the clock for this. It will be either 36mm or 48mm, or you can say close to 1 1/4 inches or more like 2 inches long.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Suggestions on what to look for? Sligh 500-8106 movement won’t chime or strike. Clock had wound down while we were on vacation and I advanced the hands a couple days to correct the moon phase then it stopped chiming and striking.
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I haven’t winded my clock in almost 8 years and it started chiming out of the blue….any thoughts?
I have no idea why. Strange things.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have an Emperor grandfather clock with a Model 100M movement. It’s an 8-day, weight-driven, chain-wind, with Westminster chimes. It keeps great time and the strikes are fine, but I now have some chime issues. Several months ago, the cadence of the chimes began to change. Instead of full notes all the time, I now get a combination of full notes, half notes, and quarter notes. How can I fix this?
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather clock keeps sticking at 9. All other hours it strikes correct and the moves on but at 9 it strikes 9 times and then strikes 9 again and again
Please see this link
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I own a sligh grandfather clock. The chimes are super fast sounding. Is there a way to slow them down. Not slowing the clock movement but the chime sounds
Herlme
1161-853BSK
114om
60
Is this what you were looking for?
Yes, Please order the 1161-853 114cm from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-1161-853-clock-movement-by-hermle
It is the best way
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Sligh is out of business more than 30 years ago. They used movements that last 30 years at best, yours included. We have the new ones for less cost than restoration on the old.
The issue is a loose fly, it is hard to correct with the movement assembled. This is the fan on the top of the chime train, it is usually required to remove it to tighten its grip on its arbor.
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My clock has one chime usually 5 minutes before the normal 1/4 hour chimes. At the 1/4 it is one chime short for the chime song. This missing chime is at the beginning of the song. How do I fix this?
Hand Fix to Chime Spot
Make the minute hand point to the right spot, when the clock chimed. This is easy, just take off the minute hand and bring it to your garage. When your in your garage with the minute hand take some pliers and turn the bushing that is inside the hand itself. Walk back to the clock and put the minute hand on and see if its now pointing closer to the quarters when chimes.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have an antique grandfater clock dating to 1800’s. Today it started making grinding sounds when it is chiming the 4 quarter hours maybe only 3 chimes instead of 4. No grinding sound when striking the hour. What can I do to fix this – thank you
Seems like the chime train is worn, maybe needs bushings. Grinding is off set wheels or maybe a loose fly arbor.
If you would like to send us the movement only with no weights / dial / pend / so forth, we can see what it needs.
Interested in sending it in?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I must apologize but I have no idea what you are wanting me to send to you or where to find it. I have turned off the chimes, and the rest of the clock seems to be functioning ok. Thank you for letting me what the issue could possibly be.
Hi!
We have a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock which we bought new in 1998. It has a Kieninger movement, 02 K 116.
It has worked great all these years but now the chimes have become unreliable. Sometimes they start, sometimes they don’t. When they do chime, randomly in any of the four start positions, they don’t stop until the lever gets to the cam notch between 30 and 45. The next time they chime, in whichever of the four start positions it feels like, it will go the 12 notes and then stop when the lever gets to the notch between 45 and 60. The strike then activates at this point. The cycle then repeats: it will chime at one of the four start positions as it pleases, then chime for the 16 notes, the 4 notes and the 8 notes before stopping. Obviously, the timing is all out of sync. We haven’t moved it or introduced any other trauma, it just started getting finicky on its own. I replaced the rear drum bushings, cleaned and oiled the other spots per your suggestion a while ago but that made no difference.
Any ideas short of replacing the movement?? Thank you.
Sounds like the strike cam and the chime cam are not in proper relation to each other. Strange thing to happen on its own, one of them must be loose. These are 35 year movements at best, yours is 25 so yes it is early but if it gives issues you may want to just swap it out.
The new one is the K series with triple chime and 116cm from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-k-series-kieninger-clock-movement
Or we can do a zoom meeting when your near the clock, with some precision screw drivers, with the dial and hands off the clock, to try to correct.
https://www.clockworks.com/product/conference-with-a-clock-repair-specialist
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you for getting back to me. I typed incorrectly, we got this clock in 1988, not 1998, so we are 35 years in. The strike and chime are definitely not in the proper relation to each other, but would this cause the chime to just jump past the first two notches in the chime cam, as it is doing? And would that make it just skip the quarter hour chime prompts? I am up for the zoom thing, but am not savvy enough to pull that off. I’ll get one of my grandkids to set it up. Thanks again.
Keric
Needs the new unit at this point, most likely worn out. See the last note on what one to order
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi James,
I have a grandfather clock with a German Kieninger movement. It had been working well but in the last few weeks, it has slowly stopped running. The first sign was the chime became noticeably slow and stopped followed by the strike. The time continued to function for another few days then stopped also. . The clock is 38 years old and had a (non-professional) clean and oil by me one year ago.
Can you suggest a possible starting point to troubleshoot the problem
Hi,
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Numbers are 07 K 100 cm
These are 30 year units, 40 years at best. Its time to swap with the new one. Yes you can fix up the old one, but its at twice the cost or more, and a long wait, and will never be as good as new.
Please order the K series Kieninger clock movement in triple chime and 100cm from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-k-series-kieninger-clock-movement
Comes with instructions and support if you get stuck
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com