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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.
How do I stop the chime every 15 mins and keep the hour and 1/2 hour chime
Not possible on a westminster unit
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather clock chimes on the 1/4 hour, 3/4 hour and chimes and strikes on the hour but doesn’t chime. On the 1/2 hour. I cleaned and oiled the mechanism twice. The movement wants to chime but seems obstructed and with a little help by pushing down on the weight it will go. When it doesn’t work none of the other chimes that follow will not work until the 1/2 hour chime chimes. Any suggestions?
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.
Not off the paper work, not off the wooden case, but the movement stamp itself
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
And this an old vintage 0987 Sligh Triple chime grandfather clock with new movement.
Hammers need to be adjusted to sound good, one at a time down the line, see this link
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/clock-chime-hammer-positioning
It may help at first to move back all 8 of the chime hammers at once at first install, so the roll pin can jump into default position. Then adjust the hammers each note.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Chimes on grandfather clock sound distorted and off after turning on the chime out of silence and moving the chime lever when clock is silent.
See chime hammer positioning so it sounds good when the hammer strikes the chime rod
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/clock-chime-hammer-positioning
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Howard Miller clock runs fine, chime works but will not stop striking
See this link on the subject please
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather clock will chime all the right hours but when it comes to the 12th hour it will only chime once. How can I fix this.
See this article on strike quantity correction
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather Pro clock is chiming and telling the time on the quarter hour I have taken the small hand and moved it back like I was told to do and it hasn’t changed it is still chiming the time on the quarter hour
The hand can always just be taken off and put back on to point to the top of the hour instead. Hour hand is friction fit just point it anywhere is correct.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My Howard Miller clock strikes the correct hour UNTIL it gets to 9O’clock when it repeats the 8 hour chime, then continues chiming 8 on and on. Ive tried everything to fix it. Help!
Please see this link on the fix
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
How do I slow down the melody of my emperor grandfather clock
It plays 3 different tunes. All play way to fast
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.
Not off the paper work, not off the wooden case, but the movement stamp itself
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
254692
Should be some more info on that one|
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
The Sligh is 1161-853 AS
The Trend is 127
Sligh went out of business over 30 years ago. These are 25-30 year units at best. Too fast of the chimes means the fly is worn on the chime side most likely. It is just time for the new movement. Oil turns into a solid instead of a lube, the plates wear, so forth.
Please order the 1161-853 from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-1161-853-clock-movement-by-hermle
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have my late fathers 3 weight antique wall clock. it strike 1 for 15 after hour….2 for 1/2 after hour….3 for 45 after and 4 for 60 after. Then after each of those strikes, it strikes the correct hour. Dad always called it a blind mans clock but someone later said that wasn’t correct.. no name on dial and it keeps such perfect time I don’t want to mess with it.
Please see this article
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
And see if it helps
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I acquired a Sligh grandfather clock from my father in laws estate that was supposedly in working order. It was packed and transported properly and recieved no jars or bumps during transport. It was set up according to directions and its keeping near perfect time.
BUT, chimes and strikes are all over the place. Sometimes it will chime and strike on the hour other time it skips right over the hour and then not chime/strike for another hour.
The 1/4 hour chimes happen randomly and usually not on the 1/4 hour. In some instances it will chime at :20, :35. :50 and then chime/stike on the hour.
I don’t know its service history so I plan on getting the movement serviced but I want to at least know the steps to go thru to troubleshoot the issue.
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.
Not off the paper work, not off the wooden case, but the movement stamp itself
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Number stamps shown here:
James,
The only number markings that I could capture on the back of the movement are: “01k 116cm”
There is stamping of text below the “Sligh” logo that read:
“Made in West Germany”
“Zero (0) Jewels Unadjusted”
Sligh went out of business well over 20 years ago so this gives us the approximate age of the movement. The chime takes the heaviest weight it makes sense for it to wear fastest. This may or may not be just an adjustment needed but it would be involved either way. To service this movement, pay someone to come out, restore the bushings and pivots as needed, will be more cost than a new movement. These are 30 year movements at best before all this is needed. Bottom line is get the new unit, comes with instructions and 100 percent success rate. It is less cost, done in a week or so instead of months down the road, will last another 20-30 years
Please order the Kieninger K series with triple / cable / 116cm from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-k-series-kieninger-clock-movement
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a hermle movement numbers on the back are 1151-053H. The chime works good on the top, quarter, and half, however one the 3 quarter it will chime, then sound one hour gong. What are some things that could cause this? Thanks
Are you saying it only strikes once on the top of the hour instead of counting them out?
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Grandfather clock – i pushed the hour hand past the quarter mark 3
and forgot to let it chime first before moving on and now the clock does not chime at all?
Pushing the hour hand will do nothing to the clock. It is only on friction fit. IF the clock does not chime, review this same page to check other things besides the hour hand
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Bulova/Sleigh GFC that works perfectly EXCEPT at 2pm it strikes 1pm, all other strikes are correct.
See this link
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-strike-quantity-correction
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello, My Hermle clock chimes the hour perfectly. At the quarter hour, half hour, and three quarter hour, it doesn’t chime the last “note”. I would appreciate your expertise on this problem. Thank you!
See this article on the issue
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/last-chime-hammer-stuck-up-correction
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My grandfather clock keeps perfect time. It chimes correctly from 1:00 (pm or am) to 7:00 (pm or am). Then it only chimes 5 times each hour through 12:00 (pm or am). At 1:00 (pm or am) it starts chiming correctly again. Extremely consistent day after day. Anything I can do?
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.
Not off the paper work, not off the wooden case, but the movement stamp itself
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have an Emperor 300 It appears the hourly strike bar isn’t attached. How do you attach the hourly striker bar?
Not understanding. Got a pic ?
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
What is an hourly strike bar? Got a pic
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello all, I have a Ridgway Grandfather clock that for some reason it chimes one time at 27 and 57 of the hour and still does the Westminster chime perfectly at 15,30,45, and the hour chime, the clock has never done this before. Thanks for your help 🙂
See this link on the issue please
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/mechanical-clock-chime-on-time
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My 50 year-old Trend grandfather clock has stopped striking and chiming. It has been serviced several times over the years, but this is a new problem.
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.
Not off the paper work, not off the wooden case, but the movement stamp itself
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
How do I go about purchasing the movement that you recommended?
What are those movement numbers off the brass back plate again ?
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
PL61G11 or 611
I ask about my Colonial Grandfather clock of Zeeland which doesn’t stricke on the quarter hours. I sent the serial number which is 7211128 and have not had a response. Please help. Penny Richardson
Need the numbers off of the brass movement itself please
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
PL61G11 or 611
That is a movement made by Jauch that is over 40 years old, with a life span of only 25 years at best. It needs restoration or replacement. Replacement is half the price or less and can be done in a week instead of 3 months later. It will be a new movement instead of a fixed up old one. However this movement is no longer made so we do the conversion to the equivalent quality Hermle unit instead. See this link, please read about the conversion =
https://www.clockworks.com/product/jauch-pl61-clock-movement-kit-2
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
How much is the cost for the replacement? I’m 82 years old. Do you think I will be able to install it myself?
Just click the link provided, see PL61 conversion kit, and order it. If you can change a spark plug in a car that is way worse than swapping the movement out.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I go South for six months. My Grandfather of Zeeland isn’t striking correctly on the quarter hours. How do I fix that problem?
I tried to get a video from the back with a flashlight because the first time it was too dark. I can’t get the side panel out. Any other suggestions?
I finally got the side panel off. Serial # 72411128
Need the numbers off of the movement instead
What are the movement numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself right off the brass plate? The paperwork will not help with getting this number nor off of the wooden clock case. I do realize it may seem hard to get to these numbers but we need them for this project. It is easy to stick a cell phone up in the clock case as to take a picture of the back of the movement and get the numbers. Sometimes there are side panels that will come off to get behind it for this. The panels lift up, push the bottom half in while the panel is in the up position, slide down and then out the side. Now the side is open and it is able to have a cell phone put in there to take a pic.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Side panel slides UP, then push the bottom IN, then slide the entire panel DOWN and OUT
James Stoudenmire
40yr 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.
Not off the paper work, not off the wooden case, but the movement stamp itself
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello, I have a Sligh grandfather clock that was working fine until I silenced the Westminster chime. Once I turned the Westminster chime back on, it started to play the chime out of the correct order. It was cleaned and cared for by a professional one year ago. Any recommendations?
Its fine just reset the hands to where it chimed, then set to time.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Good morning, I think I did not clearly express the issue with my clock in my previous message. I have looked at the chimes based on the piano notes and figured out their order more clearly. I have attached a page to show what is happening. Any help you can offer would be appreciated as I can’t see how to reset the hands as you suggested, given the sequence of the chimes. Thanks so much!
We would need to schedule a zoom support meeting at a time where the dial and hands are off the clock and also the side panels. Would you like to do this ?
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Sure, what would be the cost associated with this zoom meeting?
Please see this link first and let me know if still needing the zoom
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/mechanical-chime-sequence-resetting-instructions
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller grandfather clock with Movement 461-850 BS K, 114 cm/60. The chime cable and click spring on the chime wheel broke when the weight was being wound. I pulled the chime wheel and replaced the cable and click spring. The wheel winds nicely and holds position. After re-installation, the clock runs, but does not chime and the chime wheel does not appear to be moving. Any recommendations.
Thank you
1. Is the chime selector on chime? There is a switch on the 3 o’clock position on the clock movement. Usually this will have an arm coming out of the dial so you can select it up or down, but then some dials are not equipped with the slot for this arm to come through. If you have the type of dial with no selector slot, you will have to get to that side of the movement from the back and see if there is an arm sticking out of the side of the movement that you can raise or lower. Sometimes what people do if this is the situation is they get a brass rod and bend it to attach to this arm and let it run down the back of the dial so someone can turn the chimes on or off by the end of the rod.
2. Is the auto night selector on daytime? This question is for clocks equipped with ANSO (auto night shut off) where the clock is designed to not play any music between 10pm and 7am. So if the clock is set in this mode and the clock thinks its day time at night and vice versa, it will not play during the daytime hours. Solution to this is to either advance the hands 12 hours by turning the minute hand around and around, or turn off the auto night feature. In most cases the auto night selector switch would be on your left as you face the front of the clock dial, at 9 o’clock. Again, the dial may not have the slot in it to change this, it is possible the movement is equipped with the ANSO feature but does not have the arm that sticks out of the dial. Just as above, you would need to go from the back and see if there is an arm coming out of the side of the movement you can raise or lower. From looking at the back of the clock movement, the lever if it has one, will be on your right.
3. 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. Solution is the bend the hammer wires to freedom. The hammer heads are on wires just for this reason. They are meant to be bent into position, 1/8 approximately from there chime rods. This is so they will not double hit the chime rod, or thud and rest against it, or miss it completely. So it is not uncommon to have to bend them up to 2 inches to the left / right / forward / backward directions. They just cannot have any resistance in their path when trying to raise up and drop on its chime rod when it’s supposed to chime.
4. Is 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.
5. Is the chain rubbing the seat board or pinched between the movement and seat board? Having the cable rubbing anything in its path, is just like not having enough weight on the clock. The clock is designed to run with the chain dropping right straight down to the weight without coming into contact with anything on its way down. If the chain rubs anything, or is pinched between the seat board and the movement, the clock will not chime.
6. Is the chime selector drum unit jammed? In some cases the movement may have been taken off of silence and put on a chime such as Westminster, but the roll pin does not move with the selector switch. It will happen usually upon installation of a new movement and setting up the clock. So to explain why this happens would be a hard thing to do, but I can tell you the simple fix for this. So what you do is pull back on the hammers that make the chime song. This will only be one row of hammers and it would be on your right hand side as you look at the front of the clock. Of course the hammers are on the back of the movement, but it will be on the right hand side for the chime portion. You move all the chime hammers back at once to release the roll pin drum to move where it should be and it will be fixed.
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you for your quick response. Chime selector is on chime. We do not have ANSO on this clock. I advanced the the hand 12 hours anyway to eliminate the question. The hammers are free and mobile. The weights are marked and in their appropriate locations. It is cable driven and there is no rubbing or pinching. I moved the Hammers on the right per instruction # 6. Still no chiming.
Any other suggestions? Thank you
There are some letters or numbers above the 461-850 BS K, 114 cm/60 numbers. What does it say ?
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
The only information on the back of the movement in addition to the above is the Howard Miller Clock Co. and address.
Above the address is the letter G
Letter G means made in 1994. These are 20 year, 25 year units at best. It is time for the new movement. Please order the 461-850 114cm from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-461-850-clock-movement-by-hermle
The chime has the heavier weight, it would make sense to wear most. Getting the new movement is more cost savings than even just a cleaning alone on that one. Instructions and support comes with it
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
There is only the letter G, which is above the Howard Miller Clock Co.
Zeeland, MI 49464
Made in USA
and the 461-850 BS K, 114 cm/60 below that.
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
Paul, I have same problem and clock brand. Did you fix the loose lever issue?
I have not found a solution. I see that the part is unavailable
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