Side Strike Chime Block Installation

Side Strike Chime Block Installation

The following are the installation instructions for the chime block on a side strike Westminster German clock movement. Of course, this style clock kit can take two styles of chime blocks. One is a side strike style and the other is a bottom / side strike style.

Mounting

Simply mount the chime block to the clock case with wood screws. Alternately, you can install it on a mounting board utilizing the bolts that are sent with it. The shortest rod in the chime block should be struck by the chime hammer closest to the dial and in front of the movement.

Spacing

If you require a spacer, this can be done by adding a wood board to go between the side of the case and the chime block. The chime block can bolt to the mounting board and then mount the mounting board to the spacer. It can then attach to the side of the clock case. Whatever way works best to get the spacing between the movement hammers and the chime rods so that it is in the best position.

The ideal position for the chime hammers in relation to the rods are as follows. The hammer heads should be approximately ⅛ of an inch from the rods. They should strike about ¼ inch down on the rod itself, down from the chime block that holds the chime rods. This is what sounds the best.

Adjusting

Most side strike units these days are on a flat bar or arm that holds the hammer head. In the past this was just a round rod to hold the hammer head. Bending the hammer arm was easier back in those days but it is now with a flat bar style that is not as easy to bend. We mention this because in a movement swap from old to new, there will be the realization that this is the situation. On a new clock build, just ignore the note because it does not pertain. Bending the hammer head arm is how it is done for final adjustment. However it may need needle nose pliers to bend the hammer head into position. It is not uncommon to bend them ½ inch this way or that. Whatever it takes to get to the ⅛ inch away when at the rest position.