Steps in Clock Repair
Clockworks Clock Repair Service offers a variety of clock movement restoration services in the USA. This includes:
- Mechanical Clock Movement Restoration can include:
- Step one - Cleaning and OilingClean the clock movement with Clockworks high grade ultrasonic fluid in a three step process. Therefore, it is ready for a clear inspection.
- Step Two - Inspection and QuotingNext our professionals will give the clock movement a full inspection for any sort of further mechanical work that may be necessary.
- Step Three - Disassembly and RestorationFrom this point, further work could include just about anything. Examples would include bushing work on the movement to customization of mechanical parts to fit the projects needs.
Specifically, Clockworks provides clock repair services for brands including but not limited to Hermle, Kieninger, Howard Miller, Seth Thomas, Urgos, Ridgeway and much more.
Have a clock that needs restoring?Step one - Cleaning and Oiling
First we unpack the movement and notify the customer that we are in receipt of it with no shipping damage. Then a thorough cleaning is done with the use of 3 ultrasonic cleaning machines. To clarify, the first and second ultrasonic tanks have clock cleaning solution in them. The idea is to run it through a second time with an even cleaner solution. This cleaning solution is Formula 67 by Zenith. Furthermore, it does not smell and does the best job.
Then the third tank is the rinse which consists of Zenith brand Drizebright. Next, the movement takes a dip in denatured alcohol for an even finer rinse. There is no use of water in this process. After all this, it gets hit with the air hose to be sure there is nothing wet left in the springs or pivot holes.
After the Cleaning
Now that it is clean, the next step is to look at the condition of the clock movement and determine what work needs to be done. Meanwhile, the movement is still intact at this point of the restoration. Now, the customer needs to make a decision. We can stop at this point, oil it and send it right back. The movement has had the best possible cleaning and oiling for only $150. But, there is no guarantee that a cleaning is all that the movement needs. It is quite possible that even with a thorough cleaning and oiling that the movement will not run. However, if a cleaning is all that a customer requests then that is what we will do along with oiling it. Clockworks does guarantee that the movement will have the best and most thorough cleaning possible without disassembling the movement.
Step Two - Inspection and Quoting
The next step that we take is to inspect the movement with magnification for evidence of wear. Usually things such as new mainsprings and bushings on worn pivots need to be done. This is a general assessment because the movement still has not been taken apart. At this point, Clockworks contacts the customer and provides them with the initial findings and provides a reasonable quote for the work that needs to be done. So, if we do not have the go ahead from the customer then the movement is sent back with just the cleaning and oiling. However, if the customer agrees with the quote and gives us the green light to continue, then we can now really get into it.
Step Three - Disassembly and Restoration
When the mainsprings are stuck in the set position, new ones will be put in. Moreover, if a mainspring is made in the world today, we have that size right here in stock. Now the next thing we scrutinize is if the clock needs bushings and if so, how many. Clockworks uses the KWM bushing system however the sizes do not always jive with what the clock actually needs.
Often the bushings are made from brass stock on the Sherline lathe if it is a strange size such as a hand arbor or winding arbor bushing. However, if wheel work or parts need to be made our clockmakers will figure it out and get it done. It is not uncommon to take an antique part from one of the 1000's we have and modify it to fit the application.
Please tell us about yourself and the clock :
Please fill out the form below to let us know about the clock movement that is being sent in. A confirmation email will be sent when the movement comes in and the Steps in Clock Repair have begun. Usually we do not need any movement components such as pendulums or weights as these are items that are always in stock in the warehouse. However, if we need other parts, please select them in the check boxes so we can anticipate what will be coming. Also, it serves as a record for the customer to know what was in the box as well as for us to know what needs to be sent back when the restoration is complete.
A fee of $150 is to be sent with the movement, or alternately pay with a credit card below. This fee includes cleaning and inspection. After the inspection, we will contact you with the status of the movement and make recommendations at that point on other work that may be necessary.
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I have a Sessions Stratford mantle clock with an 8 day movement and dual chimes. On the hour is a double chime, and on the half hour is a single chime. The movement in this clock has dual striker hammers that run along the bottom of the clock with a 2 rod chime block and bar secured to the bottom. The clock runs and keeps really good time but it stops after 4 days. When I restart it, it will run for 2 more days and then stop again. The chime side works without a problem. I have cleaned and lubricated the movement as best I can without a full disassembly, and I don’t see any bent wheel teeth or elongated holes in which the pivots run. This clock has been in my family since new around 1930 or so, and I would like to either get this movement repaired or replace t with a new aftermarket movement if one is available. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Bill Massa
The after markets are just not very good. You maybe can get it to run 10 years only, then toss the movement and the clock out. For the longest term, best to have that one restored. This is not inexpensive. If interested, we would only need the movement alone, nothing else. Please let me know
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi,
We have a regulator style clock that my father-in-law made for us in 1974 that has finally stopped working. It contains a janch p.l.34 cock mechanism. Can the mechanism be repaired or replaced?
Best Regards,
Mike Dyer
That clock is no longer made, we can restore the movement instead. The clock is nice, it depends if you like the clock or not really. If we restore it, it will remain a true antique and preserved. We can clean / oil / inspect the movement for only $200 and let you know how many bushings / pivot work so forth it needs and quote from there. If you are fine with the quote we will restore it to its fullness, if not liking the quote you get a cleaned and oiled movement back to you and know exactly what is up with it, for only $200 plus shipping. We would only need the movement alone and nothing else. No weights / dial / pendulum / hands needed.
We have the best tooling available, cleaning equipment, and cleaning solutions. There is no expense spared by us when it comes to having the best equipment. With this factor and 3 generations of clock repair expertise, you can rest assured your clock works will be in the best hands it can be in. We have three full time clock makers as well as an admin department to answer any questions you may have as well.
Please let us know if you are interested in this service by filling out the repair form at this link, https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair-service.html because it would be an absolute pleasure to get this one shiny and working again.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
AWI / BHI / Lifetime NAWCC
Is it sometimes cheaper to order another clock, then repairing a totally broken clock ? Plus we have a Grandfather clock cabinet, we’d like to place a clock in. How do I know what to order for the cabinet ??
[email protected]. Thank you.
If we have the movement numbers off the back brass plate we can advise for sure. If having some of the old parts that are good can save alot of time / shipping and cost. Like if the weight covers are damaged, and the heavy weights inside are still good, we can offer just the covers. The chime block never wears, things like 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
Thank you ! Your info is greatly appreciated !
i need the center pulley clutch for the center weight. I have a Howard miller 610-895 the center weight will not pull up I think it is the clutch inside of the pully. or can i sent the movement to you guy to fix.
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 Sessions Mantel Clock with a broken glass. I purchased a new glass (order # 339309) from you and I’m ready to install it. There are metal prongs inside the glass housing that hold the glass. Do I simply bend these down to receive the glass or is there a trick to installing the glass? Please advise. Thanks!
No trick, just bend yes
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have an old Waterbury Clock Co “Corning” Mantel clock made at some point between 1890 and 1900 by my best estimate. The time train works quite well from what I can tell. I am having an issue with the strike train, it seems to be out of sync and won’t stop sounding. I had disassembled the movement to try and clean up some excess oil (poor thing was practically swimming) and I can’t figure out how the strike train is supposed to be set. Any help is appreciated.
Hard to explain in words. If you email a pic maybe I can circle what you have wrong and give back to you
Or just send it in and we will take care of it
Email is clockworks@clockworks.com
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
It may be best to send it in. It probably needs more attention than I have skill to give it.
Sorry to say that one is no longer available new. We can overhaul this one if you like, we only need the movement alone sent in. We can tell you how to remove it and reinstall it, help you along the way. When its done and installed it will run for years.
We start with this =
CLEANING AND OILING FOR ONLY $200
We have the best and most expensive tooling, cleaning equipment, and cleaning solutions. There is no expense spared by us when it comes to having the best equipment. With this factor and 3 generations of clock repair expertise, you can rest assured your clock works will be in the best hands it can be in.
For this unit, we will take the movement in, unpack it, and then clean it and inspect it for $200. If it passes inspection, we will oil it and test it. If this is all that is needed that is all it will cost is the $200 plus the shipping back to you. The initial $200 is non refundable and is the fee for the cleaning, inspection, and oiling and testing only. We do need to be paid for our time on this even if the clock movement is deemed unrepairable for some reason.
Please let us know if you are interested in this service by filling out the repair form at this link, https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair-service.html because it would be an absolute pleasure to get this one shiny and working again.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
This 84 cuckoo clock # 1050 020 was given to me! Was told spring was down too tight. I was able to remove the clock mechanism and release the spring very gently to know tolerance on the spring. I oiled and cleaned the clog unit put it back in the clock and it still doesn’t work. I would prefer to have this clock unit repaired. Or is it cheaper to buy a new one.
It is true, the new one is less money and lasts 20-30 years
Please order the 1050-020 from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-1050-020-clock-movement-by-hermle
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I’ve got an early 1990’s Ridgeway clock with a Hermle 1161-853BS movement. The movement appears to be worn out as I have had it cleaned and oiled and still will not run. I would like to replace the movement with a Kieninger movement if at all possible. If not possible, I will just buy a new Hermle 1161
Need to stay with the 1161-853 to keep the same dial
Please order the 1161-853 from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-1161-853-clock-movement-by-hermle
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Gustav Becker wall mounted clock – the small metal piece (comprising two small metal flat bocks) – size 18mm x 8mm, connected by two flexible metal strips, which suspends the pendant to the box, has broken and need a replacement.
Where can I purchase the piece ?
Please order suspension spring A2 if you have a pendulum bob less then 8.5 inches wide, this is the round disk at the bottom of the pendulum
Please order suspension spring A3 if you have a pendulum bob is 8.5 inches wide or larger, from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/mechanical-clock-suspension-spring
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Keininger RWS movement that has run beautifully for several months but now abruptly stopped at 1/4 to the hour. It is jammed in some way, most likely the striking mechanism but I have not looked into it yet. I’ve removed the weights to relief stress and can not move the minute hand CW, only CCW. I’ve only moved it about 1/2″ very delicately. Is there a common failure for such a mechanism “jam”?
Behind the gears on the same tube of the hour hand, there is a star wheel that trips the chime lever to go off. This chime lever is curved at the end so the hands can go backward and the curve just jumps one of the star humps to the next.
Anyway, sometimes with no lube, upon going backward that curve on the end of the lever, can get caught up on the star hump and curve too much, bending it into a grabbing curve. So then going forward it can end up grabbing the star hump and not releasing.
Well that was a tough one to put into words, hope it makes sense. If the thing is 25 years old or more its best to just swap it out for the new one because it is still made.
This link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-rws-kieninger-clock-movement
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you James, I understand completely. Your idea makes very good sense and is encouraging. Last evening I took a brief look at it and couldn’t see anything obviously wrong but I then DID RUN HANDS backwards a good distance around. After that it ran well for about 3 chime patterns and then quit again. At that point the reluctance to move CW came back and CCW movement was still very free. I’ll look right for your suggestion point as it appears you hit this one out of the park! Thank You again, -Dave
Glad to hear it worked out
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Good morning, I have a Seth Thomas Fashion Calendar Mantel Clock. Pat. Dec. 28, 1875. It has been handed down to me from my grandfather. It will not keep running more than a few minutes. I understand the $200 cleaning fee but do you have an estimate on repairing it? A local clock repairman cleaned and oiled it a few months ago but said it needed more than he could do. Thanks.Just wondering if it is worth repairing. The whole clock looks great other than not running.
It is $200 to clean it and inspect it, and quote it for restoration
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a J.E. Caldwell hall clock with Waltham 5 tube movement, about 100 years old. It worked fine at my Moms but during her move it no longer works. can you clean and evaluate? Don’t want to spend a lot of money.
There is not much about servicing this Waltham 5 tube unit that is not inexpensive. We can come out to the house, service it, or you can ship the movement alone into us for cleaning and service.
We are in Huntington Ma, where are you? Are you willing to ship us the movement alone?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I am in PA . I can ship the movement for cleaning/service. About how long would the process take?
Depends on how involved it gets as far as the clock restoration. To get to your clock to work on it? Maybe one month or so after we get it in.
Best to email some pics of the clock to us to start off, we will be able to save the pics and talk more about it.
Please email clockworks@clockworks.com
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
i have a howard miller clock 1151.053hs. i can not shut chime off. Any advice? I pulled chime hammers back to reset. Chime barrel moves free
Hi,
Turning the chimes off does not involve the roll pin on that one really, it only blocks the clock from chiming by interfering with the gear train instead of moving the roll pin away from the hammers. On the 3 oclock you have silent / west / witt / st mike so put it on silent. If it still chimes, it maybe the switch coming out the movement and through the dial cant make the mark. This may happen if the slot in the dial is not long enough to go up or down enough to cover the above options of chimes. Solution being to bend the switch up or down to attempt to get it in range of all within the slot
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Very informative, I’m so grateful for this article.
Hermle 351-020 Clock Movement Needs repair could you give estimate of time and cost
Hi,
Usually those gets replaced instead of repaired. Its less money, faster, lasts longer than any restoration. Please order the 351-020 from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/new-351-020-clock-movement-by-hermle
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Seth Thomas Grandfather Clock Model 4378 Cutting 8506 Eng 4378-000 Movement A451-002 Finish 233. How old is it? It was a gift from my wife’s parents for our wedding anniversary and the hour strikes only once. I have oiled it but I still have problems. Suggestions?
It is about 40-50 years old. See the information on this type of movement on these pages
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/seth-thomas-clock-movement.html
You can schedule a zoom support at this link to help get it running
https://www.clockworks.com/product/conference-with-a-clock-repair-specialist
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Do you sell the strike side winding arbor bushes for american clocks , the ones with the groove in, so the horseshoe clip fits in that holds the count wheel on.
Sorry do not. Best to cut some brass stock down to size
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My newly installed Hermle 451 movement chimes 4 times at noon and midnight. I may have messed something up in my ” clock setting procedure”. HE has run fine (1-11 chiming ok)with fine tuning with this goofy exception. Do I need to disassemble and check for a bent cam or pin.
Thanks in advance!
Please schedule a zoom meeting with us to correct whatever is going on with the movement. See this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/conference-with-a-clock-repair-specialist
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have received the 141-020 Hermie works, attached them to the wooden body of the clock and have had the works running with pendulum for a few days. The striker is working properly and the minute hand subject to some attentions works. I cannot find how to connect the hour hand properly to make it work. I am missing a crucial point. Help. Thanks. R. Goff
See this link about installing the post 1950 German clock movement hands
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/german-mechanical-clock-hand-installation
German Mechanical-Clock Hand Installation
The German Mechanical-Clock Hand Installation on a German mechanical movement is quite simple. It is the reverse of theremoval. If you are doing a replacement of the movement, or if the hands are new, the minute hand must go through some adjustments. This is so it will point to the correct time when it chimes.
German Mechanical-Clock Hand Installation
Installing the hour hand
First comes the hour hand. The hour hand is simply a friction fit. All you have to do is put the hand on its round post. Then twist and push toward the front of the dial. One thing to be sure of is that it is not in contact with the dial at any point during the its rotation. This includes the base of the hour hand. It cannot rub against the hole in the clock face itself. So, if at any point the hour hand touches anything the clock can stop. Because it is only a friction fit, you can turn the hand to point to whatever hour it is, just with your fingers.
Installing the minute hand
Second, comes the minute hand. The minute hand installation is done by putting the square hole in the hand, on the square post of the hand shaft. The bottom of the minute hand cannot be rubbing the hour hand tube or the hour hand. If it is, the hour hand has to be set lower on its tube. Therefore, it is imperative to check the positioning of the hands to ensure they are not touching anything. With the minute hand on its square post, now it’s time to put the hand nut on. The nut goes on finger tight and then a little bit more with a pair of needle nose pliers to make it secure.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a world time clock by Howard Miller.. model # 612-371 I need to replace the paper scroll..can it be ordered through Howard Miller
Sorry do not have the parts for that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller 610-566. The middle weight is topped out and I can’t get it to release no matter how hard I pull on it. The other two weights are fine, so it chimes correctly if I move the minute hand myself…So there is no ticking and the pendulum just stops after pushing it. How do I remove the whole mechanism to send it to you? Do you have instructions? would you be able to unlock it and send it back working. I have leveled it and everything but it won’t start ticking at all??? I live in Franklin Ma
Hi first lets see if we can help get your weight unstuck.
Please provide the movement numbers off the back plate of the movement.
Please see this link for help locating the numbers:
Identifying a mechanical clock movement — https://clockworks.crisp.help/en/article/identifying-a-mechanical-clock-movement-88buzj/
You may also email pictures of the front and back plate of the movement to Clockworks@clockworks.com
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My Howard Miller weight driven Grandfather Clock was recently inspected and cleaned by a Howard Miller Dealer. He was not able to resolve one issue….the chime does not chime at all at the 3/4 position..
8:45 am or pm position for example…Noon/Midnight, 3 am/pm,6am/pm chime properly. Problem persists regardless of chime melody selected. Chime is obviously not in a silent mode. Suggestions?
Hi The only way it can do that is if its chiming the first quarter and second at once. Or the second and third at once. Either way it is skipping the stop point and continuing on. Therefore the clock is looking for the top of the hour when it gets to the 3/4 and wont chime.
See how to fix this at this link
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-chimes-forever-correction
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a 1780 William Milsom long case clock from Bristol or Bath. Do not want to force the key to unlock the case. Has not run since we inherited it. Beautiful, unrestored engravings, ship that moves when prodded, second hand and hour counter cut outs. Would invest in full restoration if required for authenticity and sentiment as it was gifted from grandparents to parents and then down to me, age 75.
Your thoughts?
G. Keegan, Vero Beach, Florida
We could quote for the best restoration if you email pics to clockworks@clockworks.com
However, for us to do it, you will need to remove the movement alone from the case on your end and ship it according to some guidelines
Sending in? Please email the pics
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Do you work on Gerster V.P. eight day clocks, Made by Welch, Spring & Com
Yes no problem. For an approximate quote please email some pics of the movement your working with please, to clockworks@clockworks.com
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
do you do Junghans clock restorations. ?
Yes we certainly do. Please email some pics of this one to clockworks@clockworks.com for an approximate quote
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com