Steps in Clock Repair

Posted on    Posted in  turned_in_not  Repair Help

Have a clock that needs restoring?

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 Oiling
      Clean 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 Quoting
      Next 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 Restoration
      From 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.

For a quote on a clock project send the clock movement to: Clockworks, PO Box 339 - 124 Goss Hill, Huntington, MA 01050 USA

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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William Massa
William Massa
1 month ago

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

Mike Dyer
Mike Dyer
4 months ago

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

mphseason
mphseason
5 months ago

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.

Last edited 5 months ago by mphseason
Eason Janet
Eason Janet
5 months ago

Thank you ! Your info is greatly appreciated !

Karl J Kessler
Karl J Kessler
5 months ago

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.

Gary Campbell
Gary Campbell
6 months ago

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!

Dakotah
Dakotah
6 months ago

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.

Dakotah
Dakotah
6 months ago

It may be best to send it in. It probably needs more attention than I have skill to give it.

Jeffrey
Jeffrey
7 months ago

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.

Branden Deckard
Branden Deckard
8 months ago

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

Harold Waner
Harold Waner
9 months ago

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 ?

Dave
11 months ago

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”?

Dave
11 months ago

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

Bobby Mitchell
Bobby Mitchell
1 year ago

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.

GLENN DEHAVEN
GLENN DEHAVEN
1 year ago

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.

GLENN DEHAVEN
GLENN DEHAVEN
1 year ago

I am in PA . I can ship the movement for cleaning/service. About how long would the process take?

William Simpson
William Simpson
1 year ago

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

Jon Sypes
Jon Sypes
1 year ago
Rating :
     

Very informative, I’m so grateful for this article.

Elizabeth Montville
Elizabeth Montville
1 year ago

Hermle 351-020 Clock Movement Needs repair could you give estimate of time and cost

Last edited 1 year ago by Elizabeth Montville
Emil JE Gombosi
Emil JE Gombosi
1 year ago

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?

stephen baguley
stephen baguley
2 years ago

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.

photojoe60
photojoe60
2 years ago

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!

Robert H Goff Jr
2 years ago

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

Gerge
Gerge
2 years ago

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

Ken Giordano
Ken Giordano
2 years ago

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

sfmerkel
sfmerkel
3 years ago

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?

gil keegan
gil keegan
3 years ago

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

Gene Wheeler
Gene Wheeler
3 years ago

Do you work on Gerster V.P. eight day clocks, Made by Welch, Spring & Com

g4guest
g4guest
3 years ago

do you do Junghans clock restorations. ?

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