Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike
Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike
Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike
Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike

Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike

(22 reviews)

$80.00$120.00

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Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike

Mount this Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike to the back of the clock case. The rods are already in into the block and at the perfect pitch. To get the correct block count the rods that are in the block. Measure the length of the longest rod through its mounting block and order that size.

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CBLK-Cstr8: $80.00$120.00
Mechanical clock chime rods for post 1950 mechanical clocks. Offering the chime block complete with the rods. Clockworks
Chimeblock and RodsWhy the entire chimeblockOrdering the chime blockChime Hammer Adjustment

Please view these information tabs to learn about our Mechanical Clock Chimeblock and Rods

Why we offer only the complete chime-block

We now only offer the complete clock chime-block and rods. The rods are a press fit into the chime-block by machines and it is difficult to get a single rod out. Other times there are threads that go into the block but have such a secure tight fit, you cannot remove them.

Trying to do so would result in more rods breaking. Also there are various threads on the rods that are the replacements and it can create much confusion. It is for these reasons that we now offer the complete clock chime-block and rods.

Overall, it is a tricky thing to get the correct thread size for the individual rod in a chime-block and rod set and have it fit perfect. Not to mention, when the chime-block rod is not the correct size, often enough it gets sent back. Then we get into the situation of trying to swap it out over and over.

Moreover, all of it eventually ends up being a return for a complete chime-block and rods set. So, in the long run it is best to just get a new chime block and rod set from the beginning. That will save a lot of time and frustration.

Chime-block and rods volume

The volume of the clock chime is not alterable by means of the chime-block and rods or the hammer adjustment. These parts have nothing to do with making the clock louder or softer. The only thing that can make the clock louder or quieter is to move the clock case.

If the clock is on a hard wood surface it will be louder. A rug will be quieter. The proximity to the wall can also alter the sound. It has nothing to do with the chime-block and rods.

The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2022

Clock Chime Block Styles

The first step in purchasing a new chime block is to determine the chime block style that is in the clock.

The Styles are side, bottom and back strike.

Figure out which style you need. Then, count how many rods are in the chime block. Measure through the chime block to get the length of the longest rod.

Correspondingly, find this information on the drop down list for the correct chime block and rods.

Bottom Strike Style A

Chime block style A For bottom strike and side strike units.  

Side Strike Style B

Chime block style B For side strike units. Occasionally, you can also use this for back strike diagonal Westminster units.

Back Strike Style C

Chime block style C is for floor clock models (and some wall clocks) with two rows of hammers on the back of the clock movement.

Chime sound in Clock Chime Block Styles

No matter which Clock Chime Block Style you need, there has to be some adjustments made. If the clock chime does not have a clear, crisp tone, do not panic. It could just be a matter of adjusting the hammers on the rods.

The hammer heads are on wires which are meant to be bent. Do this with your fingers, while the hammer head is down.

Just bend the wire that the hammer head is on, one at a time. Keep the hammer head about 1/8” from the rod when it’s at rest. In other words, in the up position. Bend one at a time.

Then, lift and drop it to see if there is a nice crisp tone. Subsequently, do this right down the line with each hammer on whatever chime block style. Make sure each one has a nice tone. In the long run, the chime will sound perfect.

The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2022

Why does Chime Hammer Positioning Need to Occur

Mechanical clock chime hammer positioning is easy to do. It only involves bending the hammer head wires. Upon the initial installation, this was done by the clock maker as well.

When replacing a clock movement you need to bend the chime hammers to the chime rods. This is why the hammer heads are on bendable wires.

They are meant to be bent into the perfect position. It is not uncommon to bend them an inch this way or that way. The clock movement will not have the hammers in the perfect spot to make the correct sound when hitting the rods. This is why chime hammer positioning is so important.

Clock Chime Hammer Positioning

A mechanical clock movement has hammers that need to be bent into their final position. The correct clock-chime hammer position needs the tops of the hammer heads to be about 1/4 inch down from the chime block.

The hammers need to be 1/8 inch away from the rod. This would be when it is at rest. In other words, bend the hammer wires so the head is 1/8 away from the chime rod. This spacing between the head and the rod is so it will not thud or double strike.

Tuning the mechanical clock chime

Repeat this process for each wire, one hammer at a time, down the line. Continue in this manner until you can lift and drop the hammer to create a crisp sound. If each hammer head is done this way the clock will have a nice song in the end.

Often a customer will say the sound is not correct. This is due to improper hammer positioning. When performing the above directions correctly the sound is beautiful.

Positioning the 340 / 341 series

The 340 and 341 Hermle clock movement series went through a change in the hammer wires. The hammer heads were on wires, but now they are made on flat bars. The positioning is still the same, however it is a little more difficult to bend them.

The hammer head is on the skinny end of the bar. The bar gets wider as it goes back toward the roll pin.

With needle nose pliers, bend this bar where it goes from skinny to wide. The overall assembly will be slightly higher from the chime block. That is, if you are swapping out the movement with the older style wire hammer head rod.

It is an option to raise the entire chimeblock with a shim to help with this. It is not an absolute requirement. Bending the hammer arms are usually sufficient.

Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning

For a clean crisp chime sound

Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning

Adjust the hammer wires

Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning

Should be about 1/8 away at rest

Mechanical Clock-Chime Hammer Positioning

Sometimes they are bent to the extreme

The content of this website is copyright by Clockworks and written by James Stoudenmire in year 2022

Back-Strike

Mount this Chime Block to the back of the clock case. The rods are already in the block and with the alignment for the perfect pitch. To get the correct block, count how many rods are in the block. Measure the length of the longest rod through its mounting block and order that size.

Please note, when replacing a chime block with broken rods, the bolt pattern may not be the same. Usually the bolt pattern is the same on the new one as the old one, but not always. You may need to drill new holes in the back of the clock movement case.

Additional information

Weight3 lbs
Rods

8 rods 14 inch, 8 rods 23 inch, 12 rods 26 inch

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Braulio Ortiz
Braulio Ortiz
21 days ago

Hello I am looking for a chime rod for a Howard Miller, No 150 Westminster Chime model #4858

James Stoudenmire
Admin
20 days ago
Reply to  Braulio Ortiz

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
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Braulio ortiz
Braulio ortiz
19 days ago

299905

James Stoudenmire
Admin
19 days ago
Reply to  Braulio ortiz

There is more info on that backplate

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
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Michael John Firriello
Michael John Firriello
1 month ago

Is there any manuals which gives information on how to remove & replace chimes on a Miller grandfather clocks

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 month ago

The chimes do not wear out, so it is not a usual request. What is wrong with the chimes, is it missing a rod?

James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Todd Schaap
Todd Schaap
4 months ago

i have a Mason & Sullivan clock and i need a new chime block, which one would i get as a replacement?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
4 months ago
Reply to  Todd Schaap

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

Bruce Abbott
Bruce Abbott
4 months ago

Do you have chime block for a Howard Miller 610-868 grandfather clock?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
4 months ago
Reply to  Bruce Abbott

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

David Posey
David Posey
4 months ago

i have a short case junghaus westminister short case wall clock. one of the eight chimes is broken. the longest rod is 19 inches long. do you have a set of chimes that will fit? i also have a Mauthe short case wall clock with a six set chime. the longest is 19 inches. do you have a set of chimes that will fit it?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
4 months ago
Reply to  David Posey

These are tough ones, need to see some pics. Please send some pics with this same question to clockworks.com so I can see

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Buzz Donnelly
Buzz Donnelly
6 months ago

Do you have an 8 + 8 (16) straight chime block to work with a Kieninger ser. 0835170827 movement installed in a HermanMiller Taylor grandfather clock?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
6 months ago
Reply to  Buzz Donnelly

Do you mean 4 and 12 instead of 8 and 8 ?

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Buzz Donnelly
Buzz Donnelly
6 months ago

Sorry, meant 4 + 8 (12).

James Stoudenmire
Admin
6 months ago
Reply to  Buzz Donnelly

Yes it is right here on this very same link as this post.

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Mark
Mark
7 months ago

I have an emperor series 120 clock kit we found cleaning out my grandparents house, I have built the entire clock to find the chime board is missing. The clock itself is a Viking series 133. Can anyone point me in the direction of which block to purchase?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
7 months ago
Reply to  Mark

Can you email some pics to clockworks.com and as this same question please

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

tthuff
tthuff
9 months ago

My Herman miller has a 5 chime block, with one chime broken off. Which block do I order for the Westminster chime?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
8 months ago
Reply to  tthuff

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

Kyle Henry
Kyle Henry
10 months ago

So I need a new Grandfather Clock Chime Block Back-Strike 8 rod but the longest rod is 19″. Should I get the 23″ block or look elsewhere for a 19″?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
10 months ago
Reply to  Kyle Henry

Should get the 23 inch block. It will have only a slightly deeper tone

​James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Nick Strahan
Nick Strahan
10 months ago

Would this work for a Sligh 0913-1-AN? 2 of the rods in the original block broke. It looks like this one has the same number and length, but the bolt pattern might be different.

Would it be possible to get the bolt pattern so I can figure out it if would work (or drill new holes in the case)?

Thanks!

James Stoudenmire
Admin
10 months ago
Reply to  Nick Strahan

All is correct

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Richard L Manor
11 months ago

What do the stamped numbers on the chime, in my case, B122/16, stand for? One rod is missing and I am looking to replace it.

James Stoudenmire
Admin
11 months ago

There are many manufacturers of chime blocks in the past. To get the same bolt pattern or chime rod that fits is a shot in the dark. Best to replace the entire chime block with the rods and bolt however is needed to the clock case.

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Samuelle
Samuelle
1 year ago

does the 12 rod 26 inch chime block have the same hour strike sound as the clock in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA-A0zPAH9E (skip to 14 second timestamp to hear)

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Samuelle

Yes, like that

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Samuelle
Samuelle
1 year ago

perfect!

Quandalius
Quandalius
1 year ago

The 12 rod 26 inch variant, what key are the rods tuned to? Will it have the same strike chord as a common urgos triple chime from the 70s?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Quandalius

It may sound different slightly as quality from 70s is better than today.

​James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Student doing a project
Student doing a project
1 year ago

What exactly are the rods made of?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago

Steel

​James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Matthew Elder
Matthew Elder
1 year ago

Can it be used with a Hermle 1161-853?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Matthew Elder

Yes its perfect for it

​James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Marion Soules
Marion Soules
1 year ago
Rating :
     

Will this work on Emperor model 300 series

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Marion Soules

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

Marion Soules
Marion Soules
1 year ago

Thinks for the reply, but I found what I needed. Thanks again

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Marion Soules

Great Job

​James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Jim
Jim
1 year ago

I have a King Arthur 451-050H clock that plays Westminster on the hour. The longest rod is missing. Can you tell me how long it is supposed to be and if I can order just that one bar.

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Jim

Do not have the single rods, often they are stamped into the top block these days and not removable anyway. It would be 22 inches usually for that one and also if it does screw in and come out, there are different thread sizes. In the end it is often just easier to swap the block and rods.

James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

larue702000
larue702000
1 year ago

Will this work for a Howard Miller Chatham 611-007

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  larue702000

Yes if your unit has rear hammers and the quantity of rods are the same. Length does not matter too much as long as its somewhat close

The mounting bolt pattern may or may not be the same.

​James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Ray Hershell
Ray Hershell
1 year ago
Rating :
     

Just what i needed!

James Stoudenmire
Admin
1 year ago
Reply to  Ray Hershell

Iam glad it worked out. Great Job !

​James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com

Paul
Paul
2 years ago

Is this compatible with hermle 1161-850?

James Stoudenmire
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  Paul

Yes it certainly is

James

B Pfaff
B Pfaff
2 years ago

I’m looking for a set of Westminster chimes that sound like the set originally in the grandfather clock I have before they were broken. Do you happen to know the key that these are tuned to? Or rather do you have a recording of what they sound like? Thanks!

James Stoudenmire
Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  B Pfaff

The tuning of the rods are only the length of the rods. The rods are certain lengths and this gives the tone from high to low.

James

Cheryl Ivey
2 years ago

Can the tubes be used as windchimes?