Mechanical Grandfather Clock Weights in a variety of options. Get any part of the weight or the weight complete for your clock, using the weight chart Full article »
Grandfather Clock Weights Description
The Grandfather Clock Weights Description on this web page will cover what is meant by weights and their parts. Any part of the weight is available on its own. We also offer complete weights. If needing a complete clock weight, we need to determine what the appropriate weight is for the clock.
This requires getting the information off of the back plate of the brass movement itself. This information will not be on any of the paperwork or clock case. Once the movement number is known, cross reference that with the weight chart.
The diameter of the bob in another piece of information that needs to be known. The bob is the round disk at the bottom of the pendulum.
The weight chart
Before using the chart, you need to know who made the clock movement. This can be deceiving because the movement can have any name on it, but it may not be the true maker.
For example, a Hermle unit may have the name Sligh, Ridgeway, Howard Miller and so on.
The numbers on the movement is what will lead to getting the correct manufacturer of the movement not the names on the movement. The stamp with these numbers are right on the back plate. Use the movement identification page to find out who made it.
Once the manufacturer is known and the starting numbers of the movement, use the chart to see the weight specifications for the Grandfather clock weights.
Avoiding the weight chart
There is also another way to go about this task, which may be easier. If the movement was made in Germany, post WW2, we can safely make the following assumptions.
If the movement is square and chain driven, it will require [email protected] lbs and [email protected] lbs. These are available in either 47mm or 43mm diameters.
If the pendulum bob is 8 1/2 inches or more, change that rule to [email protected] lbs and [email protected] in 47mm or 43mm. A movement that is rectangle in either chain or cable will use [email protected] and [email protected] LBS in 60mm diameter.
This changes to [email protected] and [email protected] in 60mm diameter if the pendulum bob is 8 1/2 inches or wider. These specifications do not apply if the clock has 5 or 9 big tubes on the back. Also this rule is not for all Grandfather clock weights but the vast majority of the post WW2 German units.
Close enough is good enough
The weight specs list it as 4.7 or 6.6, however this is really being too picky. If getting it close to those numbers that is fine. In fact if ordering a 4.7 lb weight, it may come 5.3 or whatever, but that is just fine.
There has to be some sort of reference for the factory to label the Grandfather clock weights so it is what it is. Just know if it is a pound over that is fine. If it's a little under, that is fine also. They do not have to be exact.
Often wrong from the start
In fact, there is a lot of clocks in the world sold new with the wrong Clock Weights on them from the start.
Clockworks will do a repair and they will say the clock ran for 30 years straight and come to find out they had Grandfather clock weights that were a pound or two too heavy. If the weights are a little too heavy it is fine. A lighter weight may or may not be fine because it may not trigger the movement to work properly.
Grandfather Clock Weights Description - Conclusion
Grandfather clock Weights are not cheap mainly because they are so heavy to keep, ship, store, move from here to there.
Sure one weight set of three is less than 30 lbs but that adds up quickly in a stack of weight sets.
With that said, we don't want to ship these back and forth. It is best to get the right weights the first time. To return these is not an inexpensive or easy task. For example, suppose we charge $30 to ship these and for some reason they are wrong. Then it is $30 to get them back to us and another $30 to send out a new set.
In addition, UPS charges a fee to send a call tag for them to come back. That is $110 to UPS for no reason. So if there are questions, please ask.
Grandfather Clock Weights Stuck
The Grandfather clock weights can get stuck in the high position if over wound. Some larger clocks have over wind protection to prevent this.
The grandmother and grandfather chain drive units often do not have this feature. When winding the weights up make sure the top of the weight can be seen when done. Never go to the point where the top of the shiny weight cover can't be seen.
Chime weight stuck
The chime weight is on the right as you face the clock and has the heaviest weight. Using cloth gloves, or at least a cloth of some kind, pull down on the weight some.
This is the same as making the weight weigh more. At the same time, turn the minute hand past the quarter hour to see if it will engage the chime. When you advance the time and make it chime, the weight will slowly come down. This will hopefully be enough to activate and run the chime on its own.
Time weight stuck
The time weight is the center weight which can be light or heavy depending on bob size.
This is the hardest weight to deal with out of the three. Try pulling down some while swinging the pendulum.
See if it starts running on its own when letting go. If this does not work, take off the pendulum. All it will have is the pendulum leader hanging on the back of the movement.
This will make it tick tock faster than if the pendulum was on. The leader will tick tock faster as you pull down some on the weight. The weight will then come down enough to run the clock.
If all else fails, and it’s a chain driven clock, you would need to cut the chain in half, or break a link, to take the movement out of the clock. With the movement out of the clock you can fix it.
Strike weight stuck
The strike weight is on the left as you face the clock and has the lightest weight. Only after the chime weight is operating correctly can you work on the strike weight.
If the clock does not run through the chime sequence it will not get to where it strikes out the hours. With some cloth gloves on, or at least a cloth of some kind, pull down on the weight some.
Again, this is the same as making the weight weigh more. Doing this will make the clock strike. Advance the minute hand and let it chime each quarter until it plays the top of the hour song. Then pull a little on the weight when it is going to strike out the hours.
Keep advancing the time with the minute hand, as to make it chime and strike. Then slowly the weight will come down enough to be able to activate and run the strike on its own.



Changing a Clock Cable
Changing a clock cable requires the movement to be out of the clock case. These instructions refer to post WW2 modern grandfather units of German origin, however all makes have a similar method. Swapping the cable is easy. There is a big hole and a little hole on the cable mount.
The cable end fits into the big hole, then slides over to seat into the little hole. When the lock is set, it seats in securely. It's the same basic theme on both ends of the cable, meaning, one slot being in the cable drum itself and the other on the movement.
The cable drum side of the cable
To remove, lift the cable up from the oblong hole on the drum and slide it over to the big side. The cables have ends made of brass on them. These get slid over from the small side of the slot on the cable drum to the larger slot. It will release so as to remove it from the clock movement.
The other end of the cable
The movement itself would normally have the plates set for the cable ends. The cables have round brass ends on them and these lock into a plate on the movement.
This plate will have a small hole leading to a big hole. To remove the cable it requires only lifting the end and moving over to the big hole and out.
Grandfather Clock Replacement Cable
Original factory replacement grandfather clock replacement cable for German clock movements. The cables are original and sometimes vary slightly in lengths. They already have the ends that lock into the clock movement.
Get the movement number
In the above drop down list there are a few options. The first step is to get the movement numbers off of the back plate of the movement itself. This would be numbers right off the brass back plate.
Sometimes there are side access panels that can take out so that you can reach a cell phone inside and take a picture of the back plate to get the numbers. With this information known, then the choice can be selected on the above drop down menu to get the right cable.
Ordering the cable
After the movement number is known, use only the first part of the number to match it with the drop down list. Such as if having an 1161-853BS 114cm movement, one would simply want the cable for Hermle 1161 Series. Please note, the K series cable will also fit the MSU units made by Kieninger, and will also fit the Urgos UW32 series.
I have a frayed cable (right facing) on a Set Thomas grandfather clock vintage early 1980s. Numbers on back of movement are 8306 and A415-003. Do you have a replacement? and is it a difficult repair? Thank you.
Please order the cable for an 1161 unit from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/genuine-replacement-cable-for-grandfather-clocks
Your unit is 1161 series in disguise
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you for the info. I ordered cable. Any tips on replacement of cable without removing movement?
Not easy to do. Take movement out of the case. See instructions
Here is the link
https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-cable-driven-movement-only-instructions.html
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
James, I removed the old cable and discovered it is about 17 inches shorter than the replacement cable you just sent to me, 73″ vs 88.5″. Do I have to modify/shorten the replacement cable? or will the longer replacement cable work?
No, its perfect as it is. Just install it and your done
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I installed the new cable without problem, but the longer cable does affect the weight position. Weight stops about 6-7 inches from top when winding it up and goes 6-7 inches lower on the downside. I just need to be careful winding it up and don’t let it get to the bottom before winding. Correct solution would be to shorten the new cable to the original cable length, or perhaps you could add a cable of the correct length to your product line. Thank you for your help and for supplying quality products, P.S. I was able to replace cable without removing the movement because the take up drum has clear access.
Thank you for the feedback
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you . . . we will give it a try.
have an older Ridgeway Model 114, need a new cable and cable cover (plastic) can you help or dealer only?
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
Do do have a tip about getting the clock information from the back of the clock without disassembly?? We have a Howard Miller model 611-080 that has the information engraved into the metal clock back and I will need a replacement cable. It’s difficult to see the information without dissembling it. I thought you folks might have a hint to do this. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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 Patton Jones tall case grandfather clock that needs a new cable. I cannot find any movement numbers on it. Can you tell me what size cable I need?
Please email some pics of the movement and ask this same question to clockworks@clockworks.com
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard Miller grandfather clock, model 648-910. When looking at the clock, the cable on the left has broken. What do I need to order? Thank you.
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 need to replace the 3 cables in Howard Miller grandfather clock movement PL93. What do I need to order? Thanks
Do not have the cable for that obsolete movement. That unit is over 40 years old and it is time to replace it anyway. The new unit comes with cables. However as stated it is no longer available but we have a conversion.
Please order the Jauch PL93 conversion from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/jauch-pl93-clock-movement-kit
Be sure to read the text that describes the requirements to be done for the conversion to take place on that very same page
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi I have a clock with a Hermle 2061-853 114CM/60 mechanism. I am in need of a center cable but the drop down menu does not have this model. Do you carry this item? Thanks!
It is the same as the 1161 cable
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a grandfather clock with a Gilbert movement dated 1912. It has broken the chime cable twice recently and feels like the mechanism is grinding slightly when it is wound. My guess is that the barrel shaft bearings need to be re-bushed. Anything special I should look at to confirm and tell the local clock maker? The local guy is vvvveeeeerrrryyyy slow on repairs, so if is something I could do (?) it might be good. The clock runs and chimes fine and has a good beat if thast helps.
Greg if you ship the movement alone to us you can then rest assure the clock will be done the right way. The hard way.
If interested please email some pics of the clock and movement to clockworks@clockworks.com
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I found a clock with a Howard Miller Clock with a 1161-853BS 114cm that doesn’t have weights or pendulum. It does have the pulleys, what would I need to order to get it going again?
Hi,
That clock takes 1 weight at 7.7LBS and two weights at 9.9LBS from this link if the pendulum bob diameter is 8 1/2 inches wide or more
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-weights.html
Or it takes 2 weights at 7.7LBS and 1 weight at 9.9LBS from this link if the pendulum bob is less than 8 1/2 inches wide
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-weights.html
The heaviest weight would go on your right as you face the clock.
The lightest weight will go on your left as you face the clock.
The middle is light or heavy depending on the bob diameter.
(The larger bob diameters require more weight in the center.)
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Very nice quality and professional staff!
Thank you, glad it worked out
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Gave the wrong number for my Ridgeway. It is 114 CM. Need cable with ends if possible
Hi,
It would need the 90-100 inch hermle cable
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
We have a ridgeway grandfather clock that needs a cable. It is movement #461-853B. It is 91.5 inches long without the ends. What diameter do we need and do you have them?
Hi,
It would need the 90-100 inch hermle cable
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
How do I replace one of the cables on a Charles R Sligh Grandfather Clock.The cable broke and now has been Wound up and inside and stuck around the barrel I belive that is what its called. This would be the cable when you face the clock its to the right. Please advise.
Hi,
That is the chime cable. Your on the right page for the cable, only need to get the movement numbers off of the back plate of the movement itself. If there is question on what cable to get, please provide those numbers and I will let you know
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi do you know how long of a replacement cable I would need for a Hermle 1161-853BS 94cm?
Thanks Mike
It is from 90 to 100 inches long. This link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/genuine-replacement-cable-for-grandfather-clocks
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a ridgeway 900 series grandfather clock with a broken cable. How to I fix it and what do I need?
We need the movement numbers off of the back plate of the movement itself please
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html
https://www.clockworks.com/?post_type=product&s=Cable
James
I have an old grandfather clock with 40 pound weights. Will this cable work? If not what gauge of thickness cable do I need and do you know where I can get it? Thanks.
how do you loosen the cables when they been tightened a little to much
Hi,
See this link on the topic
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/grandfather-clock-weights-stuck
James
Hello, can you tell me how to reconnect a clock cable that has come free on one side of a German tall wall clock made by Ramcrwft?
From here, hard to say. Maybe some pics would help.
James
Many Thanks !
James and Donna Stoudenmire http://www.clockworks.com 124 Goss Hill = UPS Mailing PO Box 339 = USPS Mailing Huntington, MA 01050 USA clockworks@clockworks.com
Virus-free.
http://www.avg.com
Virus-free.
http://www.avg.com