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 Grandmother Clock Chain
Replace your Grandfather grandmother clock chain by the movement maker or by counting the links per foot (LPF). All you have to do is measure out a 12 inch section of chain and count how many links are in that old chain, then match it to the LPF on the drop down menu.As the chain advances in age, the links may separate a bit so it is not always easy to get the correct number when counting. Do your best to get the one that is the closest to the number of links that you were able to count.
All Hermle chain driven units take a 46.5 LPF chain. Cuckoo clock chains are sold in a different section on Clockworks.
Clock Chain Installation
Installing the clock chain is simple. One end of the chain has a hook and the other end has a tab. Loop the chain over the ratchet wheel so the hook end is on the side of the ratchet that will not come down if you pull it.The loop end will be on the other side of the chain. The weight is meant to be up in the air when you pull the chain and not be able to come crashing down when it is hung.
Need a time chain for a kieninger mku01
No stock on these at the moment
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello,
I am looking for a chime chain for a howard miller grandfather clock model 451-050H 92cm/66.
Takes 46.5LPF
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Do you have a chain in stock?
Yes. What one?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi I am looking for chain for movement UW 7/47 for time and strike. Could you please help me choose right one from the list on your website
thanks Tom
We maybe able too do a conversion to a 241 series easy.
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement-241.html
Need some info from the old clock =
Can I see some pics of this one please
Do the weights on the clock hang on cables or chains?
How long is the pendulum tip to tip when you take it off of the clock?
What is the hand shaft length from the FRONT PLATE of the movement all the way out to the end of the minute hand nut threads?
Need to know this, the dial comes off for this measurement I know there is stuff in the way but we need from the front plate of the movement. You know how the movement consists of two plates with gears in between? Well we need to know from the front plate out, how long the shaft is that holds the hands.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi! My chains to a Howard Miller model 610-793 were lost in a move. Could you advise on replacements? 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
Hi! Thank you for the directions for finding the number. It is 1350329809
I am not sure on that one if that is the only number. There must be more info on the back of that one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi James, The number is 1350329809. Thank you for that direction, it made it easy to find. I sure hope this is it. Lol!
MSU01. Hope this is correct!
Takes 45LPF chain, this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello,
I have a Sligh grandfather clock in need of 3 chains. If possible, could you please advise which size chain may work?
Sligh model 0807-1-AB
Holland, Michigan
Thank you for your time!
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 for your guidance. We were able to find the following:
UW66016
UR 805 (or 305)
Made in Germany No (0) Jewels Unadjusted
57048
Reg. No. 427-0001-6003A
Dial no. 6436
Pendulum no. 6437
Weightshell no. 2771
We don’t see any other numbers.
Thank you for your time.
Need what is stamped in the brass back plate instead please
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a New England Clock company pendulum wall clock. One chain broke.
Do your chains fit this clock? does it come with hooks on one end and tabs on the other
or do I need to transfer the ones from these chains onto the new ones if I order?
Yes, all it takes to do this is two needle nose pliers to twist open the single link
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I need a new chain for my Ridgeway grandfather clock. Below is the info from the movement…
86
Ridgeway Clocks
Ridgeway VA 24148
451-053H
94cm / 66
Thanks!!
Takes the 46.5 LPF
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you!
Howard Miller G/F clock. SKS13 116cm number 354499 on plate.
need one chain with hook/loop ends.
I think I counted 45LPF
also need to know which weight goes in each position.
Thank you for your assistance!
Thom Huff
Please order chain for the SKS 45LPF from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Clock needs 1 weight at 4.7LBS and two weights at 6.6LBS from this link if the pendulum bob is 8.5 inch or more.
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights
Clock needs 1 weight at 6.6LBS and two weights at 4.7LBS from this link if the pendulum bob less than 8.5 inch wide
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights
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
I have a Ridgeway Grandfather clock missing one of the chains for a weight. The numbers on the back plate of the movement are 451-033H, 114 cm, 60. Any help in identifying a replace chain would be greatly appreciate,
Thanks,
Steve
Needs 46.5 links per foot chain for that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Ridgeway grandfather clock, model 322, movement # HV, that is missing a chain for one of the weights, It measure ~ 60 in length minus the end connection, Please help me in identifying the correct chain to purchase. Thanks, Steve
46.5LPF
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have an old cuckoo clock with cast plates and a mark of GK on the back plate. I need to get chains for it. The sprockets have 6 teeth and the effective diameter of the wheel is approx. 24.5 mm. Any help for a chain size would be appreciated.
Does the cuckoo movement say 25 or 34 above the bird lifting wheel that is on the outside of the clock movement back side?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I’ve come into a low end Viking series 111 grandfather clock that has no chains. Do you know the size? It’s part m-173b. 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’m trying to find chains for a clock that was my father’s. The name on the movement is erhand jauch. I don’t understand all of the numbers on clockwork website. The piece of chain I have is 47 links per foot. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Do not have the chains for the obsolete Jauch movement. That one has not been made in 40 years.
Best to get the conversion replacement as they are 30 year units at best. The new one will come with chains / leader / suspension spring and already oiled.
Please order the Jauch77 conversion kit from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/clock-movements/mechanical-movements/jauch-clock-movement
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Does it say PL and some numbers on the back plate? What does it say
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Howard miller grand father clock mode number 610-572 serial number mf0030640030 what size chains do I need ?
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
That number is 6230770244
There is more info on that back plate of the movement itself
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Sks13 – 116cm-354-574
Please order the 45LPF chain for SKS listed on this very same page
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello, I have a Hermle watch Code 461-053 114/60 What chains can I order?
46.5 LPF is needed
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I just need a brass colored chain. What is meant by “Kieninger”, “UW03” “Hermle” and “Urgos”? I have the LPF number but want to make sure I have the right size chain. No idea who made the works, I made the clock as a high school shop project 45 years ago.
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
Looks like the name on the plate is Mason & Sullivan
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
Hard to get a good picture. Looks like 451-05011 and well as 94 cm/66. Make sense?
That one will take the 46.5 LPF chain
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello,
I received a howard miller grandfather clock 610-895 but it’s missing its chains do you know which ones are the correct replacements?
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
We have a Sligh grandfather clock that we purchased 25 years ago.
Model is 0891-1-AB
Movement 500-0002
Reg 154-121-09
When we had our house remodeled the chains were misplaced or possibly thrown out by mistake.
How do we replace the 3 chains?
I miss the sounds of my grandfather clock.
I hope you can help.
Thank you.
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
Hi, I have a Ridgeway clock that I just got but I need to get the chains for it. On the back it says 451-033 and then 94cm/66. Do you know what LPF chain I should get?
46.5 LPF on that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Can you tell me what chains supposed to be for a UW32-319H-01
Usually 46.5 LPF on those
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I lost my chains during a move. The following is the information on the back of my clock
84
king Arthur
451-050H
94cm
66
can you tell me what chains I need to order?
Takes 46.5 LPF from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
The numbers on the back brass plate of my Howard Miller Grandfather clock say SKS 13 and 354-499. I need weights and weight chains. Can you tell me what weights and chains I need?
Hi
Clock needs 1 weight at 4.7LBS and two weights at 6.6LBS from this link if the pendulum bob is 8.5 inch or more.
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights
Clock needs 1 weight at 6.6LBS and two weights at 4.7LBS from this link if the pendulum bob less than 8.5 inch wide
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights
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.)
Chain for SK
https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you very much! Very helpful!
Your welcome anytime
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Beautiful thanks.
Thank you, glad it worked out
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
My boss is asking me to replace her clock chains but I have zero info on the clock other than standard size grandfather clock. Is there a common chain I can order that will suffice? I have no access to the clock but am supposed to order the chains asap.
What are the movement numbers stamped on the back plate of the brass clock movement itself?
https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html
James
When will you get more chains in stock? I need 38lpf
Hi,
In stock, this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain
James
Hi im looking a replacement chain for my clock…. How can check which size measurement that fit my current clock?
What are the movement numbers stamped in the brass back plate?
Thank you !
Hi James. I have the same question. All that’s stamped on mine is a 6 digit (serial?) number with the code UW 32/1 above that number. Can you help with that?
Hi,
Please order the 32319 from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/uw32319-urgos-clock-movement
It is the same unit as the 32/1 but with a new number name
James
How to replace a chain & weight