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.
Polished Clock Weight Shell
Polished clock weight shell to replace one that has damage, scratches, dents or poor color. These do not have the lead filler, just the new outer shell, the rod in the middle, the two caps and the hook on the top and the nut on the bottom. There is no reason to replace the entire weight when all that you need is a new outer shell.
Looking for a middle weight for Howard Miller Grandfather Clock, Model: 610-440. Please advise and 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
Recently bought a Herschede 1200 clock that is missing the weights. Looks to need two, 6.5lb, and one 4.5lb. Is that enough info to get a quote for their replacements? Don’t need chains, they came with the clock. Thanks
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
6.6LBS and 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
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
1.WHAT IS THE ACTUAL WEIGHT FOR URGOS 32700 CABLE DRIVEN MOVEMENT. 2. WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THE PENDULAM IF PENDULAM BOB SIZE IS 7.5 INCHES. 3. WHETHER TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE PENDUALAM IS CONCERNED FOR WORKING OF THE CLOCK.
It says two weights at 6.6lbs and one at 11lbs
Pendulum is tricky, being a not so typical PL110CM from the top down, I would see what 41 1/2 inches does for time, 41 1/2 pendulum from tip to tip when off the clock
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I’m looking to replace the shells on my weights. All three measure out to 1 5/8 X 10 1/2 inches. Not exactly a common size, will a slightly bigger shell work ok?
Sorry do not have that size
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Will a slightly larger shell work or should I just replace the weights all together?
Yes larger shell is fine
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
The shell I ordered doesn’t fit, it is too small. How can I return the shell? Thank you!
Please send back with a note and we will figure it out when it gets here
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I dropped the middle weight and the shell is bent and the weight came out of it. I have the stem and the shell but the bottom screw is missing. The model # is 610-363 Howard Miller.
which shell, stem and bottom nut should I order?
If you order the shell you may not need the rest as it comes with a bottom nut and top hook on it already.
Best to order the shell and see if all is well, if not go from there
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I need one weight for model # 610-277 howard miller. the weight shell # is 390533F. is this avail?
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
I’m rebuilding a floor clock with works stamped as PL 85 cm. I’m assuming this is a Jauch movement but I’m not sure what weight sizes it needs. It has one chain that is 48” in length. Can you help me?
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
Do you carry individual rods without purchasing the outer shell & weights? One of the rods to my grandfather clock got bent (size: 10-11/16″ long). I will also need the top hook screw & the bottom screw.
Do not
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have basically the same problem as Melody McClure. I need a 10 5/8 rod with the bottom nut. The shell without the end caps is 10.5 inches in length and 1.75 ID. Would your suggestion be to order a new shell with the caps, rod, hook and nut size: : 1 7/8 x 10 11/16 Inch (47 x 272mm)?
Thanks!!
yes, however keep in mind the intent of the rod is to just barely thread the bottom nut, run it through to barely start the top hook, then run both in. If you do one complete, the rod wont be long enough to do the other end.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you so much for the information. I will place an order accordingly!!!
I appreciate being able to ask for help. I have a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock. The model # is 610-983/serial # MF0034890507.
The weights were lost in a move. I thought I was ordering replacement weights but they are weight shells. How do I know what weight they are to be and how do I fill them to the correct weight? Where do I get the filler?
Thank you for your help!
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
Hello, I have a Howard Miller clock. The model number is 610-572. One of the weight shells fell and got messed up. I want to order a new shell but I do not know what size shell to get. Can you help me out with this information so I can purchase a replacement shell?
Thanks!
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,
Thank you for responding. This is what I see on the back of the movement.
Howard Miller
Zeeland Michigan 49464
Made in Germany
4733630139
Chris
Hi,
Not off the clock case, not off stickers, not from the manual. From the movement =
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 hope this is the correct info:
SKS 13
116 cm
354 499
I grabbed this information from what I think is the movement inside the clock.
That clock takes 3 of 47mm shells from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/polished-clock-weight-shell-only
Or get the complete weight set
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
Hi James,
Thank you for responding. I took a picture of the back of the movement. This is what I see:
Howard Miller Zeeland Michigan 49464
Made in Germany
4733630139
Thank you!
There is more information on that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Trend grandfather with a Hermele movement and would like to order new weight covers. I’ve tried to order and the size I need is not on your list. Mine are close to one at 1-7/8 X 10-1/4, what can I do about that or am I out of luck?
Sure sounds like the 47mm shells would fit. The question is only if the lead will fit inside
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello, I was wonder if you could help me in finding some weights for my Emperor Grandfather Clock. Model # 120 weight size 101M. I need 3.
The Emperor web site is Sold Out. I Won the Clock at an Auction, But it had No weights.🤔
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
I have a Herschede grandfather clock that’s missing the weights. Will one of them shells hold 20 pounds?
Sorry they will not. Needs a special shell that we just do not have to offer at this time.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Ridgeway Grandmother clock Model 9414 Dial 5M Movement HD Setupdate 02/97. The weights on the clock says L, R, C. I need a new center cylinder shell, for the “C” weight, The dimentions do not match your measurements, Can you assist?
What is the movement numbers off of the movement itself?
How wide is the current shell?
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Diplomat model 1000-1m and need new shell casings (3). Size: 1.780″ by 10.500″.
Hi,
Closest seems to be 47mm wide shell this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/polished-clock-weight-shell-only
James
do you shells that are not brass, mine is silver
I have a stickley mission style and dropped one of the weights and need to replace shell
Sorry do not have the silver shells only the polished brass tone
James
Hello I have a 451-050H Hermle grand father clock movement For Ridgeway it says( 85 cm ) for the pendulum. the clock did not come with a pendulum what size bob sould i use ? and the weights say 70.777 don’t
quite understand what size weights i would use
Hi
Please order either a wood stick pendulum, or a metal lyre pendulum from the below links. The bob diameter is to be 4inches less than the interior width of the clock case, or less. This way it has some room to swing.
For a wood stick style pendulum, here is the link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/wood-stick-pendulum-for-hermle-clocks
Lyre pendulums are at this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/hermle-lyre-pendulum
James
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/clock-parts/clock-weights.html
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/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.)
The hook broke on my large weight Howard Miller clock. Can just the hook be replaced and how? I haven’t tried to unscrew if that’s what it does. How do I know the hook size?
Best to get the three pack
https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-weight-hook
James
Hello, are both weights supposed to be the same size and weight? How do I know this or find the size in the 1 weight that I have. I was given this clock and it had only one weight
If the clock is a two weight clock, yes usually they both would weigh the same
James
what is meant by the bob diameter, in regard to the weights, ie: the larger the bob diameter, the more weight in the center, of the3 weights?
Thank you
Bob diameter only means how wide the bob is. Yes if the bob is 8 1/2 inches or wider, best to have a heavier one in the middle (time train)
bobs
https://www.clockworks.com/product/mechanical-clock-pendulum-bob
Pe4ndulums
https://www.clockworks.com/product-category/all-clock-parts/german-mechanical-clock-pendulums
James
Can the rod in the center ofthe weight be purchased separate?
Would you sell an individual nut which goes on the bottom of a Sligh grandfather clock weight?
Sorry do not have the bottom nuts. We can offer the weight shell complete cover with the nuts however, this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/polished-clock-weight-shell-only
James
Thank you very much.
I have a Howard Miller Grandfather clock model 610-185. The center weight just fell and broke apart. Seems like the 1 7/8 x 10 11/16 Polished Clock Weight Shell would be a direct replacement. Since the bottom end cap is the only part that is unusable can I purchase just an end cap and not the entire shell?
Yes we offer the weight caps at this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/polished-clock-weight-cap
James
what order ,left to right, facing clock front, do the weights hang in the clock? There are 3 different weights in a three set.
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.)
How to determine size
To get the size weight for your clock, we start with the clock movement numbers.
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself?
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
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Hello I have a 451-050H Hermle grand father clock movement For Ridgeway it says( 85 cm ) for the pendulum. the clock did not come with a pendulum what size bob sould i use ? and the weights say 70.777 don’t
quite understand what size weights i would use
Hi
Please order either a wood stick pendulum, or a metal lyre pendulum from the below links. The bob diameter is to be 4inches less than the interior width of the clock case, or less. This way it has some room to swing.
Please order a pendulum for a Hermle 85cm movement by clicking one of the below links
For a wood stick style pendulum, here is the link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/wood-stick-pendulum-for-hermle-clocks
Lyre pendulums are at this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/hermle-lyre-pendulum
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
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/clock-parts/clock-weights.html
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/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
can you use triflow teflon oil on clock works?
Best to use just plain clock oil. This link
https://www.clockworks.com/?post_type=product&s=Clock+oil
How to determine size
How do I determine what size weight do I have