Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How to Get a Grandfather Clock to Chime in Sequence

Grandfather clocks have classical songs that chime in sequence, usually on the hour. The sounds the chime clock makes often mimic classical music, or melodies. There are various chime sequences that can be set to play when the clock strikes. If there is a problem within the grandfather clock, the chimes may not sound at all. Grandfather clocks need to be in sync, for there are intricate inner working mechanisms that enable the outer working mechanisms to function correctly.

Things You'll Need

Clock oil
Small pair of pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Wind the grandfather clock on a daily basis, but do not over-wind. Over-winding will tighten the clock, and possibly lock the hands in place, interfering with the chiming sequence. Never over-wind an eight-day chime clock, which should be wound only once every seven days.
- 2
  Make sure to wind the hour hand counterclockwise one time, and leave it on the 12. Listen for a ticking mechanism within the clock, to ensure that the clock is working correctly. Set the clock to chime in sequence on every hour by moving the minute hand to your right, to the next quarter-hour. Wait for the clock to make the chime sound. Leave the hour hand alone, for it will move on its own as you turn the minute hand. After the first chime, keep moving the minute hand to the next full hour. Let the chime complete the cycle of hour strikes, and continue until the clock is set at the correct time.
- 3
  Examine the clock mechanisms inside, to see that all parts of the clock are in working order and running in synchronized order. Open the back of the clock with a small pair of pliers. Look at the clock spring, and oil the pivots with clock oil. Put a small drop or two of clock oil on the gears within the clock, where the parts touch.
- 4
  Look at the outer mechanisms of the clock next. Remove the pendulum on the clock, and place it to the side. Examine the weights of the clock to see that they are in proper order. The weights will be marked left, right and center. Adjust them if needed. Reattach the pendulum to the pendulum hook, and make sure that the pendulum on the clock is hung back up correctly. The pendulum bob should always have the shiny side facing front.
- 5
  Fix the hammer that is within the chime mechanism, if the chime sequence sound is off. Touch the shank -- located at the top of the chime rod -- with a small pair of pliers. Bend the metal ½-inch, being careful not to break the metal while bending. This bending of the shank will enable the top of the hammer to clear the chime rods, which may interfere with chime sequence when touching too closely.

Antiques