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How to Remove the Movement in a Grandfather Clock

Grandfather clocks are mechanical clocks. An internal system of gears, called the movement or mechanism, is powered by weights. Each weight is attached to a chain. As each weight drops, it pulls down on the chain, advancing a toothed wheel inside the movement. This toothed wheel propels other wheels and gears. The older the movement, the more likely it is to contain worn or broken parts. Eventually, it may become necessary to remove the movement in a grandfather clock.

Things You'll Need

Pliers
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the wooden case that encloses the face of the grandfather clock. This is called the bonnet. The actual movement will now be visible behind the face of the clock.
- 2
  Detach the pendulum rod from the thin piece of wire that is connected to the grandfather clock movement. The top of the pendulum rod is called the feather. The feather is a suspension spring that passes through the loop at the bottom of the thin piece of wire. Draw the feather through the loop.
- 3
  Unhook the weights from the chains that hang down from the movement. Unscrew the nut that is on top of the clock hands. Use pliers if the nut is very tight. Gently pull the hands off the face of the grandfather clock. Do not pull from the ends of the hands, or they might break.
- 4
  Open the back of the grandfather clock. Some backs are closed by clips or screws. Use the screwdriver to remove any tight screws. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the screws securing the chime block. The chime block is the piece from which the chime rods, or tubes, are suspended. Remove the chime block with the chime rods attached.
- 5
  Locate the two large bolts that attach the movement to the case of the grandfather clock. Use the screwdriver to remove both bolts. Carefully lift the movement off the clock. Leave the weight chains attached to the movement.

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