How to Make Grandfather Clock Weights from Tin Cans

Determine the appropriate weight needed for your grandfather clock. Contact the manufacturer, measure the original weights or contact a clock repair shop for the best information. Each grandfather clock will be different based on manufacturer and whether they are cable or chain drive.

If necessary, use a can opener to remove the lid from each tin can. Empty the contents and rinse each can clean. Fill each can with sand until it isthe appropriate weight for your Grandfather clock. Each can weight may need to be a different weight amount. Replace the lid on the tin can and seal each one with super glue. Spray paint the tin cans faux bronze or wood tones. Allow the tin can weights to dry.

Use a permanent marker to label the bottom of each tin can weight as "Left," "Center," or "Right." Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the post for your eye hooks. Pre-drill through the lid in the center of each tin can weight. Screw one eye hook in the center of each weight. Squirt a line of super glue around the seal to secure the eye hooks. Allow them to dry completely.

Locate the cable pulley for each of the three weights in your grandfather clock. Each weight must be attached to its correct, corresponding cable pulley. Hang the eye hook of the appropriate weight on the cable pulley.

Raise the weights as high as possible using the cable crank every week. Each day, the weights will pull slightly lower as they power the grandfather clock. Insert the crank mechanism into the keyhole in the grandfather clock, and turn counterclockwise until the tin can weights have lifted.