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I just purchased a belgian grandfather clock that I was told

 

Customer Question

I just purchased a belgian grandfather clock that I was told worked, but did not chime. I bought it because it has an art deco face and Ive been looking for one like that for ages. I dont think anyone in the store knew anything about clocks.
There are three weights and six chains. Why 6? There is nothing on the bottom of the weights to determine which hang where- they all feel about the same weight to me. Any ideas how I set this up properly? Do I connect two chains to one weight? I should also say that 3 chains have a circle at the end and 3 have more of a bell shape outline on the end.

 



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Submitted: 294 days and 16 hours ago.
Category: Clock Repair
Value: $39
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Will replied 294 days and 15 hours ago.

Is there a maker name on the dial or works?

Customer replied 294 days and 15 hours ago.

There is no name just a tiny little G B on the face under a teeny crown

Customer replied 294 days and 14 hours ago.

Relist: Other.
I didn't really get an answer, just a question. I did figure out its a gustav Becker clock

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Expert:  Will replied 294 days and 3 hours ago.

Sorry, but I am not online 24-7. I will opt out so another expert can assist you.

Customer replied 294 days and 2 hours ago.

well if you think you can help me now- that would be great though Im afraid it might need some servicing that I cant handle. Unless you think you can walk me through?

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Expert:  Will replied 294 days and 2 hours ago.

You either have spare chains or sections of splice...and you will need to weigh each weight to determine where they should be properly installed. Each chain goes over a sprocket. I can't tell you what direction they go without knowing a lot more about the movement but can tell you how to figure it out yourself. They may not all turn in the same direction. Often times one turns the opposite direction than the other two.
Look or feel up underneath and find each of the sprockets. Each sprocket will only turn one direction. You need to feed the chain up the side that will pull the chain over the top and down the other side. When you get the chain to grab the sprocket, push the sprocket with your finger or a screwdriver to make the chain go up inside.
IMPORTANT: Take the end piece off the chain before feeding it up there. It's easiest to take off the pull end entirely, not the hook-- you will need the hook to be on the end that the weight hangs from. Don't be concerned if you take the wrong end off. You can switch them later after you get the chains on the clock. Open up one link of the chain and remove the end piece. After you get the chains on you can put the end pieces back on and close the chain link up. If you leave that piece on it may jam up inside the movement and cause you more trouble...so first, the weight issue.

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Be aware that the following weight placement rules are for "modern" grandfather
clocks and may not apply on many antique American, English, or Continental
grandfather clocks! Each weight provides the motive power necessary to operate the time, chime and strike trains of a clock. The weights simply store the energy that you exert when you either pull the chain or crank the lever, that raise up the weights.

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While the brass weight shells of your grandfather clock are equal in length and
diameter, and may look the same, they all contain a lead or steel insert which
may be of different heights. The resulting difference in weight means that you
must be careful when hanging your weights.

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There is one general rule to use when hanging unmarked clock weights. If your grandfather clock is equipped with a wood stick pendulum, hang the heaviest weight on the right side chime train as it needs more power to run all of the independant chime hammers. The other two equal and lighter weights should be placed in any order on the left side strike train and center time train. If your clock has a lyre pendulum with a pendulum bob of 6.5 inches in diameter or more, then place the lightest weight on the left side strike train and the other two equal heavier weights on the center time train and the right side chime train in any order. Remember, it's right or left from your view towards the grandfather.

 
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