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Please note: In this article we use the word "chime" to refer to the melody a clock plays as it marks the quarter hours and "strike" to refer to the bonging sound a clock makes when it counts the hours. When properly chiming, the traditional Westminster chimes plays four descending notes on the first quarter-hour, eight notes on the second quarter-hour, twelve notes on the third quarter hour and 16 notes on the hour. After the clock chimes on the hour, it should then strike the number of hours. To troubleshoot:
Most modern clocks (made since World War II) will automatically bring themselves into the right chime sequence. If the chimes are chiming the wrong quarter hours, let the clock run two hours to re-sequence itself. If your clock was made before WWII or if your modern clock re-sequencing function is improperly adjusted, you may have to re-sequence it manually.
For example, if the minute hand is at 12 but the clock chimes as if it were pointing to 6 (the half hour), move the minute hand counter-clockwise past 9 to about 8. Then move the minute hand back to 12. The clock should then chime the 3/4 hour. Repeat the above one more time and the clock should chime the full hour when the minute hand points to 12. Once the chimes are sequenced correctly, set the time by moving the minute hand clockwise to the time. As you are doing this, pause as the hand passes every quarter hour mark to allow the clock to chime. If a modern clock returns to being out of sequence, then the hands are probably on incorrectly. This can only happen if someone has previously taken the hands off for some reason or if a hand is very loose on its bushing. 
40 Comments
4/27/2018 05:06:06 pm
It's great that this article talks about how the first step to check why your clock isn't properly chiming is to check that the lever isn't set to "silent" mode. I also like that you explain several other common issues and how to repair them. If you don't have the right tools or don't feel like you can do it, it would probably be a good idea to hire a professional that specializes in clock repair services so that the right equipment and procedures are used to fix the issue. 4/27/2018 10:16:38 pm
It is always a good option to call a professional. It will cost some money, but it can save money in the long run.
Chris
11/9/2020 08:53:06 pm
My Grandfather clock from Berlin stopped chiming since the last time I pulled the weight chains, as my mother taught me. The clock is keeping time but not engaging the gears at the hour & the half hour. The weights are also not moving, even though the pendulum is swinging evenly. Help! I have advanced the minute hand prior to the half hour & hour, it clicks, but doesnt engage the gear mechanism. I don't know if that's even the correct terminology.
Scott Vance
4/13/2021 05:40:06 pm
Chances are better than even that the mechanism has worn and that you need some replacement bushings on the chime mechanism. A full overhaul is probably in order. A good clock repairer will come to your house, remove the movement, and then take this back to their shop for repair. Typically on an older movement, I have to replace between 5 and 20 bushings to get things in good working order. 7/2/2019 04:05:56 pm
It was really interesting to see that most modern clocks will automatically bring themselves to the right chime sequence. My sister is looking at getting a really nice clock. If it ever broke but it would be really nice to get a professional to fix it.
Amanda
10/11/2019 04:33:47 pm
I recently bought a grandfather clock from a thrift store. For the life of me, I can’t figure out how to turn the chimes on. There isn’t a lever on the face of the clock, nor are there strings hanging or a rod under the face. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. 10/15/2019 11:24:27 am
If you have tried all of the above and the chimes still won't work, it is probably time to call a professional repair technician. If the weights hang from cables, it could be that at some point the weight was taken off and the cable crossed itself effectively tying itself in knots. If the weights hang from chains, it could be that while the weight was off, the chain jumped off the sprocket and became tangled in the gear train. Most likely of all is that over time the movement became worn and the weight can't overcome the increased friction in the chime train to make the chimes run. The chime train has the heaviest weight, and so it often is the first train to develop problems. If you are in the Puget sound region, please call to schedule a house call.
Nichole Jacobs
11/17/2019 04:36:48 pm
I have a Winchester Dunhaven Regulator. I received it from a family member that said the chime just stopped working and didn’t want it anymore. I put in a fresh battery and disconnected the two tiny wires leading to the chime and then reattached them to be sure they had a good connection. When I turn the dial in the back it only clicks at the quarter till time and chimes. So, I was able to get it to chime at quarter till but that is all. No other time. The minute and hour hand is not accessible. The glass does not open. The only option I can see on the back for control are the dial to set the time and a final time adjuster that you use a small flat head to adjust. I don’t see any other controls. Any help would be great.
Scott Vance
4/13/2021 05:42:28 pm
If it's a digital movement, you're best to replace it with a fresh movement. Cousins UK has a lot of different types of movements at competitive prices. There are a few shops in the US as well. Changing out a digital movement is straightforward and may not require professional help if you're handy with things.
John Connor
4/23/2020 07:17:46 am
I have a Jauch PL 96, 5 Tube grandfather clock. It was overhauled a few years back. I decided to oil the clock and place one drop of clock oil in each divot removing with a lint free rag any excess oil. After that my quarter hour chimes started sticking occasionally. It will run fine if I manually run through the various hours but when left on it's own it will occasionally miss a quarter hour. It will run fine for a number of hours but then start to skip. I can see the butterfly valve struggling to spin. I've gone back in and have repeatedly wiped the divots of any excess oil. Any suggestions?
John Connor
5/5/2020 07:34:37 am
More information on my Jauch PL, 5 Tube movement. The butterfly valve which starts the quarter hour chimes seems to be "tired". It will spin just fine for hours and then it comes to a point where, again, it struggles to start spinning. If I blow on it or manually spin it it will take off. Is there a way to give it "more power"?
Scott Vance
4/13/2021 05:50:14 pm
The lack of power is due to wear in the bushings. This happens to all clocks over time. You will need a full disassembly and replacement of 5-20 bushings. This is a classic job for a professional. There are some YouTube videos on replacing a bushing, but without the right tools it's about impossible to do a good job.
Marion
5/19/2020 01:24:15 am
While I was holidaying a friend wound my clock up for me and since then hasn’t chimed as weights are up too high and although ticks doesn’t chime
Deborah Robinson
4/18/2021 03:03:45 am
I have the same problem with my Trend grandfather clock . I know the it has to do with the weights being pulled to close to the chain, because it chimes in the hour but at no other time.
Reagan
5/23/2020 05:11:18 pm
So let me start by saying I don’t know much about clocks. I inherited a grandmother clock and it wasn’t working. I got it to keep time but it doesn’t chime- even when I spin the minute hand of the clock. It doesn’t even make a “tick” noise on the hour like you think it would if it were to chime. I can manually make it chime by gently pressing a lever (? Sorry, again, I do not know the names for any part of the mechanics). The little fly will spin and it will play it’s chime sequence. It is supposed to chime on the quarter hour and strike on the hour (two different mechanisms). It has three weights with the heaviest on the right. Any suggestions?
john contino
6/7/2020 07:35:11 pm
Have mental clock under trade name of Bulova,The name on the movement Franz Hermle. The chimes don't work. It keeps pretty good time it runs about 6/15/2020 01:45:19 pm
I just bought a Bedford wall chime clock. When I got it the speaker was detached from the wiring. Does anyone know where I can get this fixed.? It's a nice clock and it works fine but someone looked like they cut the wiring to the speaker. I live in Seminole FL. Thank you❤
David Breth
6/22/2020 05:21:31 am
Hi - forgot to wind, the clock ran down. I wound it, so all three weights were at the top, but I did not immediately restart the clock because I didn't want to have to advance 10 hours. Forgot for a few days, then when did restart it - all the chiming works, but the clock isn't striking the hour. The weight has no moved. the flywheel does not move, I can't detect anything happening or not happening with that part of the mechanism. Made sure I didn't mess up the chime/strike levers. I feel like I must have overwound that weight? Any thoughts? Thanks for your time - 7/8/2020 03:31:40 pm
My aunt is having a hard time with her clocks and she wants to make sure that it isn't broken and it can be fixed so that she can have her nice clock working in her living room. getting a professional to fix it could be really useful for her and allow it to be fixed. I liked what you said about how chime sequences should be automatic if they are made since WWII and other clocks made need to be sequenced manually.
Anne S
7/23/2020 03:42:40 pm
I inherited an Elgin wall clock, model 715. Wonderful clock! Keeps perfect time! Here's the issue: when it is 11:00 (am or pm), it only chimes 10 times. At 10:00 it chimed 10 times, at 12:00 it chimes 12 times. Only at 11:00 is there a problem...
Megan K
8/2/2020 02:25:28 pm
Hello! Reading this thread—I believe I have a similar problem. Given the pandemic, I am hoping to gain some assistance online. I have a Verichron Westminster Chime from my Grandma. The clock is old enough to be from “West Germany.” I have had it for about a year in my possession. It worked great for 9 months and now all of a sudden has stopped chiming. The chime is set to on, all 3 dials are wound. It keeps time great but doesn’t make any chime or strike noise. Can someone provide additional assistance to what the problem may be or maybe the original poster can go into more detail about he fixed his. Thanks in advance! 9/6/2020 10:54:55 am
I have a Howard Miller grandfather clock that well chime but will not strike. Any ideas?
Frank Gurnee
10/14/2020 04:16:53 pm
(putting my question here as it relates to chimes) I have a Hamilton wall clock cable drive from my son that was not striking and chiming properly. I think it was mostly dirty. Did not run when attached the pendulum but a touch to the minute hand sent it on its way. I oiled the little lever that ticks through the hour strike counter half gear and got the striking to end properly. Chime is working. I thought I was done but there is an intermittent problem. Occasionally on the chime for the hour it starts out but then just stops. Everything is released for the chime and it starts in on the first hammer and stalls. If I push the gear that drives that it continues and completes. Its like there just isn't enough oomph (technical clock term) but the spring is wound completely. My guess is there is some dirt/dried oil some place that is the problem as with the little smooth push it goes; there is no clicking of any additional mechanism releasing. I intend to take the face off so I can oil some areas that I just can reach otherwise, but would only tackle that if you think I am going in the right direction. I know that for the 4th quarter there is additional stuff that goes, but the balk seems to be not at the time of any of that. Sorry for so many words. Thanks in advance.
Frank
11/5/2020 03:52:06 pm
I got into the clock, cleaned thoroughly and found that it indeed stalled at the same point on the 1 hour gear on the chimes. I released the spring and THEN I could see that the pivot was badly worn. So now I know what the issue is and can decide what I will do. Releasing the strike spring I found that one was in good shape.
Sergio Martone
10/16/2020 01:06:43 pm
I have a strange issue with my ting tang bracket clock striking certain hours but not others.
Stephen King
10/22/2020 01:55:22 am
I have a pendulum clock but the spk wires are not connected to the clock where do they go please
Wendy Cotter
11/16/2020 07:06:07 am
Thank you very much. In changing time I think I moved the hands on my modern chime clock counter clockwise...I used your methog and just moved the hand forward through a couple of hours and the chime came back.. Thank you very much.. This is a gift, and I was worried... You really helped!
Elizabeth Rose Sullivan
12/5/2020 11:01:03 am
I have a 1970 new england company grandfather clock model # 262c. It is a wind up with a key. It has 3 places to wind the clock. At 9, 3, and 6. I wound all 3 if then. Only one that needs rewound is the at 6. The clock will not make noise when it chines. Can you help me get it to chime? I bought this at a sale and I would love to hear it chime. Thank you!
ROBIN L SCHOTT
12/19/2020 08:37:46 pm
I have a Pearl grandfather clock H-451 that has been inherited (been in family since 1980). To my knowledge it was working well very recently. I moved it to CA, and since have been able to get the time working well. However, it won't chime. The heavy weight is on the right, but I have a feeling it might be wound too high? There is a silent/chime lever, and it moves all the way to the top for the silent, but seems to get stuck before it reaches the bottom for the chiming (like it's stuck on something). At the quarter hours, I can hear the "click" internally that it's trying to engage, but it's not chiming. Any quick ideas on how to address this? The left chime does not seem to be overwound, but I understand that it (the hour) won't chime until the quarter hour chime works. Help! Thanks in advance!
Michael E Ball Ball
2/6/2021 10:16:28 am
I HAVE A WATERBURY MANTLE CLOCK I THINK. BUT I ONLY GET ONE GONG FOR THE HOUR AT EVERY HOUR CANT FIGURE IT OUT. KEEPS GOOD TIME EXCEPT FOR THE CONSTANT ONE. CAN YOU ADVISE ME 2/11/2021 06:08:49 am
It really helped when you explained how some old clocks might need to be adjusted manually. The other day, I found an awesome clock in a garage sale. I just had to buy it, but the thing is that it needs some repairs. That's why I'm researching if I could repair it myself, but after reading your article, I believe it'd be better if I take it with a professional. Otherwise, I'm afraid I might make it worse. I appreciate your help with what to do if your clock's not chiming accordingly.
Elayne
2/12/2021 10:07:48 am
My 1 year old bulova tripod clock has stopped chiming. I changed the battery but it still doesn’t chime anymore. It’s not on silent and it’s not recently been touched. It was working then it wasn’t. Any suggestions before I find a clock repair.
Charles
2/25/2021 10:59:02 am
I got my1st. Mantel clock today and the hammers slightly miss the rods except 1 which only very slightly chimes without a thud but still not a clear tone. There is slight give of hammers to left and right. But even if they hit, it’s still dull. All 1/4 and 1/2 chimes are operating. It really has me stumped.
ANTHONY
6/7/2021 04:56:27 am
HI CHARLES I HAVE BEEN PURCHASING CLOCK FOR SOME TEARS NOW AND HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, FIRSTLY IF YOUR HAMMERS ARE NOT MEETING THE BARS PROPERLY LIKLEY IT S A SIMPLE ALIGHNMENT ISSUE TO CO,RRECT SIMPLY BEND EACH HAMMER ROD IN OPPSITE DIRECTION USIN MINIMAL FORCE SO IF YOUR HAMMER COMES DOW TO THE LEFT OF YOU BAR THEN BEND IT TO THE RIGHT ONLY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN LEVEL WITH THE ROD IF WHEN YOU RELEASE THE HAMMER AFTER BENDING YOU FIND IT IS STILL NOT STRAIGHT THEN REPEAT BENDING PROCESS MOVING FURTHER THEN RELEASING UNIL YOU HAVE THE CORRECT ALIGNMENT. NOW IF YOUR HAMMER STRIKES ARE DULL THIS USUALY SUGGEST ONE OF TWO REASONS FIRST AND MOST OBVIOUS CHECK YOUR HAMMER SHOE ARE THEY WORN AND HARD IF SO CHANG THEM YOU CAN PURCHASE NEW HEADS QUITE CHEEPLY IF HOWEVER THE SHOES ARE GOOD THEN IT IS SIMPLY A MATTER OF DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BAR AND THE HAMMER TOO CLOSE AND THEY WILL BE DULL TO FAR AND YOU WILL EITHER GET NOTHING OR JUST A TINK SOUND THE WAY TO CORRECT THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE ALIGNMENT IF THE HAMMERS ARE TOO CLOSE GENTLY BEND THEM UPWARDS TOWARD THE DIRECTION IN WHICH THEY GO WHEN RISING TO STRIKE DO THIS UNTILL WHEN YOU RELEASE YOU GET A NICE DONG SOUND. IF THE HAMMERS ARE TOO FAR BACK BEND THEM GENTLY TOWARD THE RODS AND RELEASE IF YOU GET A SOFT SMOOTH DONG YOURE THERE. IS JUST A MATTER OF TRIAL AND ERROR KEEP AT IT AND SING LIKE A BIRD HOPE IVE HELPED YOU CHARLES ITS ALWAYS WORKED ON MY CLOCKS.
Malcolm Hopker
4/8/2021 06:10:49 am
Hello. I have cleaned & reassembled a chiming mantel clock. It has UNCO engraved on the movement. The time train runs well now. I know the chime & strike trains are running well, when I lift the rack hook myself. But the clock, left to run for hours, does not settle down to chime/strike.
William Langman
4/21/2021 04:58:53 pm
I have a Howard Miller three chime pendulum clock presented in 1983, To remove the face from the clock I have to remove four pins that hold the posts attached to the faceplate of the works. The pins are so tight that iI cannot budge them. How do I get them out of the post?
Douglas Brooks
6/8/2021 12:21:25 pm
I have a coaster grandfather clock 900721 cannot get it to chime Leave a Reply. |
Mike SarchetI am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock. Frequently Asked Questions:
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