FIXING a grandfather’s clock (weights pulled too far up) removing stubborn weights

[@margaretantoine9121]

This was wonderful my husband now deceased loved his clock, I pulled the chain too far and with your help I managed to free the chain and again enjoying my husbands clock. Thank you ever so much

[@richardleach8102]

Sorry for your loss, a real nice guy, it seemed.

[@franklobo5876]

THANKS !! My Grandparents passed away 5 years ago and I was given their Hamilton Grandfather Clock that I grew up listening to. But it was stuck. Now its working again.!!

[@jamesford3648]

The BEST Video and EXPLANATION I have ever seen about Grandfather clocks. I FOLLOWED ur DIRECTIONS to a “T” for a clock that was in my wife’s family and didn’t run since 2001. It WORKS BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for everything.

[@lorrainechittock]

OH WOW! I just made a deal with my landlord in Tanzania. He gets the big screen tv to give to another renter, I get the grandfather clock! It arrived yesterday. Weights pulled WAAAAY up high. I'm so glad I found your video!!!!!!!

[@chadbrubaker2003]

A lot of information in a short amount of time. Thank you for your efficiency! I will certainly watch it again.

[@lindab5513]

Thank you so much!! We're in the process of packing up for a move and I wanted to remove the pendulum, etc. I didn't realize I had one pulled up so high and was sick thinking I'd have to pay to have someone remove it and then pay AGAIN to set it up across the state when we settled again. Now if only you were there to get it set back up!!

[@theresaim6660]

So glad I found your video. My grandmother clock which is 46 years old had the strike weight stuck because it was pulled up too far. Using your video I was able to release that weight and the problem is solved. This saved us a lot of money for something that was very simple to resolve. Thank you so much for your video and for sharing your expertise.

[@ariannaborkowski2597]

Just bought a grandfather clock from goodwill! Looks like the previous owner took the old weight off then pulled the chain up to far! Super helpful so I can try to get it working!

[@markmeador48]

very good video my grand-father clock had the same exact problem.people before me had weights to high.was jamed up one weight had came loose and fell to the bottom.two half-weights in bottom of clock your video was excellant.we fixed weights took it apart cleaned it up a bit oiled it up with one drop of clock oil running like it should be..

[@davidadkins6431]

I'm so happy I found your information. I have a Grandfather clock that belonged to my father. (I'm 67) It has three weights only one is working. The clock works all except for two weights. I live a hundred miles from the clock smith. It is six foot tall and almost all glass. So, I don't dare try to transport it. I've fixed and repaired things since I was a kid. Watching your video showed me what not to do. WD40 would have been something I would have tried to use. I saw that it is delicate but not as delicate as I was concerned it would be. So, now I'm going to see if it just needs a good (gentle 😊) cleaning 🧹🧼🧹. Thank you!

[@joequillun7790]

Thanks a ton for this information. I have a clock very similar to the one in your video. The comment you made about not mixing up the weights, cured (one) of my problems. Now if I can figure out how to adjust the timing of the chimes. Mines 5 mins off.

[@markmeador48]

joe my clock has same problem we fixed the main part of the clock mine chimes 10 minutes off before the hour and on the half hour.if ya find a way to fix that let me know.i watched videos on how to set the hours & minutes.but the 10 minutes can't seem to get that wright..

[@-MOS-]

Thank you for making this. It was more informative then you can believe. We have one that was passed down but stopped working. I never realized the weights were different. Aaand the oil 🤦‍♂️dang I wish I knew this 4 years ago.

[@calicokia5245]

Thank you so much, we had a reverse situation where the left chime would not go up. We followed your instructions, cleaned a little bit & works fine

[@Alan-jx7uk]

Good, informative video. I would like to add a few thoughts. If the mechanism is so dirty that it won't run anymore than forcing it to run will just wear out the bushing and pivots super fast. Lubricating dirty bushings just turns the dirt into grind compound and again will accelerate bushing and pivot wear. Yes what you have done will usually get a clock to run again but in the long run will shorten it's life. The correct thing to do is take it to a repair shop that specializes in mechanical clock mechanisms. Plus mechanical clock movements should be lubricated approximately every 2 years.

[@pattidonahue464]

Thank you. I accidentally pulled one of the weights in the grandfather clock my dad made too high. I was lucky and was able to get the weight off without much trouble, but then coul not move the chain withou removing the back. So, I lifter the chain off the sprocket, moved it to have sufficient slack and then threaded the chain back onto the sprocket. I reattached the weight and, voila, all worked as expected. Thank you for this video. I’m a widow so need help like this from time to time to figure out how to fix things.

[@bebel25a]

Thanks for the video post. I tried to move chain from gears, but bot enough access. I replaced weights before putting pendulum on and noted the 5x rate and let it go for several hours hoping the weights would drop...they did. My issue was that the pendulum kept stopping after I moved the weights back up. Seems that I might have moved the center pendulum weight only too far up. Will be much more careful in the future.

[@denniswright6134]

Thanks for the great video and for helping me get our grandfather clock working again!

[@keithlenn9010]

Thabnk you! This video was an incredible help to me in unsticking weights and moving a clock...

[@20x20Ghost]

what a great video thanks My Uncle who is right about everything overwound his Grandfather clock all three weights and broke the chain on the middle weight the hardest one to get to and the chime weights are exactly like yours jammed really tight all the way up 😀

[@maryvona7336]

Loved listening, seeing, learning. Fantastic video!

[@danhyde7501]

I’m looking to fix my friends, the back panel is nailed on!

[@chewy98ta28]

I actually picked a clock up and layed it in my SUV with the weights to tight to remove and nothing got damaged. Only paid 75 for it but got it working and made a small profit.

[@bobsquires4521]

Very lucky nothing was damaged. They can be real fussy. Some parts (suspension springs) are fragile and they're very easy to break with just a bit of clumsy tugging or even light dropping of the pendulum while regulating its length (so don't tug or drop the pendulum) but I made new suspension springs from flexible clear container plastic (infinitely more durable) and a cut of paper clip for the (upper) pendulum hanger, and the Ridgewood grandfather clock is running like a charm.

[@Colby83]

I know I’m late to the party. But if the center weight is pulled too high, will it prevent the pendulum from swinging? My pendulum stops swinging after a few min. Initially you can hear it engage the minute hand but eventually stops when the pendulum slows down.

[@Robert8455]

Thanks for the video. Very clear things to check.

[@mitchellstocker6191]

This helps a lot, but I have a ridgeway with little cable drums above the weights, chimes are working fine but the center weight for the ticker isn't working. I believe it's been cranked too high and is backlashed on the drum. Any input or another vid would be tremendous on how to unwind the drum

[@kittylouiselle7256]

And thanks for clarifying to use compressed air!

[@peterbetts21]

I just got clock oil kit with everything I needed. I curious what the container of wax is for?? Your website for cleaning the clock was very helpful.

[@sandemay2343]

Never handle brass parts with bare hands...use white cotton gloves to keep from tarnishing the brass...just a helpful hint

[@thenicesister9548]

Is there anyway I can manually run the clock and maybe it will eventually draw it down I can remove my weight/s But I don’t have access to the back or side I’ve been fiddling with clocks myself for over 20 years and you’re right it is very satisfying I just got myself into a little pickle here

[@robertbuck2629]

Thanks! very helpful and generous of your time.

[@lisaaguirre4443]

Love your video! I have my grandparents Emperor clock. It has been overwound like this and I am going to try this! One question, should there be 3 weights? I only have 2 weights, it has not been used in years and I don’t remember if there was ever a third one.

[@glemsydoodles]

Thank you so much for making and posting this video! My parents' clock has been overwound for a year, and this was hugely helpful in fixing it for them. Hope you have a wonderful day.

[@livefree6878]

👍👍

[@pureplayazgrl869]

@@livefree6878 I posted a comment and have this exact clock I need some help with

[@tglenn3121]

How can I determine which direction to put chains over pulleys for the weight to drop properly?

[@skeetercreek6455]

Excellent video! short sweet and to the point thanks!

[@curttundra]

I tried what you're suggesting with a Mason & Sullivan 3 weight clock, didn't work. You must figure a way to gain access to the gears and manually remove the chains and weights as shown in the video.

[@richardmcdougal93]

My grandfather clock stop working about 2 years ago.My wife {now exwife} wound the clock,but wound it so tight that the weights are to high up to remove easily.Do you think that i should attempt to fix it,or get a pro in,for 1000.00 charge.One other think,i know that the heaviest weight must be to the right,but which of the 2 remaining weights goes in the middle.

[@alexoshhh]

Or just chime it a few times😂 For the weights to go down!😀

[@Dazzler69]

The weights are separate for the clock movement it seems.

[@freedomlifeintherv3956]

Thank you for this Video it will help me a lot to fix mine. One question the chain came off the center weight which side should the weight be on?

[@zoidmo3388]

That would have been nice to inform us all. The weights on mine don't have any markings :(

[@christinagregoire6148]

Thank you for an incredibly helpful video.

[@tonyedwards6369]

If you add a split ring in a link of each chain near the top,clockwound, it will stop anyone doing this many clocks are supplied with rings in the chain to prevent this, a wise precaution. Always remove pendulum when moving clocks. as well securing the chains to stop them coming of the toothed wheel they run on is wise, pushing a thin round stick through links both sides of the chain one way, securing chains to the back of the case taught with masking tape (which removes without marking) another

[@Buriedvalentine]

I have the same grandfather clock and this morning while I was gone (2nd day I’ve had it) the left weight and chain both completely fell and it broke the bottom piece of wood it wasn’t on the gear the wrong way I can push down on weight and it’s fine it was there for maybe 8 hours before it happened, any ideas? (I got it at a second hand store so it’s not brand new)

[@kittylouiselle7256]

I’m worried I broke my clock. The 2 outside weights are coming down. 1. I switched it to silent so it wouldn’t dong in the morning at 7:15 and left it on silent until the next day. The outside weights didn’t move. ….usually they move along with the middle one. Do the outside weights have something to do with the chimes and they move?

[@Xxballin17xX]

Thanks for the help! Definitely saved me!

[@CostaMesaPhotography]

The clock in this video looks identical to mine...so I have a question you might be able to help with. A number of years ago the clock stopped automatically chiming on the hour. What I have to do now is jiggle the silent/chime lever until I can hear the gears start...then I get the 16-note chime followed by the hour count. Then at the 15, 30, and 45 minute marks, the 4, 8, and 12-note chimes work just fine. But here's the problem...when it get to the top of the next hour, NOTHING. I'd have to jiggle the silent/chime lever if I want to hear chiming for the next hour. Any ideas??

[@bjornjoseph]

Ty ty ty. My right and center weight is too high. Now I know and knowing is half the battle

[@premierclocks]

such a common mistake, thanks for the video

[@Alan-jx7uk]

I wind my clocks all the way to the top till it stops. It's never a problem till the clock has too much dirt or wear to run. Then winding it all the way up can be a problem. But only because the clock won't run long enough to lower the weights enough to get them off.

[@shemp308]

If a weight is stuck or something is not running the clock needs cleaning snd oiling. If you don't do it now it will cost you double in the future. I personally repair clocks professionally. Lack of oil and dirt are clock killers. On old grandfather's clock do not take one advice that it is not worth it. Get more information about your clock.

[@jesusislordsoontoreturn2178]

How do you know where the brass weights go for sure? I'm not sure if I have the weights back on correctly. I just bought it.

[@robertmaxwell4056]

Thanks, my mom's is stuck, and she's missing it. I hope I can get it working for her birthday.

[@jamlop9426]

fantastic need to get my 3 clocks working WOW

[@stevenwhitesell4066]

Can the whole clock movement be soaked in ammonia, dried, and then lightly oiled? I would be afraid to disassemble the movement and not be able to reassemble it correctly?

[@sherrycasey8451]

Wow great video tks so much I'm going to try it ..my folks both passed and I have their beautiful clock would love to get it working 😀 called clock man wants $250 just to ck it ..no work included ☹

[@Truth69322]

What about one with cables one of mine got overlapped, could I use this same method.

[@MyOwnLanguage]

Hello good sir I just got my first grandfather clock I became interested in clocks from picking up a 400-acre from the thrift store and buying all the parts needed in the suspension spring but it still doesn't work and I admit I did spray WD-40 all over it maybe I'll take it apart again and soak it in ammonia will that get rid of the WD-40 also my grandfather clock is working it's even in beat but the ticking is very quiet and so is the chiming I did put oil on it but I think I put too much I'm thinking maybe I should take it apart and really clean it but you say to soak it in ammonia? I'll try that any other tips sorry about the lack of punctuation I'm doing a voice to speech feature on my phone cool video!

[@cecilesanzo2765]

I was able to remove the left weight but the chain came all the way off. Can you make a video on how to put a chain back on?

[@DYLANANDRE]

Hey man, I have almost an identical Tempus Fuggit clock. For some reason the pendulum was knocking against the inside. Checked to ensure it was leveled, it was. I noticed that the pendulum was swinging, but there was no tick. I removed the pendulum and tapped the pendulum connector and it began to tick just fine, however it seems the pendulum can not swing far enough to the right (front facing) in order for the tick to initiate. With the pendulum removed I pushed down on the weights as you did, and nothing happens. Seems like there is a gear that is stuck, but I’m not sure. Have any suggestions?

[@aaatech123]

Good video, but what do I do if the middle chain is pulled out?

[@joegennari395]

Just found your video ..... GREAT!!! Thought problem solved!!! WRONG. I CAN'T TAKE THE BACK OFF IT'S ALL ONE PIECE NO SCREWS. I can take the sides off. But where did you get the pick... All I have are pliers and screw drivers. I so don't want to take the clock face off!! Again great video

[@dwaynebishop7368]

I am Dwayne. I am on a clock shop. You can hold the top of the white and unscrew the top half of the weight. Be careful when the week comes apart because it is heavy. You do not want to drop it most weights have a white shell with a cast-iron insert. So these will come apart the top and the bottom will unscrew. If the wait is not coming down more than likely your clock needs serviced. You cannot over wind a grandfather clock. There’s just something wrong with it to where it’s not coming back down and unwinding. Do not blow air into your movement. That just blows the dust into the bushings which actually makes it worse. If you do not have a reputable Clock shop nearby, wipe as much of the old oil, the black oil residue on the outside of the bushings, wife as much of that off as you can and then try the oil. You can go to Merrits antiques/Clock parts and get the correct oil for a clock.

[@MrWesley7769]

What kind of oil do you use?

[@georgehalley]

At 0:40 what is that black string you show when locating the chain? The black string in my clock snapped when pulling the weight up.

[@V.G.F.]

It’s the clicks-unit and it is what makes the gear stay still without falling

[@leighrobinson2438]

Hello, would you help me please, with my Baldwin Grandfather clock, the pendulum stopped a few days ago. It is almost 40 years old and lives in a humid climate. Thank you

[@pureplayazgrl869]

I have this clock! The hands don't work and the weights are that High! Is there a way to reach you? I can't find anyone who knows these clocks

[@dennischarles68]

Hi 👋 Good video 👍🏼 I have a Moathe Grandfather clock similar to this one. My problem is the centre sprocket keeps turning it doesn't click . For the pendulum I believe. No tension. What's the issue? 🤔🤔

[@hyesungsbee]

can i take the weights and pendulum out and the clock still work?

[@timfischer]

If you don't oil the clock it will eventually grind itself to death. Yours is close obviously because it wasn't running. It's really not that hard to take the mech out and properly oil it. Takes about an hour for me an I only do it every few years. As an aside, I've always wound mine all the way to the top, but mine has a pulley on top and cables instead of chains, and the pulley prevents the hook from being obscured.

[@jenniferessad2380]

do you offer a video of one with cables instead of chains? movers jammed one weight of ours, thank you

[@USSBB62]

How could the Movers have jamed a weight ? When moving a GC. All weights, Pendulum, and the movement should be removed and separately packaged and protected. This is the ONLY way to move a clock of such value and precision. My advice and only mine, in the above case and in yours is only let a professional fix it. Also maintenance once every 10 years should also be by a pro. And when handling any metal wear cotton gloves. I'm only trying to help so please don't take this the wrong way.

[@jenniferessad2380]

@@USSBB62 I fully understand, it's when they unpackaged it and put it together, we learned the hard way, never let them handle anything like this again. We were not in the room when they did this. They definitely did not know what they were doing. I very much appreciate your advice

[@dwaynebishop7368]

Is your clock working yet? If not check the bottom of the weight for direction of where it goes. Right left or center. If there is no writing or initials on the bottom the heaviest weight goes on the right. That is your chime side. That’s what takes the most power to run. I own a clock shop and have been working on Clocks for 28 years. Unless the cable came out of a plastic sheath that holds it in place the cable should be fine. If you should have questions you can email me at [e-mail]. Good luck.

[@jenniferessad2380]

Dwayne Bishop thank you for reaching out Dwayne. We do need your help. I will email

[@denaking4624]

Yes please show it

[@rktpwrd86]

i just got an emperor and have to figure out how to make it work again i hope, hopefully i can because its a very nice clock

[@zacharydurham9567]

I have 2 clocks that swing but then stop, are they just in need if oil?

[@hatchmando4918]

How do you make the clock stop chiming every 15 mins? I prefer noise only on the hour. Any advice?

[@tonygSDWR]

On the face of the clock is a lever that controls the chimes. Select it to "off".

[@tripelbier7335]

What do you do if the clock has no chains but steel cables to unblock the blocked weights?

[@williammorris4960]

Hey I just found what looks to be the same clock at the thrift store and bought it. It is missing its weights however and it seems like the weight sets between clocks are not always interchangeable. Do you know the model of this clock and what kind of weights should I get? I really want to get this thing up and running again. Thank you!

[@livefree6878]

I don’t know the model number but it was an emperor clock kit about 30 years ago, hope this helps

[@lesliepalm23]

i got a clock that is stuck and weights two tight to the top cant find the bar you used a pick to release...any suggestions?

[@charleswilliams2566]

you are not supposed to handle the weights or chain with bare hands, it will cause corrosion on them and discolor them.

[@JackieClarke-b8c]

my clock stopped working when I was in hospital recently as it had not been wound and the weight was at its very lowest and heaviest. When I attempted to pull the chain to raise the weight it was so heavy that the chain could not support the weight . Consequently the chain allowed the weight to drop to the floor of the clock and the chain fell off onto the floor also. Can anyone suggest how I can put this right. Have only recently had the clock checked over and reset and it was working well - so gutted. Are you supposed to take special measures if you ...say....you go on holiday or, indeed cannot wind the clock regularly?

[@GSG-ig9vn]

What about loosening the weights on a clock that has metal cables instead of metal chains? Please help! My husband wound it up too high and the weights just won’t come back down :(

[@kwacz]

That liberty oil is garbage. Get the good stuff. Pay the extra money and remember you get what you pay for. Also disassembling and cleaning is highly recommended because oiling a dirty clock will cause dirt to act as an abrasive and wear it out prematurely.

[@thomasprussack2860]

I tryed pulling on them weights now my center weight is broken will not stay up will crank up when I pull the chain but weight just falls to the floor when I let go of the chain.

[@MCkookbro]

How would you do this if it's a key-wound clock?

[@brendadanner3852]

I cranked my weights up and started the pendulum and the center weights starts clicking and moving down to the bottom of the clock very quickly...what do I do??

[@dwaynebishop7368]

How quickly is very quickly. Will it reach the bottom in two minutes or three days?

[@brendadanner3852]

Dwayne Bishop Within a couple minutes

[@pattrish39]

I also had this happen many years ago. I didn't have the chains back on the gears properly and I still had the weights on. Do as he suggests...lift the weight and readjust the chain giving it some length and making sure it's on the gear properly. Once I got the chain long enough, I used "twist ties" to tie both sides of the chain together then I removed each weight. When I removed the right weight, I used invisible tape at the very top of the weight then and wrote "right" in pencil. I did this with all three weights ("center", "left") and left the tape on each of the weights (they are practically invisible). Now, when I remove the weights, after twist tying them, I know which weight goes where. Then, I make sure I have the chain properly set on each of the gears. Also, I remove the weights (if possible) before I move the clock...I don't want the glass to break when moving the clock to see what's wrong.

[@sidneymckinnis9151]

My middle chain is stuff at the top without the weight on it. How do you get the chain down so I can put the weight on it. Some how while moving it in the car the chain moved up to high

[@judyccroteau1267]

I have the same problem 😕

[@BettyPio]

Where are you located I live in Florida

[@frakenfish1]

What were you holding when you were pulling the weights down, and you put a rubber band on that part? I have a similar clock that I have to tilt the face to the left to keep the clock from stopping, I have the 100% Synthetic oil, can you help me?? thanks, frakenfish...

[@dwaynebishop7368]

This is Dwayne. I have owned a clock shop for close to 30 years. If the clock is tick- tocking to the left you can move the top of the pendulum to the right a very small amount and adjust a clutch that is in the top of the clock. If you adjust too far it will start take talking to the right. Move it back to the left. This works on 90% of the grandfather clocks. Keep adjusting tell you have a nice even tick-tock. Questions you can email me at [e-mail].

[@jvpferguson]

Any idea what size the extensions springs are for the hammers that strikes the chimes are?

[@daft9097]

Best video out there thanks

[@zoidmo3388]

Really? if he's not answering or have any interaction with viewers questions.

[@charlesweathersbee3233]

need help with a Emperor 300 1974 clock it's running just not sure how to service

[@EddieLeal]

Don't the hooks on top of the weights screw off? They do on our clock.

[@richardfigueroa5471]

How would do it with a cable driven Howard Miller floor clock

[@cjoslin1972]

1:49 what is that dust cleaner called?

[@whitehorse1639]

Once winding the clock how many day's running

[@thomasprussack2860]

Yup just pull chain it cranks up and fall right down

[@boomstra]

you cannot wind a clock spring too tight, or pull the weights too high. A clock will always release the tension by itself.

[@Dazzler69]

So how does it start up again?

[@rebeccawilliams6291]

Does not work. I just wasted an hour. Now I have the weights off and the chains are even worse. They will continue to move if I want them off but won't go back down. Clock was fine, I just forgot to wind it and it stopped.

[@margieneal3929]

I can’t get my pendulum to work properly it stops

[@bobby3849]

🙏thanks

[@kaymad143]

I just picked up my parents old Grandfather clock and the pendulum is stuck near the gears and I cannot take it off. What can I do? I took the weights out with no problem, I just am unable to unhook the pendulum. I have a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock.

[@theray2009]

What model is it?

[@frankjames5292]

thanks!

[@roserana6244]

My grandfather clock was chiming and one the far left was almost down I pulled the chain up while it was chiming n now that chain is free it’s not holding its weight.....can u help??

[@dwaynebishop7368]

You have a click spring that is hung up or broken. This is what holds the click mechanism to the click wheel to hold the weight up when you wind it

[@imnotgaybut292]

idk why is this in mi recomended but it's so satisfying

[@yasminiepena17]

I did this but the left weight goes down it wouldn't stay what did I so wrong?

[@MrMikedee17]

How do you do the same thing but mine has a cable instead of a chain that holds the weights. the outside weights won't move but the middle weight works fine cock keeps good time

[@livefree6878]

I’m not completely sure which mechanism you have, the first thing I would probably want to do is remove the weight and then gently push and pull any escapes or mechanisms that are holding the pulley back. It’s a frustrating when this happens, I’ve been running our Clock for about a year and finally decided I wanted the chimes back. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of time and enjoy yourself I’ll tinkering. I’m not sure if this helps. I hope you get your time peace back in motion.

[@dwaynebishop7368]

The right white is the one that runs the 1/4 hour chimes. It is the heaviest weight of the three, therefore that side usually stops first. If the right side is not running the left side will not run either. The right side kicks in the left side on the hour. I’m guessing your clock is around 20 years old and has never been serviced. I have ran a clock shop for 28 years and in my experience he will have a buildup of black oil that is broken down around your pivots. These are the parts that the gentleman was oiling. You can wipe as much of that black oil off of there as you can and try to oil those pivots and that may get it working. Normally you would want to have it cleaned. You can look at my Facebook page, the clock nook. There is a video or two in there that will explain what I’m talking about.