Category Archives: Clock repair

notes from 23 years of professional clock repair

Modern European weight drive mechanism repair hints

European mechanism (WEIGHT DRIVE) The american floor clock with automatic chime change changes every hour on the hour, be sure the hammer lift cam moves before the chime trips. At ΒΌ after it starts a different melody. 24,25 These mechanisms … Continue reading

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French clock repair hints

FRENCH CLOCKS: Most french clocks are fine examples of extremely well made precision instruments. They usually have tapered pivots made of very hard steel. In fact , almost all of the steel in a typical french clock is very hard … Continue reading

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Seth Thomas Sonora Chime mantle clock

SETH THOMAS SONORA CHIME This clock has two mechanisms. The one closest to the front of the clock powers the strike and the time gear trains. It also trips the chime. The chime mechanism is closest to the back of … Continue reading

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Seth Thomas 124

THE SETH THOMAS 124 The seth thomas 124 is a westminster chime mechanism with mainsprings wrapped in barrels attached to the front plate (by rivets or screws). The gear teeth on this mechanism are shaped slightly different than on most … Continue reading

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Seth Thomas clocks: general information on repair

SETH THOMAS CLOCKS The Seth Thomas clock company has made millions of clocks, many of which have 2 mainsprings , two gear trains ,and one count wheel. Most of these types of mechanism have a wire lock arm system which … Continue reading

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Levers, count arms, lift levers

levers: Levers that are attached to sleeves that ride on shafts should not be oiled in the same way that pivots and/or mainsprings are oiled, and/or lubricated; particularly those levers that depend on gravity to operate. The reason for this … Continue reading

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Repivoting procedures used in clock repair

REPIVOTING: Repivoting skills are a must. The only way to become proficient at this is practice; lots of practice. Accuracy to within .001in. Is absolutely necessary if repivoting jobs in clock repair are to be done properly. With the piece … Continue reading

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Clock Mechanism rebushing procedures

BUSHINGS: Bronze bushings will outlast brass in most cases. Be sure to check for wear that does not show: that is , wear underneath the oil cup. Before pressing in a new bushing be absolutely sure that the hole is … Continue reading

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Hints on cleaning clock mechanisms

In my opinion ultrasonic cleaning machines are the best way to clean clock mechanisms, if it is understood how they work, and what they do to metal. If petroleum based cleaners are to be used , it is absolutely imperative … Continue reading

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Working With metals used in clock repair and tools needed

METALS: Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper, lead, tin, and zinc. If brass gets hot it will get softer according to how hot it gets. It is important to remember this when soldering brass parts ; do not get … Continue reading

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