"The Clock Fixer"

There are many KlockKit grandfather clock kits purchased and built during the 1980's and 90's.  After 30-40 years of service, these clocks are in need of some TLC.  Here is an example of a grandfather clock with a circa 1982 Hermle movement.  The customer stated the clock was running faster and faster and stopped periodically.  The pendulum amplitude was not very good.  The sound of the clock was OK but not what it use to be. The clock was well cared for and was located in a clean relatively dust free environment.  After 38 years, there was a little grime in the pivots.  The pivot holes were very dry.  The clock was still operational even after so many years. One of the characteristics of this kit design was the only access point is from the back.  There problem with this access is chime hammers and adjustments of the verge are very hard when the case is set against the wall.  These two images demonstrates what could happen using the brail method to adjust the verge. Crutch for

In for repair is a Ridgeway grandfather clock from the Golden History Museum in Golden Colorado.  This clock was located at the Woods Mortuary in Golden.  The clock will be on display at the Golden History Museum when completed.  Follow this link for more information about the clock and museum. Let's start off with a  short video of the old dirt and oil along with pivot wear of the back plate of the movement.  As you can see from this video the back chime and strike mechanisms have been removed.  This enabled a better look at the pivot hole wear and provided a better glimpse of the wear damage.  Check out the upper left arbor of this video.  Old dirty oil is oozing out of the pivot hole.  Notice all the pivot holes (15) that were worn were marked with a circle.  The movement was completely disassembled. All the wheel pivots were polished to make sure they were nice and smooth. The next video shows the smooth spinning of the escape wheel after rebuilding the pivot holes both upp

In for repair is an Ingraham kitchen clock. A short history of the Ingraham Clock Company . The report from the customer was the strike side mainspring would not wind.  The glass was loose.  The time side worked fine. This short video demonstrates the wear and dirt within the  pivot holes on this clock. As mentioned above one of the main reasons for this clock to be repaired is the mainspring click on the strike side.  The image below shows the original click.  The click itself was also damaged.  This was caused by the click mechanism not working properly and the power of the spring let go way to fast.  The original click was not the correct style for this movement.  The click used was too weak causing the failure.  The replacement click on the left is much beefier Another image of the original and replacement click Winding wheel with new click installed These next two images demonstrate the escape wheel pivots.  Both usually are identical but in this case they are not.  The first ima

In for repair is a Howard Miller  Coffee  table clock model number 612-680 serial number 51930327 born date approximately 1980.  This clock arrived in rough condition but very repairable.  New this clock sold for about $500.   Wood frame in the original Natural Oak finish.   The overall diameter is 42.75" and the height 16.5".   The glass top is a 6mm glass.  The base of the legs have a brass tipped wrap. The finished product along with other Howard Miller clocks An image of the label A picture of the clock as it came into the shop.  Hands not attached, the wood frame is very dry and dirty.  There is a "white" scratch on the side of the frame.  The quartz movements underneath  the face are loose and appear not to run.  These were replaced.  The case was oiled and 2 of the legs were loose and tightened. Another closeup picture of the wood Here is the scratch After the scratch repair.  Where did it go? Completed clock Another view of the completed clock. Very nice! An

 In for repair is a Seth Thomas mantle clock.  As you can see it has not run in a very long time.  The arrows pointing to A & B shows the veneer coming loose.  The circled area shows a rough area on the rim of the case.  There was no glass.  The case was very dry and the movement was just as dusty. This next image shows a closer look at the damaged brim. An added example of the length of time this clock was in storage is were a spider has made it's home inside the case right at the left top.  Note how dry and dusty the inside of the case is and how dry and dusty the clock movement is. and on the right another web.  Looks like it is too different spiders co-habitated. This is an image of the bottom of the case.  The label is still readable.  I was hoping that the model of this clock was shown.  Unfortunately, this label is just a general description of how to operate the clock. This image shows the movement out of the case.  It is obvious how dry and dusty this mechanism was A c

Here is a New Haven "Author" mantle clock in for repair.  New Haven manufacturing history goes back over 170 years.  Follow this link for more information . This particular clock dates back a little before 1930. Here is a picture of the clock as it was delivered.  Notice the face (#9) is damaged.  The face plate has come loose from the metal base.  There is no bezel or glass.  The case is very dry.  A new bezel with glass will be located and attached.  The back plate holding the face will be reattached.  The face will be replaced with a new paper dial.  The clock movement is dirty, dry, & needing pivot hole rebuild.  When this clock is complete, it should look like a much different clock. On the underside of the case there is a label in very good condition.  The model of this clock is the "Author" Another angle of the face A little dusty.  Notice the floor of the case.  The dust is very thick. The New Haven Logo The mechanism out of the case waiting to be disa