How to re-install chains in a mechanical clock

If you have a chain driven mechanical clock, you may have run into the chains slipping off the wheels. Whether you have a grandfather clock, or a wall clock, this can happen for a few reasons. Pulling the chains up without the weights on them or pulling the chains at an angle are two major reasons why the chains can slip. To avoid this issue, it’s best to pull the chains straight down, and if you have to pull them without the weights, do it very slowly and carefully. If you’re consulting this article though, you’ve probably already run into this problem. We’ll walk you through the process of fixing the issue step by step. 

Re-installing the chains while the movement is still mounted inside the clock is extremely difficult. It is possible to do, especially if you use something like knitting needles or chopsticks to manipulate the chains. However, we don’t recommend this option. It is far better to remove the movement from the clock case. 

The process of removing the movement will differ a little depending on your clock. No matter what kind of clock you have, the hands will have to come off before the movement can come out. You will also need to remove the weights, if they’re still hanging on the chains. Some clocks require the movement to be taken out where the dial is. Others will have an access panel on either the back or the side. Once you have the movement out, turn it upside down. This way, gravity will help you feed the chains back in. Be careful to avoid dropping the movement. That could cause permanent damage.

Use your finger to push the sprocket to find out which way the ratchet spins. Next, check the chain. It has a tab end and a hook end. You want to feed the tab end back into the movement. The hook end should be left hanging down. Take the tab end and feed it down and over the chain wheel. Once enough of the chain is over the wheel, you can turn the movement back upright and pull the chain through. After that, reinstall the movement and hang the weights again. Make sure to pull the chains straight down when the clock needs the weights reset. That way you can prevent this issue from occurring again.