How to Replace Weight Cable on Grandfather Clock
The weight cable of a grandfather clock is one of the most important parts. It must be properly and securely installed for the clock to keep time accurately. When it comes time to replace your weight cable, you can find all the information you need here. This post will help you learn how to replace weight cable on grandfather clock.
The first step is to remove any weights that are hanging on the upper rod or trapeze bar. Next, remove any screws holding down the plate that attaches cables to weights. The final step is replacing it with a new Weight Kit, which includes everything needed for this job! Read on to know more information!
10 Ways on How to Replace Weight Cable on Grandfather Clock:
1. Determine if the Cable Is Broken.
You might not need to replace it. Weigh the weights before and after winding your clock to determine whether or not the cable is broken. If you notice a significant difference, the thread may be damaged or worn out and needs to be replaced.
2. Remove Counterweight From the Weight Stack.
After you determine that the cable is broken, remove the counterweight from the weight stack. Use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew it if needed.
3. Use Pliers to Cut Through the Cable.
You can use wire cutters if you do not have any pliers available. It is more time-consuming, though, so using pliers will save you time. Cut close enough to the winding drum that you can easily remove the piece of the broken cable. Make sure not to damage the winding drum as you remove the broken piece.
4. Slide on a New Weight Cable.
Attach a new piece of weight cable to the appropriate spot on the drum by winding it around and attaching it with a screw or bolt. Once connected, lower your counterweight onto the weight stack using pliers if needed and continue winding the cable until the weight reaches the bottom.
5. Move to a Different Spot on the Cable.
You may need to move further up or down on the cable for it to reach all of the ways down to the end, where you can remove your counterweight again. Mark each spot using electrical tape so that you know where to stop winding each time you need to remove your weight again.
6. Unwind the Weights.
After you have replaced the weight cable, carefully unwind your weights to the top. Doing this incorrectly may cause the entire system of weights and lines to come crashing down, so be very careful. Keep a close eye on the weights as you remove them from the bottom of your clock, and be prepared to catch any that may fall.
7. Use Pliers to Reattach the Weight Cable.
Use pliers to reattach the end of your new weight cable back onto the winding drum, slipping it into place before tightening it with a screwdriver or wrench. Be sure to tighten the screw all the way so that your weight does not slip off and cause problems again.
8. Place the Counterweight Back on the Weight Stack.
You should now be able to replace your counterweight and begin to wind your clock once again, taking care to make sure that you do not let it go all the way around more than one time without stopping. This gets the cable back into its original position and helps to prevent any other problems from occurring.
9. Wind Your Clock Back Up.
Wind your clock the same way you did before, taking care to stop winding at each marker place to ensure that it is fully incorporated once again. Continue to do this until the weight reaches down to where you can safely remove your counterweight and begin rewinding.
10. Remove the Marker Tape.
Remove each of your marker pieces of electrical tape after fully wound your clock back up to avoid damaging the weight cable again. These are only needed for a short time while you are replacing your weight cable, but once it has been replaced, they should be removed to prevent any further damage or problems.
Some Tips and Suggestions:
1. Remember to be patient on this project since it will take time. Also, you may experience some breakage on the cable weights or the cable itself; these are normal problems when replacing something on the clock mechanism.
2. Make sure that you have the right size wrench for any bolts/nuts you encounter during your project. If the wrong size wrench is used, you may strip the nuts or bolts, causing unnecessary damage to your clock.
3. When you are done replacing the cable, make sure that all of the weights are even, and adjust if necessary.
4. Make sure that there is no slack in any chains/cables when finished adjusting everything to put it back together again.
5. Remember to be patient and take your time with the project. You will benefit from a completed weight cable replacement on a grandfather clock without the hassle of delaying the chimes of the clock.
Are All Weights the Same on a Grandfather Clock?
All weights have a different weight to them. You may find differences from the load of one pound to six pounds. Some are even slightly bigger or sleeker in size. Regardless, you can easily replace any cable on a grandfather clock because they are all attached in the same way.
If you found your replacement at a local hardware store, it may be slightly different in weight and thickness to test the time and movement of your grandfather clock. We highly recommend finding the exact weight needed through a local clock company if you wish for a specific weight.
How to Change Your Weight Cable
When taking the weights off, you probably notice or will notice that there are two cables connected to each weight. The cable is attached by a hook on the back of each weight. Make it easier on yourself and ignore the front end of your grandfather clock; for now, that’s not where you’re going to be working.
Once the weights are off, you’ll see where the cable is attached to your grandfather clock movement. There will be a weight bar coming down from the bottom of your clock’s movement. Take one end of the new weight cable and loop it through this bar until both ends meet at the hook found on most activities. Make sure the new weight cable is as straight as possible to avoid tangling or future complications.
Conclusion:
The next time you need to how to replace weight cable on grandfather clock, follow the steps mentioned below. First, remove the old one by loosening it with pliers and pulling hard enough to break free from the pulley wheel. Next, figure out how much length is required. If there’s a discrepancy between the measurements, snip off about an inch from each end for slack.
Finally, thread it through the hole at the top and attach securely using pliers or whatever tool best fits your needs. After you have completed the steps above, your grandfather clock should be in working order. If not, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional for assistance. We hope that these instructions can help get your clock back on track and save you from spending money unnecessarily!
