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# How do I fix Grandfather Clock Weights that are stuck?

*   [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com)
*   Grandfather Clock Weights Stuck

### Article sections

## Grandfather Clock Weights Stuck

The Grandfather [clock weights](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights.html) can get stuck in the high position if over wound. Some larger clocks have over wind protection to prevent this. The [grandmother and grandfather chain drive units](https://www.clockworks.com/mechanical-clock-kits.html) often do not have this feature. When winding the weights up make sure the top of the weight can be seen when done. Never go to the point where the top of the shiny weight cover cant be seen.

### Chime weight stuck

The chime weight is on the right as you face the clock and has the heaviest [weight](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights.html). Using cloth gloves, or at least a cloth of some kind, pull down on the weight some. This is the same as making the weight weigh more. At the same time, turn the minute hand past the quarter hour to see if it will engage the chime. When you advance the time and make it chime, the weight will slowly come down. This will hopefully be enough to activate and run the chime on its own.

### Time weight stuck

The time [weight](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights.html) is the center weight which can be light or heavy depending on bob size. This is the hardest weight to deal with out of the three. Try pulling down some while swinging the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/german-mechanical-clock-pendulums.html). See if it starts running on its own when letting go. If this does not work, take off the pendulum. All it will have is the pendulum leader hanging on the back of the movement.

This will make it tick tock faster than if the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/german-mechanical-clock-pendulums.html) was on. The [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) will tick tock faster as you pull down some on the weight. The [weight](https://www.clockworks.com/product/polished-clock-weight) will then come down enough to run the clock. If all else fails, and it’s a [chain](https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain) driven clock, you would need to cut the [chain](https://www.clockworks.com/product/grandfather-grandmother-clock-chain) in half, or break a link, to take the movement out of the clock. With the movement out of the clock it can be fixed.

#### Strike weight stuck

The strike [weight](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/mechanical-grandfather-clock-weights.html) is on the left as you face the clock and has the lightest weight. Only after the chime weight is operating correctly can you work on the strike weight. If the clock does not run through the chime sequence it will not get to where it strikes out the hours. With some cloth gloves on, or at least a cloth of some kind, pull down on the weight some.

Again, this is the same as making the weight weigh more. Doing this will make the clock strike. Advance the minute hand and let it chime each quarter until it plays the top of the hour song. Then pull a little on the weight when it’s supposed to strike out the hours. Keep advancing the time with the minute hand, as to make it chime and strike. Then slowly the weight will come down enough to be able to activate and run the strike on its own.

_The content of this website is copyright by [Clockworks](https://www.facebook.com/ClockworksUSA) and written by [James Stoudenmire](https://www.facebook.com/james.stoudenmire) in year 2020_

Last Updated: 2 months ago in

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