How to Fix a Stuck or Sluggish Clock Strike Mechanism

A sluggish or stuck clock strike mechanism can frustrate any clock owner. When your clock fails to chime or strike on time—or doesn’t strike at all—it often points to specific mechanical issues inside the movement. Fortunately, you can troubleshoot and fix most strike problems with the right approach, tools, and replacement parts.

Step 1: Understand How the Strike Mechanism Works

The strike mechanism controls the hourly and half-hourly chimes in a clock. It works using a series of lifting levers, strike wheels, warning pins, and hammers. When the time comes, the mechanism lifts a lever, releases the train, and allows the clock to strike.

Key components involved:

• Strike train — The gear system that powers the strike.
• Lifting levers — Raised by the time train to trigger the strike.
• Warn points (warning pins) — Hold the train ready to strike.
• Bushings and pivots — Support rotating arbors and gears.
• Hammers and rods — Produce the actual chime or bell sound.

When any of these components wear out, bind, or get dirty, the strike mechanism can become sluggish or stop working altogether.

Step 2: Identify Common Strike Problems

Most strike issues fall into one of several common categories. Learn to spot these symptoms:

Sluggish or delayed strike — The clock strikes late or moves slowly, often caused by dirty pivots, dry bushings, or weak mainsprings.

Skipping or missing strikes — The clock misses a strike, often due to misaligned lifting levers or a worn warn point.

Partial or incomplete strikes — The clock starts to strike but stops halfway. This can happen when the strike train binds or bushings have too much wear.

Stuck hammers or levers — Hammers not resetting or levers sticking are typically caused by old, hardened oil or mechanical obstruction.

Step 3: Gather the Right Tools

To safely work on a strike mechanism, assemble these tools:

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Clock mainspring let-down tool
• Smooth-jaw pliers
• Clock hand puller
• Clock oil and precision oiler

Step 4: Remove and Inspect the Movement

1. Remove the clock hands and dial to expose the movement.
2. Let down the mainspring power or remove the weights.
3. Remove the movement from the case and place it on a padded work surface.
4. Observe the strike train as you slowly turn the minute hand.

Watch how the lifting levers raise, how the warn pin engages, and how the hammers fall. This visual inspection often reveals what’s sticking or lagging.

Step 5: Check Bushing Wear

Worn bushings are one of the top causes of sluggish strike mechanisms. Look for:

• Excessive side play in pivots
• Oval-shaped or elongated bushing holes
• Blackened or grooved pivots

If you find worn bushings:

1. Clean the pivot holes.
2. Replace the bushings using a proper bushing tool.
3. Polish and clean the pivots before reinstalling.

Replacing worn bushings restores proper gear alignment and reduces drag.

Step 6: Inspect Lifting Levers

The lifting levers control when the strike train releases. Check for:

• Bent or misaligned levers
• Dirt or old oil buildup
• Levers sticking under load

Clean the levers with a clock-safe solution and check their alignment. Make gentle adjustments to ensure smooth movement.

Step 7: Examine Warn Points

The warn point or warning pin holds the strike train just before release. Problems here can prevent the clock from striking at all.

Inspect the warn pin:

• Ensure it enters and leaves the warning notch smoothly.
• Check that the lifting lever raises fully before release.
• Make sure no burrs or rough edges catch the warn pin.

If needed, gently smooth the warn pin and notch using a fine file.

Step 8: Lubricate and Test

After cleaning and inspecting:

1. Apply a small drop of clock oil to each pivot (avoid over-oiling).
2. Reassemble the movement and reinstall it in the case.
3. Wind the clock or reinstall weights.
4. Test the strike by turning the minute hand through several hours.

Watch for smooth lifting, clean warn release, and proper hammer action.

Step 9: Perform Regular Maintenance

To keep your strike mechanism working reliably:

• Clean and oil the movement every 2–3 years.
• Inspect the bushings, pivots, and levers during maintenance.
• Avoid over winding or forcing the hands.
• Keep the clock level to ensure proper hammer drop and strike release.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forcing stuck parts — Always clean and align before applying pressure.

Over-oiling — Excess oil attracts dirt and gums up the mechanism.

Ignoring bushing wear — Worn bushings cause most strike issues.

Skipping bench testing — Always test the mechanism outside the case before final installation.

Summary

Fixing a sluggish or stuck clock strike mechanism is a straightforward process when you understand the components involved. Focus on cleaning pivots, inspecting and replacing worn bushings, aligning lifting levers, and ensuring smooth warn point operation. With the right tools and careful troubleshooting, you can restore your clock’s beautiful chime and ensure years of reliable performance. For expert help, tools, and parts, visit Clockworks.com or email clockworks@clockworks.com — we’re ready to help you keep your clock striking smoothly.

Updated on: 28/09/2025