Rhythm Clocks is a company that made traditional clocks of all types, from mantle clocks to wall and grandfather clocks. Rhythm clocks with chimes are generally grandfather and wind-up clocks, and include a system of weights and pulleys. The inner mechanisms on Rhythm grandfather clocks regulate the weights and chimes on the outside of the clock. The chimes are the music the clock makes on the hour. Parts of the clock must be in working order for the chimes to sound correctly.
Open the front case of the Rhythm wind-up clock. Use a small pair of pliers to open the glass casing if it is locked in place. Be careful not to break the glass with the pliers. Stop the pendulum from swinging by grasping the bob — the rounded end part — carefully with your hand. Remove the minute hand after stopping the pendulum, which is the smaller hand. Remove the nut that holds the hands in place and gently pull the minute hand off the clock face dial.
Turn the bushing counterclockwise, which is the raised section located in the center. Turn the bushing a total of five times or wait until the chimes sound, then stop turning. Place the minute hand back on, and tighten the nut with the pliers or by hand. Be careful not to over-tighten. Start the pendulum swinging.
Listen for the Rhythm clock to make the tick-tock sound. Make sure the chime strikes. Set the hour you want the chime to strike by moving the minute hand counterclockwise to every half hour, listening for the chime. Rest the minute hand on the next hour after the last chime. Wind the rhythm clock after setting the time, by moving the hour hand counterclockwise once, and resting it on the number 12.
Examine the other parts of the clock; especially the inner spring and gear sections. Make sure the spring is functioning correctly and replace with a new spring if faulty. Oil the spring in the pivot sections and place a small amount of clock oil on the gear wheels of the clock. Most types of Rhythm clocks should be oiled at least once every three years.
Check the weights on the front of the clock. Adjust them if they are tangled. Look at the bottom of the weights where they are marked front, left and center. The weights can interfere with the chimes if they become tangled. Place the weights in the correct order.
Things You'll Need:
- Small pliers
- Clock oil
References
Writer Bio
Linda Stamberger began writing professionally in 1994, as an entertainment reporter for "Good Times Magazine." She has written online copy for The Volusia Community website and is the author of "Antiquing in Florida." Stamberger studied creative writing at Southampton College, where she won a partial writing scholarship.
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