Krafts Clock Repair

A. It is always best to double pack a clock for shipment. Use two boxes, one inside to put the clock in, and put that box inside another larger box. Place the clock inside a plastic bag, along with any keys, weights or pendulum. Just make sure the weights, if there are any, do not bounce around inside the box. Tape them down. Use newspaper to pack the clock tightly. Newspaper works best. Please make sure to package properly, as I am not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft that occurs during shipment to my home shop. That is strictly the senders responsibility. Also be sure to place adequate insurance on the clock when shipping. Insurance is not expensive, and is worth it. You can ship using any common carrier you wish. I have not preference.

A. Over the years, the holes in the movement plates become worn and elongated, which causes the misaligning in the gears and wheels, causing great amount of force required to run the clock to be so great as to stop it. This causes oil dry up which becomes gummy, and in turn cause the clock to work dry and can cause excessive wear. Even with regular oiling, every clock will eventually wear out and stop working. Without regular oiling, they wear out even faster.

A. Most clock repair shops do not have the expertise or equipment to fabricate or rebuild worn and damaged parts that were manufactured in the 18th or 19th centuries. I have both the expertise and equipment to customize the necessary parts from raw materials.

A. Once I have restored your clock, I expect it to run 10-20 years. Proper maintenance (oiling every 2-3 years) will extend its life even further.

A. Yes. I repair and restore ANY kind of clock. It doesn’t matter where or when it was made, or what condition it is in.

A. No, and neither can anyone else. If someone tells you they can do this, I suggest you look elsewhere (call me!).
When I clean (restore) your clock movement, it is completely disassembled and every part is individually inspected and cleaned by hand. Every worn bearing surface is drilled and replaced with new bronze bushings.

Each pivot on each shaft is ground and polished to a smooth, hard surface and hand fitted to its new bushing. The escapement pallet faces are reground and polished, and all springs are tested and replaced if they are weakened or fractured. I do not do quick-fixes on badly worn clocks because such repairs represent poor value and result in unreliable clocks that cannot be guaranteed. Many shops provide cleaning and adjustment services which do not involve disassembly and detailed inspection of the movement. They simply dip the movement in an ultrasonic cleaner, dry it, oil it, and adjust it to get working again. In this case, you’re clock may run well for the moment, but it has the same worn parts. Bottom line, if someone cleans your clock at your house, it won't run for very long.

A. In-shop estimates are free & given while you wait. For floor clocks, there is a house call charge depending on the distance (minimum $75). If you agree to the estimate I give you during the house call, you will not pay the house call charge.

A. In most situations, yes. I clean & wax the cases and fix any minor scuffs or damage, and I prefer to test the
movement in the case. In some situations when the clock is extremely large as in a curio cabinet, I may take only the movement. In other situations, the customer is uncomfortable letting go of the “whole” clock so I may only take the movement.

A. Although there are only 3 major clock movement manufacturers, each produces several dozen different
movements so it’s difficult to give a solid estimate without knowing which movement it has.

Q. How is the final repair price determined ??

A. The final repair price will be determined after I have examined the clock. It all depends on the condition of the piece, and how much time is needed in it's repair and setup afterwards. My price as quoted is final. The prices listed in my services page are for reference only, and the actual price may be lower or higher than those listed there. Many times they will be somewhat lower.

Q. Since you work out of your home, why are your prices as high as other locksmiths who have their own separate shops.

A. I work out of my home as a convenience to me, and to save cost on rent of a shop. This cost is relayed to you. Many Dentist's, Lawyers, Doctors of all practices, and accountants work out of their own homes, so why not a clock restorer! I do quality work, and just because; I work out of my home does not mean that my services will be substandard.

Q. What is your complete mailing address ?

A. If you want to mail me your clock, then please send it you:

Krafts Clocks  Michael Kraft 318 Bradley Dr Montgomery Al 36109.

Please see above for method of shipping. And please be advised that I am not responsible for any items damaged during shipment. Please use adequate insurance on the item.

Q. Did you go to any schools for clock making and repair?

A. I have repaired clocks as a hobby since 1978 and have done very well. I am a member of the AWI and the NAWCC, and membership is pending with the BHI, that's the British Homological Institute. I have studied many video tapes and have many repair books and literature on clocks. I have the Horolovar guide for the 400 day clocks. School is not a necessity for Horology, as VCR tapes and books form self learning courses in of themselves. Also, practical experience is a great teacher also.

Q. How do I know you can fix my clock?

A. I can repair your clock, and need have no concerns over my not being able to. I have many contacts in the AWI and the NAWCC if I need info on a certain type of clock or movement

Q. Will you come and pick up a clock? How much would you charge to pick it up at my home? Is it cheaper for me to bring it to you? Will you work on it in my home if it only needs minor repair such as cleaning and oiling?

(a). I will pick up a clock if you are within a 75 mile radius of my home shop.

(b). I charge a $35.00 pickup fee, as is standard.

(c). Since there is a pickup fee, you can save this charge by bringing me your clock. Please call me or e-mail me so we can arrange a time for you to bring it down.

(d). This is a good question. I prefer to have the clock in my shop to work on it. However, under certain circumstances, I might decide to clean and oil it on the premises. This would apply mostly to tall case clocks. If I only clean and oil the clock movement on your premises then there are no guarantees given, as I cannot guarantee a clock that I have only cleaned and oiled without disassembling it and inspecting it's internal parts and bushings. There would still be the usual $35.00 house call fee, as well as my payment which is $40.00 an hours, and cost of materials and clock oil, which is expensive since I only use the best.

Q. Will you use modern tools to repair my clock? Will my clock be accurate after you have repaired it?

(a). I use a combination of both old and new tools in the repair of clocks. I have an electronic beat amplifier, that enables me to hear the tick of the escapement with accuracy. I also have a beat setting electronic device that does many other measurements to ensure that your clock is running perfectly. Also, is my experience in clock repair, since the eye and brain are still the best tools.

(b). Accuracy depends entirely on the type of clock we are dealing with. 400 day, or Anniversary clocks, typically loose time as they run. Since they will run for 400 days on one winding, it is not surprising that they will begin to run slower as their mainsprings unwind. You either will need to reset the time, or simple wind the clock up every three months or so. They are accurate, but not perfect, time keepers, and are intended as a novelty clock, to be re-wound every anniversary date of some event.