St. Nicholas, Burton

Work done on the bell installation

August - September 1997

At some time in the past, cast-in white metal had been substituted for the original lignum vitae bushes in the crown staples of the six bells. Besides wear taking place in the holes which carry the pins on which the clappers swing, the white metal had become loose to such an extent that when the clappers were dismantled from the staples, the bushes fell out. The rattling and hammering that had taken place had, in fact, cracked half way through one side of the eye of the staple of the Third bell. This had been plated over and secured with two ¼" B.S.F. bolts - one either side of the crack - screwed into the cast iron of the staple. This repair, although not ideal, is in no way dangerous and will be sufficient until such times as the bells may be re-hung on ball bearings.

All clappers removed from bells.

New 'Tufnol' bushes made for crown staple eyes together with new stainless steel pins. Tufnol is a hard wearing composition and used in conjunction with stainless steel does not require lubrication. These materials are currently used by Bellfounders and Bellhangers for this purpose.

Clappers reassembled to staples complete with new nuts, washers and split pins.

All the bells lifted and the bearings and oil wells cleaned out. Oil wicks washed and re-charged with new oil.

All gudgeons examined and appear to be sound. All gudgeon nuts checked for tightness.

Ground pulleys examined and appear to be in good order.

Clappers refitted with new fibre staple washers and split pins.

Bells rung up and checked for even-clappering and found to true.

The Treble Bell had a very short handstroke which made it tiring to ring. This was found to be due to the garter drop and pulley height being incorrect. This has been put right.

Handstroke stop on Treble slide increased as this bell set too deep.

The stays on the Treble, Second, Third and Fourth Bells had various bolts and screws missing. These have been replaced.