File:Directions for the Steeple-Keeper - geograph.org.uk - 871574.jpg

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Directions for the Steeple-Keeper

The Gudgeons, i.e., the Pivots on which the Bells turn, require lubricating only at very long intervals, say about every ten years, and before lubricating them it would be advisable to communicate with us so that we may supply the correct lubricant (Geoleum), with instructions, etc., for replenishment.

Geoleum is a special lubricant particularly prepared for these bearings, and it is most important that no other grease be used for this purpose. The lubricant for ordinary plain bearings must not be used.

The caps of the bearings are secured by four screws and these must never be removed, or we cannot be responsible for the proper working of the bearings.

The lubricators fitted to the joint pins of the clappers and other parts should be kept lubricated by giving the cap of the lubricator one or two turns at regular intervals, this cap of course being refilled with ordinary grease when empty, and it is also advisable to lubricate occasionally the stay ends of the "Hastings" type stays.

The bells should be kept clean, and any grease that may fall on them should be wiped off as soon as it is seen, as oil on a bell is detrimental to its tone.

All the bolts, both of the fittings and the framework, should be carefully and regularly tightened up. While the Screws are bright, and the Nuts therefore more easily shaken loose by vibration, the bolts should be attended to once a week; and where the Headstocks are of timber, in tightening those Bolts which fasten the Iron "Gudgeon Boxes" to the Stocks, care must be taken not to screw up one bolt tight before screwing the others, but to tighten them all a little at a time, one after the other, as equally as possible all round, until all are quite tight. The same care should also be taken with the Bolts which secure the Bells to the Headstock.

The Bell Ropes should occasionally be shifted an inch or two up or down to prevent chafing where they pass through the "Garter-hole" in the Wheel.

It is very important that no beginner should attempt to ring a bell unless he has a competent instructor to watch him, or he will most probably break a stay and do serious mischief to the fittings.

Note well that the Stay is not intended to prevent the bell from going over if the bell is bumped too hard, or the sally is missed; it is merely an appliance so that the bells may be set while the ringers rest. The stay must not be of tough wood, but must be of wood easily broken, so that it may be the first thing to break when the bell is unduly bumped to prevent worse happening, as, for instance, cracking a bell, breaking a gudgeon, etc.

John Taylor & Co Bellfounders