Bell Repair & Restoration Services: Church Bells & Cast Bronze Bells

At Chime Master, we understand that when people talk about bell repair, they often refer to issues with the automation system rather than the bell itself. Most of the time, we're dealing with bells that have existing equipment that's no longer working, or clients want to upgrade to a modern automation system. However, we also provide comprehensive bronze bell restoration services, from structural repairs to complete refurbishment of historic church bells.

Our Bell Restoration & Repair Services

Automation System Repair & Upgrades

Most bell repair inquiries involve automation systems rather than the bells themselves. We repair existing bell-ringing equipment, upgrade outdated systems to modern automation, and integrate smartphone control and Internet connectivity for convenient operation.

Structural Bell
Restoration

Our expert team restores historic bronze bells, repairs or replaces yokes, replaces bolts in yokes and frames,  restores bearing and pivot systems, repairs or replaces clappers, and reinforces frames for safety.

Converting Manual to Electric

Transform traditional rope-pulled bells into automated systems with electric motors and controllers while continuing to have the ability to use a rope to swing the bell. Perfect for churches renovating spaces or adding accessibility features while maintaining traditional bell sounds.

Safety Assessments & Upgrades

We evaluate bells and mounting systems for structural integrity, particularly those over 100 years old. Our assessments identify potential safety concerns and provide solutions to modernize systems while preserving historical character.

Complete
Refurbishment

Full-service restoration including cleaning, polishing, mechanical repairs, new yokes or mounting systems, modern automation integration, and professional reinstallation with testing.

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60+ Years of
Experience

We've been in continuous operation since 1961, giving us over 60 years of bell restoration expertise.

Why Choose Chime Master for Historic Bell Repair

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Gentle Restoration Techniques

We use specialized garnet sandblasting that cleans and shines bronze bells without damaging raised inscriptions or decorative elements.

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Specialized Bronze Bell Knowledge

We specialize in bronze bells from historic American foundries and understand the unique characteristics and restoration requirements of bells from different eras.

Modern Integration Capabilities

We seamlessly blend bell restoration with modern automation, allowing historic bells to be controlled via smartphone apps and scheduled programming.

“We prioritize durability and longevity in every project. Our goal is to install systems that last decades, not ones that need replacement in 5-10 years.”
— Nathan Crook
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Full-Service Project Management

Unlike simple repair services, we coordinate everything including site assessment, fabrication, electrical work, rigging, and installation.

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Comprehensive In-House Team

Our team includes fabricators, installers, designers, and craftsmen who handle every aspect of a project from start to finish.

Pricing for Bell Repair & Restoration

Each project is unique. Our experienced team assesses each situation individually and provides customized quotes tailored to your project's specific needs. Factors affecting cost include the bell's condition and age, extent of repairs needed, automation or electrical upgrades, site accessibility, and timeline requirements.

Common Bell Problems We Fix

Deteriorated Automation Equipment

Outdated or failed automation systems, broken controllers or timers, worn motors or strikers, unreliable rope-pull mechanisms.

Structural & Safety Issues

Cracked or deteriorated yokes(the part that holds the bell), rusted or failed bearings, unsafe mounting systems, rotted timbers under bells, rusted bolts,  and weak support frames that can't handle motor forces.

Access & Modernization Needs

Need to eliminate manual rope pulling, desire for smartphone control, space renovations affecting bell access, and integration with clock systems.

Multiple large bronze church bells mounted on a metal framework with clapper mechanisms, installed on a bell tower structure.

5-Step Process for Getting Started With Bell Repair

  1. Initial Consultation: Share photos, measurements, and your bell's history; discuss issues and goals.

  2. Professional Assessment: Site visit to inspect bell condition, mounting system, and automation equipment (if applicable).

  3. Detailed Proposal: Receive a customized repair plan with specific work scope, timeline, and pricing.

  4. Project Approval: Review proposal, ask questions, approve work, and schedule.

  5. Restoration Begins: Our team coordinates all aspects from fabrication to installation.

5-Step Process for Successful Bell Restoration

  1. Careful Removal & Transport: Professional rigging and transportation to our facility (if needed).

  2. Expert Restoration Work: Garnet sandblasting, yoke replacement, bearing restoration, and mechanical repairs.

  3. Automation Integration: Install modern bell controllers, motors, and smartphone connectivity (if requested).

  4. Quality Testing: Test all mechanical and electrical systems before reinstallation.

  5. Professional Reinstallation: Coordinate crane services, installation, final testing, and client training.

Featured Bell Restoration Projects

A set of large church bells mounted on a black metal frame inside a building with brick walls and wooden ceiling beams.

Grand Prairie, Texas Municipal Bell

Complete removal, restoration, and reinstallation of a historic municipal bell including new wooden yoke construction and mechanical refurbishment. The bell will be incorporated into the city's downtown redevelopment project.

Manistee, Michigan Catholic Church

Converted four 100-year-old swinging bells to stationary striker systems due to structural concerns while integrating new clock drives for four tower clock faces.

VIEW OUR PORTFOLIO
Close-up of a large church bell installed in a bell tower with metal support structure.

Holland, Michigan Episcopal Church

Installed three historic used bells in a 70-year-old bell tower, completing a project originally planned when the church was built but never funded.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Bell Repair

  • Timeline varies by project complexity. Simple automation repairs might take a few weeks, while complete restoration with bell yoke replacement and mechanical work typically takes several months. We provide specific timelines during the proposal phase.

  • Cracked bronze bells can be welded; however, the cost is high due to the specialized nature of the process and the limited number of qualified welders. We usually recommend replacing non-historically significant bells with new or pre-owned bells. However, if the bell has sentimental or historical significance, welding is an option.

  • We specialize in bronze bells due to their superior durability and sound quality. Cast iron bells are more brittle and prone to breakage. We consider each project on a case-by-case basis.

  • No. We preserve the bell's original tonal characteristics. 

  • Absolutely! Many restoration projects include automation upgrades. We can add electric motors, smartphone control, scheduled ringing, and integration with digital carillon systems while preserving your bell's historic character.

  • This depends on several factors: the bell's condition, historical significance, cost comparison, and your goals. Bronze bells can last indefinitely with proper care, making restoration often worthwhile. We provide honest assessments and present all options during consultation.

  • Our team of experienced bell riggers and freight shipping professionals provides safe transport. After the bell is removed from the tower, we often crate it to protect it from bumps and scrapes during transport.

  • We inspect the bell's structural integrity, mounting system condition, yoke or frame condition, bearing and pivot systems, bolts, clapper and striking mechanism, tower structure (if accessible), and ability to safely support motorized operation if planned.

  • Bronze naturally develops patina over time from oxidation. Only sandblasting will remove the existing patina. Standard cleaning to remove paint or dirt will not change the existing patina. 

  • Yes, we provide warranties on our restoration work. Specific terms depend on the scope of work performed. We discuss warranty coverage during the proposal phase.

Ready to Restore Your Historic Bell?

Whether you need automation repairs, complete bronze bell refurbishment, or church bell restoration, Chime Master brings over 60 years of expertise to every project. Our comprehensive bell repair services ensure your bells will continue serving your community for generations to come.

Or call (800) 344-7464

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