Church Bell Service Demystified

We started servicing church bells in 1978 for Schulmerich Carillons in Sellersville, PA. From that point on, it was exciting to meet all the memorable clergy and church administrative personnel as we performed sales and installations of bell-ringing products in Upstate NY. Fast forward to today, the equipment has become more sophisticated and compact, or, as we would say, it has a smaller footprint. The result is the exact heartfelt moment of the age-old sound of a cast bronze bell ringing. On this page, we will show you some of the mechanical items needed to ring a bell. For our technicians, bell work is a labor of love, which gives each of us a sense of accomplishment as we depart a completed installation or a service call. Our customers' satisfaction is our number one priority.

tower with 3 bell peal  https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service
tower with 3 bell peal  https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service

Pictured here is a bell tower containing three cast bells commonly referred to as a three-bell peal. After many years in the harsh Central New York weather, this installation needs some much-needed maintenance.

The church has opted to install new inside strikers and new bell mounting hardware.

The pictures below are of bell equipment that is in need of replacement.

Old Style Striker
Old Style Striker
worn bell mounting   https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service
worn bell mounting   https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service

To the left is a picture of an old-style external bell hammer, which is used to strike the bell for a tolling sound. This is how the sound of a funeral toll or the hour strike is produced on some old bell installations.

This picture shows the effects of weather and time, as corrosion has rendered the hanging support of this bell in the 3-bell tower above unsafe.

Shown is an old-style internal bell striker. This type of striker would be used in the above tower for hour strikes, tolls, peals, and Angelus prayers in the 3-bell tower above.

large bell hammer  https://www.carilonbells.com
large bell hammer  https://www.carilonbells.com
https;//www.carillonbells.com/
https;//www.carillonbells.com/
https;//www.carillonbells.com/
https;//www.carillonbells.com/
bell striker   https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service
bell striker   https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service

This picture is a newly installed external bell hammer/striker

This is a new external bell hammer mounted from above, for a large bell.

This picture above shows a newly renovated cast bell with an external hammer. (right side)

Notice that we have covered the new timbers under the bell with aluminum. This will retard future wood rot.

This bell also has a motor and a chain to drive the bell wheel so that it can swing automatically.

This picture shows a newly restored rope-pulled bell—a total manual operation powered by a person four floors below.

The pictures below are of new bell ringing equipment installed.

External Bell Hammer  https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service
External Bell Hammer  https://www.carillonbells.com/bell-service

Annual and per-call service

We offer both Planned Annual Service (PMA) and per-call service when you detect an issue with your bell-ringing equipment. Our service team will respond promptly to all service inquiries and assist customers seeking upgrades or replacement bell-ringing equipment. Before signing any contracts for new equipment or extensive services, call us for a second quote. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Our cast bell and clock service manager, Steve, will respond quickly to your inquiries with the appropriate repair solution for the cast bells at your location.

Contact us now to schedule your 2026 annual bell service.

Call 315.569.0545