Refurbishing Bells
Some bells don’t need repairs — they need to look like themselves again. Over time, bronze develops heavy oxidation and grime that hides the bell’s original finish. McShane’s refurbishing process removes that buildup and brings the bell back to a brilliant, polished surface. The result looks brand new. The sound stays exactly the same.
What Refurbishing Covers
Our technicians take each bell through a thorough five-step process at our foundry in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The surface is cleaned, treated, and polished to a brilliant luster, then clear-coated to protect the finish. Hardware gets the same attention. We rebuild complete frameworks — new stands, steel wheels, yokes, and support timbers — so the bell not only looks restored but functions correctly.
All work can be performed on-site if removing the bell isn’t practical.
When Refurbishing Makes Sense
Refurbishing is the right choice when the bell itself is structurally sound but the appearance has deteriorated. Common situations include:
- Bell re-dedications and anniversary milestones
- Purchase of a used or pre-owned bell
- Bells moved to a display or memorial setting
- Bells returning to active use after years of neglect
If the bell has structural damage — cracks, broken hardware, or alignment problems — those issues are handled separately through our repair and restoration services.
Built for Bells That Matter
McShane has refurbished bells for churches, courthouses, and firehouses across the country. One recent example: a 1,500-pound, 41-inch bell was fully restored for the Slatington Fireman’s Memorial — new framework, polished surface, and clear-coated finish. It’s the kind of project that turns a forgotten bell into a lasting tribute.
Because McShane still casts bells the traditional way, our technicians understand the metal, the construction, and what it takes to restore a bell without compromising it. That’s hard to find anywhere else.
Get a Quote
Ready to restore your bell’s appearance? Contact us with the bell’s diameter, approximate weight, and a few photos. We’ll let you know what’s involved and what it will cost. Click the "Get Started" button below.
