A church bell is a precision instrument. Every part plays a role in how it sounds, swings, and holds up over time. When something wears out or breaks, you don't have to replace the whole bell. You just need the right part.
McShane has been making and repairing bells since 1856. We supply bell parts for any size bell, and our own team can install them anywhere in the country.
Bell Parts We Supply
Clappers
The clapper hangs inside the bell and strikes the inner wall to make it ring. Over time, clappers wear down or crack, and this changes the bell's tone. A worn clapper can make a bell sound dull or uneven. We supply replacement clappers for all bell sizes.
Strikers
External strikers hit the outside of the bell. They are usually part of an automated system, common in clock towers. We carry pulling strikers and standard strikers to fit a range of installations.
Bell Yokes
The yoke holds the bell in place and lets it swing. We build new steel yokes to fit your bell. We are also working on cast yokes to match our own McShane bell models.
The most common yoke problems are cracks and worn pivot pins. Old cast yokes should not be welded, since the metal from that era does not weld well. A new yoke can be built to match your bell and your tower space. Pivot pins can sometimes be repaired, but removing and shipping a yoke to do that often costs more than a new one.
Headstocks
The headstock connects the bell to the yoke and keeps the swing on track. A worn or cracked headstock can cause the bell to swing off-center, which puts stress on the whole mounting system.
Swinging Wheels
A swinging wheel lets a bell rotate through a full arc, the traditional style of swing. If your bell no longer swings freely, the wheel is often the reason why. We supply and install replacement wheels.
Bell Frames
The frame is the structural base that holds everything in place inside the tower. Frames take a lot of stress over the decades. If yours is rusting, cracking, or no longer level, we can build a new custom frame and ship it to your site, or send our team to install it.
Ropes, Leather Straps, and Rubber Pads
These parts wear out the fastest, since they take the most daily use. Ropes fray. Leather straps dry out and crack. Rubber pads compress and lose their cushion. They're easy to overlook, but worn pads and straps affect how the bell sounds, and can cause damage over time. We stock replacements for all three.
Bolts
Bell hardware takes constant vibration and weather. We supply the right bolts and hardware for bell installations, so you're not stuck using standard fasteners that were never rated for the job.
Not Sure What Bell Parts You Need?
If you're not sure which part your bell needs, call us. We'll ask a few questions and point you in the right direction, whether that's a simple part or a full inspection. If you want help with church bell repair, we do that as well.
