how much does it cost to repair a clock

On average, the cost to have a clock repaired can vary anywhere from $25 to as much as $2,500+. A simple oiling and adjusting can cost $100 or so, while extensive repairs and overhauls can start at $250 and go from there.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to reset a grandfather clock?

Homeowners spend an average of $2,000 for a full overhaul and repair and only $110 to reset grandfather clock. It cost another $75 if the professional has to travel more than 25 miles to repair your grandfather clock.

How often should a clock be cleaned and repaired?

8 to 12 years after an overhaul, a clock should be taken apart and cleaned. It may need minor repair at this time, perhaps a bushing or two and a couple of pivots polished. Q. It only needs cleaning. A. Merely removing dirt does not repair wear. Over time as dust gets in the clock mechanism, the oil becomes an abrasive paste, which causes wear.

Why is clock repair necessary?

Clock repair may be necessary for a variety of reasons.  Whether it’s a grandfather clock or smaller antique clocks, the parts can tend to wear away over time.  Since these clocks can be valuable, it would be a waste to throw them away when they stop working.   Instead, there are professionals out there who can perform a repair job for a cost.

How do you fix a clock that is broken?

Almost all clock repairs will require an overhaul unless it’s considered a simple repair. An overhaul will include a complete disassembly, thorough cleaning, pivot cleaning, new bushings, hook tightenings, click rivet tightenings, straightening bent teeth, lubrication, oiling, reassembling and re-testing.

Is it worth repairing a clock?

It depends on why you want your clock fixed. Antique clocks often have sentimental value attached, and if the cost of the repair is worth being able to hear your Great Aunt's mantel clock ticking once again, then, of course, it is worth fixing (even if a replacement would be cheaper).

How much does it cost to restore an antique clock?

Instead of the $150 to $300 range, it will generally cost $300 to $400. If the clock plays a sound as well, factor in another $100. More complex clocks with more timings and moving pieces will also be more expensive to service as it will take more time to check over.

What causes a clock to stop working?

When battery operated clocks stop working, it's usually caused by one or more of the batteries. Either a battery has lost its charge, or battery acid has leaked, causing corrosion. Often, the internal mechanisms, such as the cogs, springs and other movements of the clock, are not faulty and are unaffected.

Can clocks be repaired?

Keep in mind that while some repairs can be repaired easily, sometimes it is best to let an expert repair your clock to help avoid additional damage. First, make sure your clock is wound up. I have been on numerous service calls where the clock only needed winding up.

How do you service an antique clock?

2:0025:02How to fix an antique mantel clock. Service & lubricating an overwound ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we'll take the pendulum. Off now we'll there's basically a few screws that hold the movement intoMoreSo we'll take the pendulum. Off now we'll there's basically a few screws that hold the movement into the casing. But before we undo. Those we need to come around to the front and take the hands.

Is it worth repairing a grandfather clock?

It is well worth the cost of a professional repair. If the repair is being done in a proper manner by a trusted professionally certified repair-person (horologist), and you love your clock, it is well worth the cost regardless of what its resale value might be.

How do you fix a clock that doesn't work?

2:517:21Battery Operated Wall Clock Doesn't Work! Let's Fix It! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe quartz a pulse back and forth allowing that gear to rotate letting the clock work. I look for uhMoreThe quartz a pulse back and forth allowing that gear to rotate letting the clock work. I look for uh you know any any damage whatsoever in the quartz - sometimes those wires will break off.

How do you fix a clock that stops ticking?

For mantle clocks with a pendulum, a temporary cure may be to place something under one side of the clock, such as a coin, and listen again to see if it's any better. If it's worse, place the coin under the other side instead and listen again. Add two or three coins if you need to until the tick sounds even.

How do you fix a broken clock?

1:133:51DIY How I Fixed My Broken Clock Quick & Simple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then using some pliers to remove the bolts that hold the broken. Movement. I then insert the newMoreAnd then using some pliers to remove the bolts that hold the broken. Movement. I then insert the new clock movement through the back side of the clock. Turn the clock over and place the washer on.

What is a clock repairman called?

A clockmaker is an artisan who makes and/or repairs clocks. Since almost all clocks are now factory-made, most modern clockmakers only repair clocks.

What causes a clock pendulum to stop swinging?

The pendulum stops eventually because of air resistance. The pendulum loses energy because of friction. Only in a theoretical situation when there is no friction the pendulum will oscillate forever.

Why has my pendulum clock stopped working?

Often a pendulum clock will stop when it has been moved, bumped or even a too aggressive push to restart a pendulum. It is not broken, only out of beat. This only takes a few minutes to readjust and all pendulum clock owners should learn how as this will happen eventually.

How much does clock repair cost?

Has your clock stopped working? It would be a waste to store it or put it away when it stops functioning properly. Grandfather clocks and similar clocks can be valuable and expensive, so maybe it is time to have them repaired instead!

What are the factors that affect clock repair prices?

To get an idea of how much it costs to repair a grandfather clock or any clock type, check out the factors below and see if you can determine the issues your clock has, whether it’s a bad clock spring or a broken barrel.

Additional factors that affect clock repair prices

Additional factors such as restoration services may also cost additional fees, especially if the clock is vintage or worn out.

FAQs

Some clock issues are very simple, so you can look it up online to see if you can do it yourself. However, if the clock has been stocked for a while, if it is valuable, and it has sentimental value, perhaps it is a wiser choice to have it cleaned, overhauled and repaired by professionals. You can inquire and get a quote often for free.

How much does it cost to fix a clock?

On average, the cost to have a clock repaired can vary anywhere from $25 to as much as $2,500+. A simple oiling and adjusting can cost $100 or so, while extensive repairs and overhauls can start at $250 and go from there.  Refer to our table below to see what the average clock repair could cost.

Why do clocks need to be repaired?

Whether it’s a grandfather clock or smaller antique clocks, the parts can tend to wear away over time.  Since these clocks can be valuable , it would be a waste to throw them away when they stop working. Instead, there are professionals out there who can perform a repair job for a cost.

What is an overhaul on a clock?

An overhaul will include a complete disassembly, thorough cleaning, pivot cleaning, new bushings, hook tightenings, click rivet tightenings, straightening bent teeth, lubrication, oiling, reassembling and re-testing. Usually, to make a dirty and worn clock run well, a complete overhaul is almost always required.

How long does it take to get a clock back?

Talk with the shop to see how long it will take to get your clock back. Do not be surprised if you are told it can take up to three months. Most experts can give a great estimate over the phone.

How long does a warranty last?

Most professionals should include a warranty that can last up to three years. This warranty will cover the parts and labor.   That way, if something goes wrong, it can be repaired at no cost.

Can you give an estimate over the phone?

Most experts can give a great estimate over the phone.   All you will have to provide them with a description of the problem if you know what’s wrong.  Even if you’re unsure, you can explain the symptoms.

How much does it cost to fix a clock?

While a time-only clock may cost between $150 and $300 to repair, a clock that strikes on the hour will usually cost between $300 and $400. Whereas, if the clock also plays a sound, you’ll want to tack on an additional $100 for the repair.

How much does it cost to repair a grandfather clock?

Depending on the required work, type of clock, and the number of trains, a full grandfather clock overhaul can cost between $550 and $2,500.

How Often Should a Grandfather Clock Be Serviced?

Put simply, your grandfather clock should be serviced about every two years. Regular servicing will help you avoid expensive repairs and renovation costs down the line. Some sort of service should occur on your grandfather clock every couple of years, at the very least.

What factors influence the cost of grandfather clock repair?

With that said, the major factors that influence the cost of grandfather clock repair or servicing include: Type of grandfather clock (including internals) Your location.

How long does a grandfather clock last?

Although, oiling the clock every couple of years can extend its life and make it last a lifetime (or even two ).

Why do you need to oil a grandfather clock?

By oiling your grandfather clock you are helping to reduce friction with the internal mechanisms.

What happens if you move a grandfather clock?

If you’ve recently moved a grandfather clock, you may have found that the clock has stopped. This is a common occurrence and although many assume that these clocks are delicate, they are designed to be pretty durable. When your grandfather clock is no longer functioning as expected after a recent move, here are some problems to look out for:

What affects the value of a clock?

A. As with any type of collectible, there are many things that affect the value of a clock. Most important are the condition, rarity and demand. Many price guide values apply to an absolutely mint clock. Clocks missing trim, broken pieces, marred finishes, or that are not running are worth less.

How long do we warrant pendulum wind up clocks?

In many cases, we have to correct sloppily done work. We do precision work and warrant our repairs for two years on pendulum windup clocks.

Do clocks have an hour hand?

A. On modern clocks, you need to move the hour hand around to point to the correct hour. The hour hand is a friction fit on its shaft, so it will move easily enough on most clocks. On antique and older clocks, there is a synchronization procedure you can follow on one of my clock instruction pages.

What are the problems with a clock?

One in five clocks may have different problems; some can be simple and cheap to fix like being out of beat, a lack of lubrication, a broken suspension or a worn click spring but others will have more serious problems like bent teeth, a broken fusée gut line, a damaged mainspring or a bent arbor. Because these will require dismantling the movement for access, it usually makes financial sense to carry out a service/overhaul at the same time. I also offer a simple lubrication service for £40 three years after a service to help minimise wear but there is no guarantee with that of course.

Can you replace glass in a clock?

Note that no work to the clock case, or hands, or dial is included in any of the above rates. If you'd like these included I might be able to help but I'm an horologist not a furniture restorer so you might do better to seek out a specialist. Glass can be replaced in most clocks and barometers; see the separate page on Glass.

Can you plunge a clock in solvent?

But in a spring-driven clock you cannot simply plunge the movement in a bath of solvent because it will seep into the mainspring barrels and remain there for months causing more damage. The barrels and mainsprings must be removed and in most clocks this means that the whole movement must be stripped down completely.