Do-it-yourself anniversary clock repair involves cleaning and lubricating specific parts of the clock. So you need the following tools and materials: • soft cloths • clock lubricant • glass dome cleaner • screwdriver Make some preliminary inspection of the clock. Open the glass dome and inspect the overall mechanism of the clock carefully.
Full Answer
How do you fix a 400 Day anniversary clock?
Repair the 400 day Anniversary style clock. First rule is to always move the clock with the pendulum balls either in the locked position or take them off completely. To lock the balls into place, lift them slightly so the lock arm can be moved over to the locked position.
How do we repair your clock?
We take the time to repair your clock properly. The movement of your clock is disassembled, cleaned and examined. We polish any rough pivots, replace the mainspring if necessary, repair or replace any damaged parts, and do a final cleaning. Then the movement is assembled, lubricated, adjusted and tested.
What tool do you use to clean a 400 day clock?
Mainspring Let Down Tool This tool is needed to clean a 400 day clock. To clean a 400 day clock, it must be disassembled to access the pivots and pivot holes (Pivots were described above). Before taking this clock apart, a person MUST let down the power of the mainspring. The mainspring is the big flat steel ribbon that is wound with the key.
Why does my Ann anniversary clock stop working?
Anniversary clocks are also known as 400 day clocks. The suspension spring is usually the reason the clock stops working.
Can anniversary clocks be repaired?
When it's time to repair a 400 day clock, two things usually need to be done. The suspension spring gets replaced and the movement gets cleaned. These two procedures will fix most Anniversary Clocks.
How do I get my anniversary clock running again?
28:1329:35How to get Your Anniversary Clock Running Again - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you say there is a plus and minus look around on your clock because some are different thisMoreNow you say there is a plus and minus look around on your clock because some are different this clock happens to be right up here you hold the pendulum gently. And turn this dial right here.
How much does it cost to fix an anniversary clock?
Different clocks and their repair costsTypePriceTime-only clock$180 to $300Clock with an hour strike$320 to $400Clock with an hour strike and tune$380 to $500Anniversary clock$145 to $2005 more rows
Why does a battery operated clock 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.
Why won't my pendulum keep swinging?
The reason a clock pendulum often stops swinging, after being moved, is because the clock case now leans at a slightly different angle then it did at its former location. Don't worry about making your clock absolutely level with the floor and don't use a level.
How often do you wind an anniversary clock?
once each yearAs the name implies, the anniversary clock must be wound (at least) once each year. Many of these clocks will actually make it a whole year, but it is not uncommon for them to only last 8 or 9 months. The clock will probably begin to run slower as the year drags on.
Is it worth repairing a 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 I fix my clock mainspring?
8:3726:44How to Repair the Mainspring of a 1940s English Art Deco Mantel Clock.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we all to just give it a slight bend so it hooks on the lug in the barrel. And hopefully that'sMoreAnd we all to just give it a slight bend so it hooks on the lug in the barrel. And hopefully that's fixes our problem. We've done a sneaky little curl of the spring.
How does a torsion pendulum clock work?
The torsion pendulum rotates about the vertical axis of the wire, twisting it, instead of swinging like an ordinary pendulum. The force of the twisting torsion spring reverses the direction of rotation, so the torsion pendulum oscillates slowly, clockwise and counterclockwise.
How do you change a battery operated clock mechanism?
1:173:52How to Replace a Clock Mechanism - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a press on then simply pull it off if there's a small round nut. Then hold the minute handMoreIt's a press on then simply pull it off if there's a small round nut. Then hold the minute hand still while turning that small round nut in a counterclockwise.
How do you fix a clock mechanism?
0:328:58Save Money Quartz Clock Mechanism Repair - Fixing Disney "Winnie The ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat happens normally if you drop one of these is that the little plastic cogs inside this unit getMoreWhat happens normally if you drop one of these is that the little plastic cogs inside this unit get dislodged. Possible simple fix is to open the unit and realign the cogs.
How do you fix the clock hands not moving?
1. Push the hour hand against the clock shaft. Friction holds the hour hand on the shaft, and pushing it back onto the shaft will tighten it. Once you tighten the hour hand, rotate it too the correct time.
Do anniversary clocks need batteries?
Today battery operation has replaced physical winding, although the basic mechanical principles remain intact. "Anniversary clocks" still stands, because in most cases, the batteries need replacing about once a year. The original anniversary clocks are now mainly family heirlooms and the domain of collectors.
How do you wind an Elgin anniversary clock?
1:552:45How to set up an Anniversary 400 Day Clock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd here's where you wind it on the back and it lines counterclockwise. So I'm going to wipe wouldMoreAnd here's where you wind it on the back and it lines counterclockwise. So I'm going to wipe would wind it this way it has a full wind on it right now. And that's about it.
How does a rotating pendulum clock work?
The torsion pendulum rotates about the vertical axis of the wire, twisting it, instead of swinging like an ordinary pendulum. The force of the twisting torsion spring reverses the direction of rotation, so the torsion pendulum oscillates slowly, clockwise and counterclockwise.
How do you regulate a 400 day clock?
0:141:17Regulating Schatz Standard 400 Day Clock - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn the regulating disc either clockwise to slow the clock down or a counter clockwise to speed theMoreTurn the regulating disc either clockwise to slow the clock down or a counter clockwise to speed the clock. Up. Now release a pendulum and the clock. Will start.
How to tell if anniversary clock is in beat?
To see if a Anniversary Clocks is in beat, turn the clock so you are looking at the back of the clock with the dome off. Get yourself into a position so you can see the escapement action and see the balls go back and forth at once. Now start the clock as described in the operating instructions.
How long to set time on a clock?
Wait 15 minutes and set the time of the clock by moving the minute hand around until you reach the proper time.
What is the suspension spring on an anniversary clock?
If it is bent or distorted AT ALL then it is no good. The suspension spring is just a very thin piece of steel running down the back of the clock.
How long does it take for a miniature clock to swing?
Do not bother to set the time until about 15 minutes have gone by and the balls are in there pattern of swinging back and forth with the movements power only.
How to clean a 400 day clock?
To clean a 400 day clock, it must be disassembled to access the pivots and pivot holes (Pivots were described above). Before taking this clock apart, a person MUST let down the power of the mainspring. The mainspring is the big flat steel ribbon that is wound with the key. You cannot see the mainspring because it is inside ...
Why is the hour hand on a 400 day clock not working?
Doing it by hand could increase the hour hand holes diameter and the hand will not fit back on correctly because it would be touching the dial. Using this simple tool prevents this from happening.
What is a taper pin?
Taper Pin Assortment Taper pins have many uses in clock repair. This is an assortment of brass and steel pins with various diameters. With 400 day clocks, they are often used on the pillars of the clock to hold the plates together. If you loose one, here you have an assortment of them even though these are hard to find.
Can a vision magnifier be worn over glasses?
This is really a ring clamp but it works very well for this purpose. Vision Visor Magnifier Magnifier can be worn over glasses.
What is anniversary clock repair kit?
This Anniversary clock repair kit has the basic items to clean a 400 day movement without disassembly. This kit is for the person who would like to do a simple clock cleaning with out having to learn an intense amount of clock repair information or Horology.
How to clean a 400 day clock?
To clean a 400 day clock, it must be taken apart to access the pivots and pivot holes (Pivot description is above). Before taking this clock apart, a person MUST let down the power of the mainspring. The mainspring is the big flat steel ribbon that is wound with the key.
How to set a clock in beat?
You need the level to be sure the clock stays in beat from one place to another. Learn to set the clock in beat by the directions in the E-book, making sure the clock is level when it is being done. Then keep a level with the clock and wherever the clock goes, as long as it's level, it will be in beat. By being in beat, it means to have an even tick-tock-tick-tock rather than ticktock---ticktock---ticktock. Often many repairs ONLY need to be set in beat to work - however a cleaning is usually optimal. The oiler is full of oil and is the size of a fat pen. Apply a small amount of oil to anything that has friction after the old oil has been taken off. This is enough clock oil to do many clock movements. This kit contains one oiler and one level.
What is a pivot on a clock?
Pivots are the skinny ends of the arbors that the gears attach to. The pivots insert into the clock plates. When the old oil dries up, it turns to goo and has to come off. Suspension springs are the long, flat wires on the back of the clock, that let the balls rotate in the air.
What is a clock stand?
An important piece of equipment for movement adjustments and repairs. Such a simple and most functional stand made for setting up and run clock movements.
How big is a clock puller?
The two jaw grab onto both sides of the hand or gear so it can be pulled off straight. This puller is 7/8 inch wide by about 1 1/2 inches tall.
Why do clocks need to be cleaned?
The goal to cleaning a clock movement is to remove old oil that has become a solid and to put new oil in its place. Solid clock oil creates wear to the movements outer plates and eventually causes too much friction for the clock to run.
How often do anniversary clocks run?
Anniversary clocks gained popularity as wedding gifts. They are unique in that they run 400 days a year and only need to be wound once a year, which couples tend to do on their anniversary as a celebratory tradition. At The Clock Doctor, we understand the sentimental value anniversary clocks hold. We provide friendly service, affordable prices and local shop options in the Sacramento and Turlock, California areas. Since anniversary clocks are smaller clocks, they can also be easily shipped to us for clock repair if you are not in the area. If your anniversary clock needs to be repaired, serviced or to have parts replaced, contact us today so we can take care of that for you to have your anniversary clock up and running again quickly.
What is a 400 day anniversary clock?
Properly known as a torsion clock, or as a torsion pendulum clock, 400 day / anniversary clocks are a unique 19th century clock construction that introduced a new modification of timekeeping pendulums to the timepiece world.
Why do torsion clocks last so long?
Because of their low energy consumption, torsion clocks could often run for hundreds of days at a time without needing to be rewound. For versions which could last a year or just beyond it without being wound, the name ‘400 day’ or ‘anniversary’ clock seemed fitting.
Why is my 400 day clock losing time?
Due to this thing spring/wire element, the 400 day clock can have trouble keeping time when there are fluctuations in temperature; changes in temperature can alter the elasticity of the spring, causing the rate of the clock to change and lose time.
Who invented the torsion clock?
While Crane may be credited with the invention of the torsion clock, its driving mechanism (the torsion pendulum) was actually invented nearly 50 years earlier, in 1793, by Robert Leslie.
Do people think of clocks?
When most people think of clocks, they probably have a relatively modern image in mind. If not, they might be imagining a variety of clocks, but making the assumption that the inner workings of various kinds of clocks are more or less the same. If you don’t fall under either category, then perhaps you’re already a bit too advanced in your clock knowledge or this article!
Can anniversary clocks be repaired?
If your anniversary clock needs to be repaired, serviced or to have parts replaced, contact us today so we can take care of that for you to have your anniversary clock up and running again quickly.
How to repair a 400 day clock?
How I Repair Your 400 Day Clock 1 I unwind the mainspring and take the movement apart. This includes taking the mainspring out of the barrel. 2 Clean the mainspring, ratchet, barrel, gears, plates and other parts and inspect them for damage. 3 Clean the pivot holes with an oiled smoothing broach. 4 Repaire or replace any damaged parts. 5 Polish any rough or pitted pivots. 6 Final clean the parts. 7 Clean the pivot holes with pegwood. 8 Assemble and lubricate movement. 9 Assemble a new suspension unit, if needed. 10 Test the movement with the mainspring wound two turns. 11 Initially regulate the rate with a stop watch. 12 Set the fork height for correct escape arc and put the escapement in beat. 13 Let the clock run for a day to verify good pendulum motion. 14 Wind the mainspring fully and verify correct escapement action. 15 Test and regulate the clock for several days.
How to protect a clock from scratches?
Wrap paper towel or tissue paper around the base to protect the finish. Wrap the entire clock in four to six layers of bubble wrap.
How to lock a Kundo clock?
If there is a locking device, lock the pendulum into the clock. For a Kundo clock (if it has a lock), raise the pendulum into the opening , then secure the locking arm with several paper clips through the hole to hold it firmly in the locked position, and tape it as well. For other clocks, tape the locking arm in the locked position (tape on the underside of the base to avoid damaging the finish). Put paper towel below and around the pendulum to help support it. If the pendulum does not lock, wrap it in bubble wrap and put it in the bottom of the box.
How long is a pendulum clock warranty?
(I give a price range to allow for parts or extensive repairs that may be needed. If the clock is in very bad condition and the price will be higher, I will notify you before starting the repair.) The price will be at the low end if the movement is in excellent condition and the pivots don't need polishing. The price will be at the high end if many pivots need polishing and the mainspring needs replacing. Add $20 if the lower suspension block is missing (the rectangular brass piece with a pin through it that the pendulum hooks on to). The clock will have a two-year warranty when finished.
How to pack a Schatz 400 day clock?
Be sure that there is enough bubble wrap over the finials. Then be sure that 2 inches of packing peanuts are between the bubble wrap and the box. On Schatz standard size 400 day clocks, please unscrew the finials (if they are not on too tight) and keep them to reduce the chance of damage in shipping.
Why does my Kundo clock have cracks?
Sometimes a 400 day clock base will develop "stress cracks" caused by the working of the metal when the base was manufactured. If there are only several short vertical cracks, the base may be able to be polished successfully. Early Kundo bases with cracks running around the base may come apart if polished.
How to turn a pendulum clock?
Rotate the pendulum gently one-half (1/2) turn only and release it. The clock will then start running.
