Grandfather Clock Repair
- Move the minute hand 15 minutes at a time until the grandfather clock chimes the hour. Then stop. ...
- Leaving the minute hand in this position, unscrew the nut that holds the hands in place.
- Remove the minute hand.
- Re-position the minute hand so that it is pointing to the hour.
- Reinstall the nut that holds the minute hand in place.
How to fix a Tempus Fugit grandfather clock?
More FAQs:
- How often should I oil my clock?
- I just moved my Grandfather Clock. ...
- I overwound my clock
- So you want to try and repair your battery clocks?
- So, what is the moon thing supposed to do on my clock dial?
- What does “tempus fugit” mean on my clock dial?
- Why doesn’t my clock keep time?
- Why doesn’t my clock strike the correct time?
How do you repair a grandfather clock?
- Give the pendulum a gentle push with your hand to verify that it is swinging freely and not touching the weights or chime rods.
- Look at the dial and check that the hands aren’t touching or hanging on the second hand or any components of the dial.
- Listen to the grandfather clock’s ticking to verify that you are hearing an even “tick-tock” sound. ...
How to set chimes on a rhythm wind up clock?
Setting the Time
- Open the hinged glass cover of the clock’s face to access the clock’s hands.
- Set the time by moving the big hand forward, pausing at the 11 o’clock position.
- Listen for the subtle sound of a spring unwinding before moving further.
- Move the big hand to the 12 o’clock position.
How to adjust chime clocks?
How to Adjust Chime Clocks. Check the position of the minute hand of the clock when the top-of-the-hour strike occurs. Open the access panel door to the pendulum and bring it to a stop. Remove the minute hand retaining nut by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the minute hand from its arbor.
What causes a grandfather clock to stop chiming?
If your clock has stopped chiming after 5 years, or has stopped chiming correctly, chances are the problem is a lack of, or improper, maintenance. Most manufacturers of clocks recommend 'oiling' a clock every year.
How do I fix the chimes on my clock?
Count the chimes and gently move the hour hand into the correct position. For example, if the clock chimes three times, move the hour hand to the three. Now, your clock is chiming correctly, but it tells the wrong time. To make this adjustment, wind the minute hand clockwise until it shows the present time.
How do you synchronize chimes on a grandfather clock?
To set the time without having to wait for the clock to chime on each quarter hour, move the minute hand only in a counterclockwise direction until both the hour and the minute are correct. There is no need to move the hour hand, as it will automatically move with the minute hand.
How do you sync the chimes on a pendulum clock?
Strike Synchronization using hands: Move the minute hand clockwise until it passes the number 12 and the clock strikes. Count the number of times the clock strikes, then move the hour hand to the number the clock just struck.
Should the weights on a grandfather clock drop evenly?
Only the center weight (which powers the hands and pendulum) will descend, giving the appearance that it is coming down faster than the others. If your clock is not silenced, or doesn't have that feature, check to see that the weights are hanging on the correct chains or pulleys.
Can you turn clock hands backwards?
The truth is, some mechanical clocks cannot be set backwards, but most actually can! So why is this such a common misconception? Many of the American clocks made around the turn of the century were the kind that you can't turn backwards.
How do I set up my Westminster chimes?
For a Westminster chime clock, turn the piece around and unlock the pendulum holder in the back. Shift the pendulum locking device and place it on its hanger for safe keeping while you replace the batteries. Insert fresh batteries with the positive (+) symbol positioned at the top of the battery compartment.
How to tell if grandfather clock is accurate?
Examine and see if the weights are aligned properly. If they are misaligned, set them right by referring to the marks at the bottom. These marks indicated the exact alignment for the weights. Place the weights on the correct side, since only then will the grandfather clock movements be accurate.
What do you need to own a grandfather clock?
What You'll Need. Screwdriver. What You'll Need. Screwdriver. The most important aspect of owning a grandfather clock is to take care of the grandfather clock movements. Generally, due to the different types of clocks available, finding the cause of the problem can be confusing. The rules are completely different for grandfather clocks ...
What happens if the pendulum does not swing?
If the pendulum does not swing, it will lead the hands on the grandfather clock to freeze. The hands have to be unlocked. Pull the weights up, open the glass and gently move the hands away from each other. Be careful while doing this, as the hands are quite delicate.
Can a grandfather clock be moved?
Constantly shifting the position could lead to problems in the grandfather clock movements. It is advisable to keep the movement to bare minimum.
How to Adjust the Speed of Your Grandfather Clock
The length of the pendulum determines the speed of your grandfather clock. Most of the newer timepiece uses a stable metal pendulum. But the older ones typically use wood stick pendulum which can also keep good time if the temperature and environment are stable.
What to Do if the Speed and Chimes are Out of Sync
In most clocks can automatically synchronize the chimes after resetting the clock, but if it doesn’t happen, try letting it run for two hours without any obstruction to give it time to correct itself.
How to Adjust the Chimes of Grandfather Clock
It could also be a problem if your grandfather clock’s chimes are striking the wrong time, but there’s a quick fix for that.
How to Clean a Grandfather Clock
Just like any other furniture that stands still, it can get dusty and dirty over time. You can keep it clean by removing the dust, but it needs to undergo a thorough cleaning at least once a year to prolong its life. It can be tricky to clean its movement, but here’s a step by step guide in cleaning your grandfather clock.
How to Oil a Grandfather Clock
As mentioned above, before putting oil on the clock, you need to remove the movement or dial first so that you can reach the front plate. Then, you may start to lubricate each intersection of the clock plate and gears and fill the oil sink (a small dip located outside the clock plate) with clock oil half full.
How many times does my grandfather clock chime?
My grandfather clock is short by one chime on hours 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12; however, it chimes correctly on hours 1-7. For example, at 7 o’clock it chimes 7 times. At 8, it chimes 7 times, at 9, 8 chimes and so on. It has worked fine for years; but just recently began dropping a chime on the 8-12th hours.
How to fix a grandfather clock that strikes the wrong time?
1) When your grandfather clock strikes the next hour, count the number of strikes. 2) Move only the shorter hour hand to the number on the dial that you just counted when the clock chimed.
What does the weight on the right of a grandfather clock do?
On all grandfather clocks, The weight on the right powers the chime melody which is usually a Westminster melody or some grandfather clocks will add two additional chime melodies that may play. The weight in the middle powers the clock and the weight on the left powers your hour count.
What happens if you wind down a grandfather clock?
If many grandfather clocks are allowed to wind down so the weights are on the bottom and the grandfather clock pendulum stops, this may happen. During the first hour after completing this procedure, the quarter-hour chimes may do strange sequences. Don’t worry, as it should correct itself in about an hour of operation.
How long does it take for a clock chime to sync?
If you set your chime on silent, you will not need to stop at each quarter hour on most clocks. When you turn your chime back on later, it may take an hour or so for the clock chime to sync again so it will be playing at the correct time.
How to correct a clock that is chiming 15 minutes off?
Hi…If your clock is chiming 15 minutes off all of the time, you may correct it by removing the minute hand and repositioning the minute hand to the correct position.
How often should I clean my grandfather clock?
Your chime hammers on the hour count (left) side are trying to move through the sludge of the old oils. The clock should be oiled or cleaned and oiled every 5 – 7 years. I would suggest finding a technician and treat the grandfather clock to a good cleaning and oiling and I bet it will be fine.
How to fix a grandfather clock that strikes the wrong time?
1) When your grandfather clock strikes the next hour, count the number of strikes. 2) Move only the shorter hour hand to the number on the dial that you just counted when the clock chimed.
How to check if grandfather clock is level?
1) Examine the dial on the grandfather clock and check to make sure the hands are not touching or hanging on any parts of the dial or second hand. 2) Check the leveling of the grandfather clock. There are 4 adjustable levelers on the bottom corner of most grandfather clocks.
How to fix a tick on a pendulum?
You should start by moving the pendulum hanger in the direction where it should have ticked until you fell some resistance and then just a bit further in the direction…then try again. Sometimes it may take several times to get it right.
Why does my grandfather clock sound like it is running without a pendulum?
If the clock is running without the pendulum attached, it sounds like the pendulum is touching either the chime rods behind the pendulum or the weights in front of the pendulum. This might be caused by the front to back leveling of the grandfather clock.
Why does my pendulum stop?
If your pendulum is swinging in an elliptical pattern, this can cause the clock to stop. Check your leveling first and if the leveling is good, it is probably a distorted suspension spring. It would need to be replaced. They are available at merritts.com.
What order should the chains be on a grandfather clock?
If your clock is a chain driven grandfather clock, the chains should be in the order as in the image.
Is a grandfather clock fragile?
Everything was fine until we moved the grandfather clock, Now my Clock has Stopped. While Grandfather clocks are misunderstood to be very fragile and delicate. Grandfather Clocks are actually very durable. When the grandfather clock is not working after a move, there are a few problems to look for that can be easily fixed.
Step 1 – Weight
- Weights control the grandfather clock movements. A weight provides the power required for the time and chime of the clock to function.
Step 2 – Checking The Weight
- Examine and see if the weights are aligned properly. If they are misaligned, set them right by referring to the marks at the bottom. These marks indicated the exact alignment for the weights. Place the weights on the correct side, since only then will the grandfather clock movements be accurate.
Step 3 – The Hands
- If the pendulum does not swing, it will lead the hands on the grandfather clock to freeze. The hands have to be unlocked. Pull the weights up, open the glass and gently move the hands away from each other. Be careful while doing this, as the hands are quite delicate.
Step 4 - The Pendulum
- Sometimes the pendulum can disrupt the grandfather clock movements. If the clock is running slow move the pendulum up the shaft, and if it is running fast move it down.
Step 5 – The Moon Dial
- Another cause for the inconsistency could be the moon dial. Observe the current phase that the moon is in. Now reset the moon dial with the observed moon phase. You can rotate the moon by gently pressing the dial.
Step 6 – Check The Level
- Check the platform where the grandfather clock has been stationed. If the platform is not in a level eventually it will affect the grandfather clock movements. Adjust the leveling of the platform. Test this by observing the swing of the pendulum. If the swing is correct this problem will not resurface.
Step 7 – The Ticking
- If you are unable to find a leveled surface, then listen carefully to the ticking. A more balanced ticking could be the solution.
Step 8 – Shifting The Clock
- Constantly shifting the position could lead to problems in the grandfather clock movements. It is advisable to keep the movement to bare minimum.
Step 9 – Word of Caution
- If you need to move the clock, get someone to help you do it together with you. Moving it on your own can create other unwanted hassles.