How to Fix Grandfather Clock Movements.
- 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.
- Step 3 – The Hands.
- Step 4 - The Pendulum.
- Step 5 – The Moon Dial.
Full Answer
How to fix a grandfather clock that won't turn?
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. Sometimes the pendulum can disrupt the grandfather clock movements.
What are grandfather clock weights used for?
Weights control the grandfather clock movements. A weight provides the power required for the time and chime of the clock to function.
What happens if the pendulum does not swing on a grandfather clock?
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. Sometimes the pendulum can disrupt the grandfather clock movements.
What are the different types of grandfather clocks?
In more modern grandfather clocks, there are 3 major categories of grandfather clocks with related movements, which are cable driven grandfather clocks, chain driven grandfather clocks, and quartz grandfather clocks, which are battery operated (there is also a tubular chime grandfather clock which has yet a different movement, but these clocks, ...
How do you fix a grandfather clock that keeps stopping?
5:317:41"My Clock Keeps Stopping"- How to set the beat. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the clock stops sooner. Than it did before that's also an indication we're pushing the wire inMoreIf the clock stops sooner. Than it did before that's also an indication we're pushing the wire in the wrong way. So in which case then you're going to want to bend the wire.
Why does my grandfather clock stop 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.
Why is only the middle weight dropping on grandfather clock?
If the clock is running but not chiming, then only the center weight will drop. Typically, what we find is that the grandfather clock has not been serviced and the oil has dried up in the movement and therefore the chiming side of the clock is hung up, or worst, worn out.
Why won't My grandfather clock keep running?
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.
Why does a pendulum eventually slow down and 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.
What keeps the pendulum moving?
The science behind the pendulum is explained through the forces of gravity and inertia. The Earth's gravity attracts the pendulum. When the pendulum is hanging still, the wire and weight are straight and at a 90-degree angle to the Earth as gravity pulls the string and the weight to the Earth.
Which side does the heaviest weight go on a grandfather clock?
Nowadays, most grandfather clocks have three weights with separate purposes. The weight on the right powers the clock, the weight on the middle drives the pendulum, the weight on the left controls the striking mechanism.
How do I reset the weights on my grandfather clock?
A clock can be overwound, resulting in the weights being stuck in the highest position. When this happens, gently move the minute hand past the quarter hour and listen for the chime. This should release the weight. When winding, be sure you can see the top of the weight and then stop to avoid overwinding.
Can you over wind a grandfather clock?
Luckily, the truth is that you can't over-wind your clock. Over-winding is basically a myth!
How do you lubricate a grandfather clock?
0:452:59OILING our 45-year-old grandfather clock (it's been running every day)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil products you don't want to use like three in one oil motor oil make sure it's a very thinMoreOil products you don't want to use like three in one oil motor oil make sure it's a very thin viscosity.
How much does it cost to repair a grandfather clock?
Specific clock services and their costsServicePriceGrandfather clock setup$60 to $150Grandfather clock overhaul$550 to $2,500, depending on the number of trainsSpring replacement$10 to $30 per springDamaged tooth repair$10 to $30 per tooth8 more rows
What are the weights for in a grandfather clock?
The three weights provide power to the hour strike (left weight), time (center weight), and chime melody (right weight). Without these weights, the Grandfather Clock would not operate. Each weight is different and must be properly hung from the movement (left, center, right) to ensure proper operation.
How do I keep my pendulum swinging?
0:001:00Pendulum Not Swinging - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a little magnet at the bottom make sure there's not a little piece of metal adhered to it.MoreThere's a little magnet at the bottom make sure there's not a little piece of metal adhered to it. Make sure that the the ribbon is not turned around on itself and keeping the arm from swinging.
How do you lubricate a grandfather clock?
0:452:59OILING our 45-year-old grandfather clock (it's been running every day)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil products you don't want to use like three in one oil motor oil make sure it's a very thinMoreOil products you don't want to use like three in one oil motor oil make sure it's a very thin viscosity.
How do you balance a pendulum clock?
0:193:27How To Put a Pendulum Clock in Beat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here you can hear there's a tick-tock tick-tock it's uneven. And what you would do here normallyMoreSo here you can hear there's a tick-tock tick-tock it's uneven. And what you would do here normally is just lift one side or whether with the clock.
What kind of oil do you use on a clock?
Synthetic clock oil is not cheap because it is specifically formulated for the metals used in clocks. Brass and steel are used in clocks because when properly lubricated with the right oil it forms a perfect bearing. Brass is a soft metal which is why you won't find it in car engines.
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.
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.
What does it mean when the clock is out of beat?
If you listen to the clock just after you give the pendulum a push and notice that the clock is not tick tocking evenly , this means the clock is out of beat. The clock must have an even tick – tock – tick – tock. If it is uneven, like tick/ tock — tick /tock — tick /tock ….
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.
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.
What is a grandfather clock chime?
Grandfather Clock Chime Issues. When a grandfather clock has issues with the chime functioning these are some basic corrections. The chime is the song that plays every 15 minutes and not to be confused with the strike. The strike is what calls out the hours after it is done with the chime song.
Why does a clock stop?
Resistance is what makes a clock stop because there is not enough weight to drive through whatever is rubbing. So if the chain or cable is rubbing something it's the same as not having the right amount of weight on the clock.
What does ANSO mean on a clock?
Higher end mechanical clock movements sometimes include an ANSO feature. This stands for Automatic night shut off, and the intention is to have the clock be silent automatically from 10pm to 7am (usually). It is possible that it thinks it's night when it's really day, and therefore will not chime.
What is the silent switch on a clock?
Silent switch and roll pin. There may be a switch at the 3 o'clock and this switch turns the chimes on or off. If the clock is a triple chime movement, meaning it has three songs, it will have the song selection and also silent on this switch.
Why does my clock not chime?
If the clock does not chime it will not strike, so therefore the clock remains silent. This being a mechanical clock, it has no sensors to determine on its own what is night or day. Solution is to go around 12 hours with the clock hands.
How long does a German clock chime?
Please note that post WW2 German mechanical clocks are designed so that if turning the hands fast or stop the clock for a long while it may not chime for up to 3/4 of an hour. This is because the clock is looking for the top of the hour so it does not lose its place as to when to chime.
How to do a minute hand in chess?
Go forward with the minute hand with fingers while going slow past the quarters. A faint click can be heard and at that point pause and see if it starts chiming. If it does not chime go forward to the next and the next quarter. If the minute hand goes all the way around for an hour with no chime, continue to the next section.
Why is my grandfather clock stuck?
Grandfather Clock Weights Stuck. The Grandfather clock weights can get stuck in the high position if over wound. Some larger clocks have over wind protection to prevent this. The grandmother and grandfather chain drive units often do not have this feature. When winding the weights up make sure the top of the weight can be seen when done.
What to do if all else fails on a clock?
If all else fails, and it’s a chain driven clock, you would need to cut the chain in half, or break a link, to take the movement out of the clock. With the movement out of the clock it can be fixed.
Where is the strike weight on a clock?
The strike weight is on the left as you face the clock and has the lightest weight. Only after the chime weight is operating correctly can you work on the strike weight. If the clock does not run through the chime sequence it will not get to where it strikes out the hours.
How to get a chime weight stuck?
The chime weight is on the right as you face the clock and has the heaviest weight. Using cloth gloves, or at least a cloth of some kind, pull down on the weight some. This is the same as making the weight weigh more. At the same time, turn the minute hand past the quarter hour to see if it will engage the chime.
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 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.