Repairing Guides

how to repair old mantel clocks

by Ulises Lueilwitz Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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On most mantel clocks, you can simple remove the minute hand which is friction fit. You have to apply pressure on the tube and it will loosen. Once removed, re-install the minute hand at the correct time. From there you can rotate the minute hand to reset the time. Sometimes, mechanisms inside older mantel clocks need to be repaired.

Part of a video titled How to fix an antique mantel clock. Service & lubricating an ...
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So 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.

Full Answer

How to restore an antique wood mantel?

solid color wood mantel into an aged focal piece. Distressed wood has a patina reminiscent of antique furnishing. The process reveals the natural wood beneath the solid paint in areas that would ...

How to fix old clocks?

Myths & Clocks

  1. You must not overwind the clock. Winding a clock spring all the way does not damage it! ...
  2. Mechanical clocks are very accurate. While most weight- and spring-driven mechanical clocks keep time within a minute or two a day, don’t expect split-second accuracy as you would get ...
  3. Buy only American. ...
  4. Just give it some WD-40. ...

How to wind an antique mantel clock?

requests from Whatsapp or SMS could be scams" lovely large edwardian early 1900s mantle clock now converted to quartz battery westminster chimes, it is 11 inches wide x 14 and 1/2 inches tall x 6 and 1/2 inches deep , it chimes the westminster chime on the ...

How to make a wooden mantel clock?

  • Table saw
  • Sanding drum and table for thicknessing*
  • Belt sander
  • Router and various bits (cove, round over, 1/8 inch straight,
  • Router table
  • Drill and bits
  • 90 degree corner form
  • C clamps, corner clamp, bar clamps
  • 1/8 inch bar aluminum (small piece for aligning pieces)
  • Vise-Grip pliers

More items...

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How do you restore an old mantle clock?

1:585:53DIY Antique Clock Restoration - 1920s Ingraham Mantel Clock Case RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a bead reamer. But you can also use an all or something similar i picked black lacquer sprayMoreThis is a bead reamer. But you can also use an all or something similar i picked black lacquer spray paint for this as you can see on this part i would spray it later let it dry sand it smooth.

How do you fix an overwound antique clock?

Fixing An Overwound ClockClean The Clock. Sometimes cleaning your clock will get it working again. ... Lubricate The Mechanism. Like cars, all mechanical clocks need regular oiling. ... Replace The Springs. ... Find A Professional.

Why won't the pendulum keep swinging?

Have you recently moved your clock? 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.

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 do you unwind a mantle clock?

2:595:01005 Clock Mainspring - How to let down the power... Safely! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the mainspring let down tool onto the square of the barrel Arbor. This is a good opportunityMorePlace the mainspring let down tool onto the square of the barrel Arbor. This is a good opportunity to see how strong the spring is. So give the clock a little bit of a wind.

How do you tell if a clock is overwound?

Identifying an overwound clock If your clock does not have a weight inside it, you will likely find that the pendulum is warped and bent, possibly out of shape or worn.

What causes a pendulum to slow down and stop swinging?

When the swing is raised and released, it will move freely back and forth due to the force of gravity on it. The swing continues moving back and forth without any extra outside help until friction (between the air and the swing and between the chains and the attachment points) slows it down and eventually stops it.

Why does my mantel clock keep stopping?

A clock that is out of beat is likely to stop because the pendulum is not receiving the optimum impulses to keep it swinging. If it's badly out of beat it will stop within a few minutes. If it's only slightly out of beat it could run for days but will eventually stop earlier than it should.

How do you fix a pendulum swing?

0:000:59Pendulum Not Swinging - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure that the the ribbon is not turned around on itself and keeping the arm from swinging. SoMoreMake sure that the the ribbon is not turned around on itself and keeping the arm from swinging. So check for obstructions. On. Some of the old clocks we don't have an inset for the mechanism.

How much does it cost to restore an antique clock?

Different clocks and their repair costsTypePriceClock with an hour strike$320 to $400Clock with an hour strike and tune$380 to $500Anniversary clock$145 to $200Cuckoo clock$150 to $4005 more rows

How much does it cost to have an antique clock cleaned?

The cost of servicing a grandfather clock can vary between $100 and $2,500, depending on what services are necessary.

How do you clean a clock without taking it apart?

2:1326:32How to Clean a Grandfather Clock part 2b of 4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this one you can really jet. Really jet to cleaner down in and around those pivot points thatMoreAnd this one you can really jet. Really jet to cleaner down in and around those pivot points that way you know if you can do all that in a solution you don't have to then disassemble.

How do I free my overwound clock?

Turn the key slowly and just a half turn at a time. Wind it up until it stops. Do not try to force it to wind any further. Even though it is impossible to over-wind your clock, it is also not necessary to wind it until the last possible click of the ratchet.

What happens if you over wind a clock?

Most likely problem: In actual fact it is almost impossible to overwind a clock. Once the coils of a flat mainspring are in firm contact with one another, than the spring can not be physically wound any tighter. The only way to truly overwind a clock spring is to turn it so tightly that the spring actually breaks.

How do you release an overwound 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.

How do I fix my clock mainspring?

8:3926:44How 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.

What materials were used to make the mantle clock?

Materials like porcelain and wood, and eve precious metals, were carved and sculpted into complex designs that would house the timepiece itself. The inner workings of the mantle clock differed from others at the time, especially wall clocks, which hung up and had their movement resting upon the back side (wall side).

How long can a Willard clock run?

Willard wanted his clocks to be able to run for longer before needing rewound, so he came up with an extended base that allowed his clocks to run for up to a week before needing to be wound.

Is the mantle clock still used?

Of many clock types invented hundreds of years ago, the mantle clock is one of the most universally still used today, though largely as a decorative piece than as a necessity for keeping track of time.

Is a mantle clock cheap?

Compared to other older mechanical clocks – like the grandfather clock, cuckoo clock, etc. – mantle clocks are relatively inexpensive. Plus they come in such a wide range of styles that just about anything can find something that will fit in with the rest of their house and décor.

How to stop a clock from swinging?

Look at the hour and minute hands closely. If they are touching the "time train" may be jammed which prevents the pendulum from swinging.

How to wind a clock?

For a tutorial explaining see how to wind your clock. Make sure the clock hands are not touching the glass. A clock minute hand that touches the glass will stop your clock. To repair, bend the minute hand towards the dial and away from the glass. Advance the clock twelve hours to make sure the minute hand does not catch on the hour hand.

What does it mean when a clock is in beat?

A clock is "in beat" when the tick and the tock are evenly spaced. A clock that is "in beat" sounds like tick...tock ...tick...tock. A clock that is "out of beat" sounds like tick..tock.................tick..tock. When you hear an even, balanced beat, secure the clock to your wall with a bracket, or shim your clock feet.

Why does my clock pendulum 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.

Can a stopped clock be repaired?

Many stopped clocks can be easily repaired by the owner. Here is a list of common problems that are simple to repair. Although the following instructions specifically apply to antique British clocks, they will also work for many other clocks.

How to reset time on mantel clock?

Once removed, re-install the minute hand at the correct time. From there you can rotate the minute hand to reset the time.

How to adjust a mantel clock chime?

The easiest way to adjust a mantel clock chime is to move the hour hand to the hour that the chime is striking. Make sure that the hour hand shaft is not too tight or else it will not turn. Most mantel clock hands are friction held. DO NOT BEND YOUR HOUR HAND, loosen the shaft if it will not turn freely. Once you have synchronized the hour hand ...

What happens if your mantel clock chimes?

When your mantel clock chimes the wrong number of times, your chime is not synchronized time of the clock. To adjust your mantel clock chime, proceed with the following step:

Can you repair an old mantel clock?

Sometimes, mechanisms inside older mantel clocks need to be repaired. For those that are heirloom items, it may make sense to spend the money necessary to repair your antiquated mantel clock. The other option is to purchase a modern mantel clock that is built with fine-tuned mechanisms like the auto-adjust.

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