Electric Clocks: Plug it in. Yep, start trouble shooting with the obvious
Quartz: Try a fresh battery. If that does not do the trick call a professional. He can throw away the clock or you can do it yourself for free. If you are really serious about having that clock running, I can replace most quartz movements as many styles are readily available.
Winding your pendulum clock: (What is a pendulum? The pendulum is the weight suspended by a metal or wood rod from the top of the clock. It is usually found attached at the rear of the clock.) This might seem like a redundant subject but it really is important. Wind up clocks are powered by springs which should be handled with respect. These springs, when wound, store up a tremendous amount of power. When winding your clock do so slowly and deliberately. After completing one turn back off the winding key slowly then make the next turn. The reason for doing this is to allow a brief moment for the click to lock into the winding ratchet. This mechanism prevents the mainspring from unwinding when the key is released. Should the click not lock properly the key will rewind with a vengance and finger and knuckle damage is possible.
Many mantle and wall clocks are 8 day movements but should be wound faithfully every 7 days.preferably at the same time. This will allow the clock to operate at the mid-portion of the mainspring. When winding the clock try not to wind the clock until it will no longer wind. This is the extreme end of the mainspring and there is a chance that the click will not lock on the last winding.
Also, a broken mainspring can cause irreparable damage to the clock movement causing broken gears, bent arbors and broken pivots. These repairs are costly.
Mantle Clocks: These may be started by lifting one end of the clock a couple of inches and setting it down. This will cause the pendulum to swing to one side and return swinging to the opposite side when the clock is set down thereby starting the clock.
Wall Clocks: These may be started by opening the front of the clock and moving the pendulum to one side until a click is heard. Then release the pendulum and the clock should begin operating.
Grandfather and Grandmother Clocks: These may be started the same as wall clocks moving the pendulum to one side until a click is heard, then releasing it thereby starting the clock. When the weights have run to the bottom cable weights are raised by the use of a winding key. On chain suspended weights the weights are raised by pulling on the opposite end of the chain. To prevent the stretching of the chain or the opening of links assist the weights by lifting the weights with one hand while pulling on the opposite end of the chain with the other hand. In either case, try not to raise the weights untill they touch the bottom of the movement.
Please Note: If you will be away from your home for several days take the time to stop your striking clock. If the strike runs down before the time runs down strike and chime synchronizing may be a problem on some clocks.
Setting the time: On time only clocks just move the minute hand clockwise until the correct time is reached. On striking clocks the minute hand should never to turned counter clockwise. This, with some exceptions, will cause damage to the clock. Move the minute hand clockwise stopping at each striking interval allowing the clock to finish striking then continuing until the the clock strikes the hour. Note the number of strikes then move the hour hand either left or right to the proper time. The hour hand is frictioned and can be moved without damaging the clock.
Setting the accuracy of your clock: The exposed pendulum clock has an adjustment at the bottom of the pendulum called a Rating Nut. This nut should be turned up to make the clock run faster. Turning the nut down will cause the clock to run slower.
On mantle clocks with a non-exposed pendulum there is often has a small hole at the top of the dial with a square arbor in the center of it. There is usually a fast or slow printed on either side of the hole. The small end of a double ended key is inserted into the hole and turned either left or right to regulate the clock.
Is your clock in beat?: Beat is a term use to describe the tick and the tock. The tick and the tock should be even. This is known as "in Beat". If the tick is longer than the tock or vice veras the clock is "out of Beat". The clock may be out of beat if the clock is not sitting or standing level. On a mantle clock one or the other end of the clock should be raised to level the clock thereby putting the clock in beat. The clock may be leveled by placing a shim under the low end. A matchbook cover or whatever may work. On a wall clock the clock may be moved back and forth until the clock is in beat. When opening the door of the wall clock the weight of the door will often move the clock out of level. A small mark on the wall as a reference mark will allow the clock to be leveled quickly. A grandfather clock should also be leveled and fastened to the wall to prevent moving. If a clock is out of beat when perfectly level a professional repairer should be contacted for setting the beat.
Clock placement: Clocks should be placed in areas where floor vibration is the lowest as in low traffic areas or away from closing doors and windows. Avoid placing clocks over or near heat ducts.
Maintenance: Mechanical clocks should be professionally oiled every 3 years. While clocks may be oiled by the owner only the back plate is oiled. The movement must be removed from the case in order to oil the front plate. Special clock oils should be used. Under no circumstance should products like WD-40 be applied to a clock. These are clock killers as they ultimately turn into a varnish stopping the clock. This coating is then difficult to remove by the repairer. A complete overhaul should be considered every 8-10 years.
Overhaul: A professional overhaul consists of complete disassembly. All parts are then cleaned with a special solution in an ultrasonic cleaning machine. All parts are inspected for wear. All pivots are polished. Pivots which are damaged are repaired. Bushings are installed where needed.and the clock is reassembled. The clock is lubricated, regulated and test run on the bench for several weeks making sure it is operating properly. The clock is then installed in the case. Mainsprings are replaced where needed. The clock is guaranteed for one year on labor. Mainsprings breakage, however, is NOT guaranteed.
