- On unpacking your clock, first check that all packing inside is removed. Then wind up the clock fully
- Check that the surface you are going to put the clock on is level. (It needs to be level or the clock will go out of beat and eventually stop).
- Attach the pendulum to the suspension bar on the back of the movement and then gently hold the pendulum to one side and release. (Alternatively once the pendulum is attached you can gently lift one side of the clock and then lower it to enable it to swing).
- Listen to the clock. It should have an even tick. If this is not the case then the surface you have put the clock on is probably not level.
- To set the clock, move the minute hand gentle round the clock to the correct time. If you have a striking/chiming clock allow the chime to finish before you move the hand on.
- Within a few days you should notice how well the clock is keeping to time. If the clock is going too fast or too slow, you can adjust the timekeeping by screwing the pendulum bob up if the clock is going slow, or down if the clock is going fast. It may take a series of small adjustments over several days to get the clock to keep to the right time. Be patient though, you will eventually get the clock to keep good time.
- Most mantle clocks have an eight day movement, which require winding once a week. Using a smooth action, turn the arbor until the springs are fully wound. (Some people do not like winding the clock fully as the fear they may over wind the spring, but this cannot happen. If the spring has seized, it is because the clock is dirty or worn and therefore needs attention, not because the spring is over wound). If however, you prefer not to wind the clock fully, you can wind the clock throughout the week at a time which is suitable to yourself.
Maintenance
To maintain the clock you should have it checked and serviced every 4-5 years.
- (Please note - Do not attempt to oil the clock yourself. This should be done by a qualified repairer. Over-oiling a clock can affect the running and condition of the clock)
- Check that the surface you are going to put the clock on is level. (It needs to be level or the clock will go out of beat and eventually stop).
- Attach the pendulum to the suspension bar on the back of the movement and then gently hold the pendulum to one side and release. (Alternatively once the pendulum is attached you can gently lift one side of the clock and then lower it to enable it to swing).
- Listen to the clock. It should have an even tick. If this is not the case then the surface you have put the clock on is probably not level.
- To set the clock, move the minute hand gentle round the clock to the correct time. If you have a striking/chiming clock allow the chime to finish before you move the hand on.
- Within a few days you should notice how well the clock is keeping to time. If the clock is going too fast or too slow, you can adjust the timekeeping by screwing the pendulum bob up if the clock is going slow, or down if the clock is going fast. It may take a series of small adjustments over several days to get the clock to keep to the right time. Be patient though, you will eventually get the clock to keep good time.
- Most mantle clocks have an eight day movement, which require winding once a week. Using a smooth action, turn the arbor until the springs are fully wound. (Some people do not like winding the clock fully as the fear they may over wind the spring, but this cannot happen. If the spring has seized, it is because the clock is dirty or worn and therefore needs attention, not because the spring is over wound). If however, you prefer not to wind the clock fully, you can wind the clock throughout the week at a time which is suitable to yourself.
FAQs
An oil service every three-year intervals, however, should help keep your clock working and could save you quite a bit without putting the clock at risk of significant damage. You could save even more by oiling your clock yourself but you must use clock oil suitable for the job.
How do you maintain a pendulum clock? ›
Tips on How to Take Good Care of Your Antique Pendulum and Grandfather Clocks
- Remove Pendulum and Weights. ...
- Distance Clock from Wall. ...
- Wipe Clock Surfaces. ...
- Wax Wooden Surfaces. ...
- Dust Clock Parts. ...
- Replace All Parts. ...
- Reset Your Clock.To reset your clock, turn the batons in the clockwise direction.
An oil service every three-year intervals, however, should help keep your clock working and could save you quite a bit without putting the clock at risk of significant damage. You could save even more by oiling your clock yourself but you must use clock oil suitable for the job.
Why does my pendulum 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.
What causes a pendulum to stop swinging? ›
If the weight or chain cable gets tangled, it will cause the pendulum to stop. So, try inspecting the weights to see if there are no bunches and if it's clear from each other as it hangs straight.
How can I make my pendulum last longer? ›
There are several things that you can do to make a pendulum swing for a long time:
- Make it heavy (and, specifically, dense). The more mass a pendulum has, the less outside influences such as air resistance will degrade its swing.
- Put it in a vacuum. ...
- Use an escapement mechanism. ...
- Give it a large initial swing.
A good pendulum wall clock will last many years if well taken care of, and will keep some of the most precise time out of any mechanical clock type.
Can you overwind a pendulum clock? ›
It's actually impossible to overwind a clock, whilst you can wind a clock until it cases internal damages and breakages, it's impossible to continuously wind a clock.
Can I use WD-40 on an old clock? ›
Products that you should NEVER use to oil a clock: WD-40, silicone lubricant, kerosene, graphite, sewing machine oil, motor oil, 3 in 1 oil or mineral oil. Clock oil is highly refined oil and it is engineered specifically for clock use .
How do you lubricate a mantle clock? ›
In fact, never spray your mechanical clock with any kind of lubricant as some parts such as wheel teeth must be kept dry. Apply a small amount of oil equal to about the size of a pinhead for each lubrication point; use a toothpick, small wire, needle dipper design for clock oiling, or a clock oiler (see above photo).
Wrap the clock's pendulums in a moving blanket or bubble wrap to protect them from impacts. Remove the clock's side glass panels and wrap them with bubble wrap or moving blankets. Put any chains or cables in a plastic bag and label them accordingly.
What are the three laws of pendulum? ›
According to the laws of simple pendulum.
- A simple pendulum's period is directly proportional to the square root of its length.
- A simple pendulum's period is inversely related to the square root of gravity's acceleration.
- A simple pendulum's period is independent of its mass.
Galileo experimented to determine which of these variables determined how often a pendulum swings. Note that this equation does not include terms for the mass of the pendulum or the angle it swings through. The only factor that significantly affects the swing of a pendulum on Earth is the length of its string.
How do you set up a simple pendulum? ›
Screw the hook into the piece of wood and balance the wood between the backs of two chairs. Put the loop of string over the hook. You have now made a pendulum and can begin to experiment to make a minute timer from it. Start the weight swinging and time how long it takes to make 20 swings.
How do you make a pendulum clock gain time? ›
A shorter pendulum will make the clock run faster so if it's losing time, try tightening the rating nut a little. Start with one full turn of the nut and then check the clock again for accuracy the following day.
Why won't my pendulum clock keep swinging? ›
First make sure the clock is level both ways front to back and side to side. If your pendulum after starting it swinging and stops after a few minutes it might be out of beat or a pendulum clock will stop when it has been moved, bumped or even a too aggressive push to restart a pendulum.
