My 400 Day Anniversary Clock is Running Too Fast (or Slow)

Anniversary clocks are fascinating to watch as they run and even more enjoyable when they show the correct time.  However I often hear people complain that they keep lousy time.  Due to the billing that 400 day clocks need only be wound once a year (hence the name "anniversary clock") and 1000 day clocks once every three years, people come to expect that they should keep accurate time during those intervals as well.  The problem is that these clocks were not designed for that level of accuracy.  They were primarily designed to run a long time on one winding.  Modern alloys for suspension springs have reduced their sensitivity to temperature changes, however it still takes patience to regulate them to an accurate speed.

The disk at the top of the pendulum (the twirly thing at the bottom of the clock) is used to adjust the speed of the clock.  Unfortunately, this disk sometime seems a crude of a tool for such a delicate task.  The disk usually has arrows on the top to remind you which way to turn it to speed the clock up or slow it down.  However, unless you can read French the arrows may not help you.  Just remember this: when looking down at the top of the disk, turning it clockwise will make the clock run slower; counter-clockwise will make it run faster.

How much you turn the disk when you first start to adjust to the speed of the clock is pretty much a guess.  You may try a half-turn if the speed is really off.  Then check the time in a half hour and see if you need to make an adjustment.  Each time you make an adjustment to the disk, set the hands to the correct time.  As your accuracy improves, your adjustments will become smaller and your intervals between checks will be come larger.  If you go a week without making any adjustment, you are dialed in pretty tight.  Any adjustments after this will be a hair's width.

Bonus Tip

Even though your clock may run for a year or more on one winding, wind it every two to three months instead.  This will keep the tension on the main spring more consistent and will improve the clock's accuracy.  I have a mini Schatz 400 day clock on my desk and I wind it very two months.  At that time I also adjust the hands to the correct time and make a VERY small adjustment to the disk discussed above. 

Remember that patience is the key to regulating an anniversary clock.  Your reward will be a treasure that keeps pretty good time and that both young and old will enjoy watching.

Why Does My Clock Keep Stopping?

There are several reasons why a clock keeps stopping.  It may have worn out parts, broken parts, or simply need a good cleaning.  These are issues that can be addressed by your local clockmaker.  If the clock is in working condition but still will not keep running, it is out of beat.  This is a problem you may be able to solve on your own.

When a pendulum regulated clock is running well, you will hear it tick.  The loudness of the ticking will vary among clocks, but a clock in beat will produce a even "tick tock" sound.  The "tick" and the "tock" will have an even rhythm between them.  One will not sound longer than the other.  A clock that is not in beat will have an uneven rhythm in the the ticking and will run no longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

To put a clock in beat, you can have a clockmaker come to your house to adjust either the pallets or the crutch.  However, he will charge a service fee.  Another solution is for you to try to level the clock to where it is in beat.  This is possible with a wall or mantel clock, but a grandfather clock is going to require the attention of the clockmaker.

For a wall clock

Start the clock and listen to the ticking.  Much like straightening a picture on the wall, tilt the clock to the left or right while listening to the beat.  Does it sound worst or stop all together? Tilt the clock in the other direction.  Keep adjusting the clock to the left or right until you achieve an even beat.  If it keeps running, congratulations!  You've just avoided a service call.

For a mantel clock

The clock must be level from side to side and front to back.  First level the clock from front to back so that the pendulum is not rubbing either the back of the case or the rest of the clockworks.  The pendulum must swing without rubbing of hitting anything or the clock will stop.  Next, start the pendulum swinging and listen to the ticking. If the ticking is uneven, lift the right side or left side of the clock listening for an improvement in the beat.  When you have decided which side needs to be raised, use card stock or coins under the feet to keep that side at the correct height.  Verify your adjustments by listening for an even beat. If it keeps running, congratulations!  You too have just avoided a service call.

How to Fix an Antique Clock Not Striking the Correct Time

You may come home some day to find that you forgot to wind your clock and it has run down. Then when you wind it up it no longer strikes the correct time.  Antique clocks have a habit of getting out of sync when they run down.  Fortunately, if all else is working well with the clock, the solution is fairly simple.

1. With both the time and strike arbors fully wound, move the minute hand clockwise to the "12" and count how many times the clock strikes,  This is the time of day the clock "thinks" it is.
2. Move the hour hand to the number representing how many times the clock just struck. Unlike the minute hand, the hour hand is held in place by friction.  Therefore, you can rotate it either clockwise or counter-clockwise without damaging the clock.  If the hour hand is too lose to hold its place after you move it, press on its flange at the center of the dial to tighten it.
3. The clock is now in sync but probably doesn't represent the correct time of day.  Move the minute hand clockwise until you reach the correct time.  Be sure to allow it to finish every strike sequence or it will be out of sync again.
4. Once you have reached the correct time, start the clock and you are finished.

Bonus Tip!

If you think you will be away long enough that your clock will run down, you can avoid the striking getting out of sync by stopping the clock before you leave.  Then when you return from your trip, start the clock back  up and set it to the correct time.

How to Care for Your Shelf Clock

A Place for Your Clock

Your shelf (or mantel) clock should be located in a place in your home that is free of extremes in temperature or humidity. For this reason, do not set your clock above or beside a fireplace, stove, or other source of home heating. Do not place the clock where it will be subjected to direct sunlight or drafts.

Leveling the Clock

In order for you clock to continue to run, it must be level.  Make sure that the surface on which your clock sets is level.  You may need to raise one side of the clock with thin cardboard to achieve this.  A small spirit level (or bubble level) will help with this task.

Hanging the Pendulum

After your clock is in a safe and level location, the pendulum may be installed. Open the case a look for a rod in the center of the clock with a hook at the bottom end. Hang the pendulum on this hook.

Remove the pendulum before moving the clock to another location. The pendulum bob is heavy and can damage the clock if allowed to swing freely.

Winding the Clock

Depending upon whether your clock is spring or weight driven, use the following instructions that are appropriate to your clock.

• Key wound - The direction in which to turn its mainspring arbors will depend upon your clock. You will hear clicking when you are turning it in the correct direction. Do not attempt to force the key as this will damage your clock.
• Spring driven - Unlike a watch, a spring-driven clock can be wound without fear of overwinding. Wind each arbor until the key stops.
• Weight driven - Slow down as the weight approaches the top. As soon as you hear the weight bump against the top, STOP. Further winding will jam the weight and put tension on the clock that will prohibit it from running. Under no condition attempt to pull the weight down. This can severely damage to your clock. Get a clockmaker to lower the weight for you.

Setting the Time

Rotate the minute hand clockwise until you arrive at the current time. Each time the clock begins to chime, pause until the chiming stops. Continued turning of the minute hand while the clock is chiming will put the chime out of synchronization with the time of the clock.

If your clock chimes on the quarter hour, do not reverse the minute hand past the 3, 6, 9, or 12 hour markers on the dial.  If it chimes on the half hour, do not try to reverse the minute hand past the 6 or 12.  If it only chimes on the hour, do not try to push the minute hand backwards past the 12.  As soon as you feel resistance in turning the minute hand backwards, STOP. Forcing the minute hand backwards can damage your clock.

Starting the Clock

After the clock is wound and the time is set, you can start the clock by putting the pendulum in motion. This is done by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.  For a smaller clock with no front door, you may find it easier to pick up one end of the clock to give the pendulum a small swing. Make sure this action is smooth and gentle.

Adjusting for Accurate Timekeeping

After you have started your clock, you may discover that it is running too fast or slow. You can improve the accuracy of your clock by following this procedure: After a week’s time (or sooner if the clock is gaining or losing time rapidly), compare its time with that of an accurate time source. This source may be an electric clock or a quartz watch. If your clock’s incorrect you may adjust its speed using one of the following appropriate methods.

• Using the key for the speed arbor, turn the arbor toward the “F” is the clock is running slow or toward the “S” if the clock is running too fast.
• Turn the knurled wheel on the pendulum to the left if the clock is running to fast or to the right if the clock is running too slow.

Reset the hands to the correct time and let the clock run for another week without further correction. As the clock’s time becomes more accurate, your adjustments will become smaller. Each time you make an adjustment, make a note of it (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, 1mm, etc.). Keeping track of your changes will help you achieve the best accuracy your clock can provide.

Don’t expect your mechanical clock to be as accurate as a quartz watch. If your clock is accurate within two minutes for a week, you have a well regulated clock. Simply nudge the minute hand to the correct time when needed or when you wind the clock.

Increasing Your Clock’s Lifespan

Like any mechanical device, your clock will need periodic maintenance. After fives years, the oil will be oxidized and dirty and will no longer protect the clock’s metal parts. Just like on your car, replacing oil is a lot cheaper than replacing parts. Unlike your car, with proper maintenance your clock can easily provide good service to many generations.

How to Care for Your 400-Day Clock

The most vital part of a 400-day clock is the thin wire spring from which the pendulum is suspended. It is very tough and should last indefinitely but will not withstand abuse.  It must be treated with great care so that it does not become twisted or bent.

Unlocking the Pendulum Suspension

The are many different types of pendulum locking mechanisms which allow the pendulum to be released into a free-hanging position. When unlocking the pendulum, caution must be exercised in order to protect the suspension spring from breaking or becoming bent.

Kundo clocks

The pendulum locking lever is under the movement, behind the clock. The pendulum should be carefully held when locking lever is pushed to the side, allowing it be lowered gently into the free position.

Schatz clocks

The pendulum of this clock is unlocked by a lever which is located in the bottom of the clock base. When the lever is moved to an extreme right position, the pendulum is raised and locked; when is moved to the extreme left, the pendulum is lowered to a free position.

A second more secure pendulum lock is located at the back of the movement, in the lower part of the tubular suspension spring guard. This lock can has a thumb screw that should be loosened before adjusting it. The lock should be raised to it highest position before re-tightening the thumb screw.

Locking Suspension Spring Guard clock

Located at the back of the movement, this guard may be held in place by friction or a thumb screw. Many times it is a ring that keeps the bottom block of the suspension spring from moving. Whatever the design, the guard must be raised up and away from the pendulum and secured.

Placing the Clock

The clock should be placed in a stable location free of vibration. Unsteady bookcases or tables are not satisfactory places for your clock. A mantel, a steady piece of furniture, or a wall bracket is a preferable location. Do not place the clock over a heat source or where it will be subject to direct sunlight or drafts.

Leveling the Clock

The surface on which the clock rests does not need to be level. However, the clock itself must be level. You will not need a leveling tool if your clock has a leveling guide in its base. The clock is level when the tip of the pendulum is over the guide or centered in the guide cup.  If the clock base has leveling feet, corrections may be made by raising or lowering one or move of these feet. If the clock does not have leveling feet, you may use card stock to the raise sides of the base in order to level the clock.

Starting the Clock

Carefully rotate the pendulum in either direction, so that it is about one complete turn from dead center, then release it. This will start the pendulum rotating more than what is required. Depending upon the clock, the normal rotation may be as little as ¾ turn or as much as 1½ turn. After the pendulum as rotated for about a half hour, it will have settled into its normal beat. Never rotate the pendulum more than 1½ turns from dead center when starting the clock. This action may result in a permanent twist in the spring which will keep the clock from running.

NOTE: Replacing a twisted or bent suspension spring will require a service fee even if the clock is still under warranty.

Winding the Clock

Many people like to remember to wind their 400-day clock once a year on a special occasion, like a birthday or a wedding anniversary. However, an anniversary clock will steadily loose time as it winds down. Your clock will keep time more accurately if you wind it every two months.  The winding arbor of the clock is on the back of the movement. Using your winding key on the arbor, turn it counter-clockwise to wind the clock. Keep winding until the spring is fully tight. The key will obviously stop when the clock is completely wound.

Keeping the Key Handy

An excellent place to keep the key so that you have it when you need to wind the clock in under the clock base.

Setting the Time

Set the time by moving the minute hand in either direction. The hour hand will automatically follow. If the hour hand does not point exactly to the hour when the minute hand is on the 12, shift its position in either direction until it points to the hour. Don’t be alarmed if the escapement “flutters” when the hands are being moved.

Cleaning the Dome or Case

Clean the glass dome or panels of your clock using a commercial glass cleaner or warm soapy water and rinse. Plastic should be cleaned using only warm, never hot, soapy water and rinse. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. When replacing the dome or case, handle the lower portion of the dome or the metal framework of the case. This will help minimize any noticeable fingerprints.

Adjusting for Accurate Timekeeping

If we serviced your clock, it has been calibrated for accurate timekeeping. However, if you are keeping it wound every two months and you find that it is trending fast or slow, you may want to make a minor adjustment to its speed. Bear in mind that having to correct the time of an anniversary clock by 1 or 2 minutes every week may not warrant the need to adjust its speed. If you do make adjustments, use very small corrections so see if it yields better timekeeping.

• 3 or 4 Ball Pendulum - Near the top of the pendulum is a knurled disk about the size of a quarter. Letters and arrows on the top of the disk indicate which direction will make the clock run faster or slower.  Turning the disk in the direction of “F” or “A” will make the clock run faster. The opposite direction (“S” or “R”) will make it run slower.
• Disc Pendulum - The disk weights can be moved by turning a threaded rod with a key. Turning the key toward the “F” or “A” will make the clock run faster.  Turning the key toward the “S” or “R” will make it run slower.

Increasing Your Clock’s Lifespan

Like any mechanical device, your clock will need periodic maintenance. After several years, the oil will become oxidized and dirty. It will then no longer protect the clock’s metal parts. Just like on your car, replacing oil is a lot cheaper than replacing parts. Unlike your car, with proper maintenance your clock can easily provide good service to many generations. Consider having your clock serviced again in ten years.

How to Care for Your Grandfather Clock

A Place for Your Clock

Your grandfather clock should be located in a place in your home that is free of extremes in temperature or humidity. For this reason, do not set it beside a fireplace, stove, or other source of home heating. Do not place it where it will be subjected to direct sunlight or drafts.

Leveling the Clock

Some grandfather clocks have screw-threaded leveling feet that allow you to raise or lower a corner of the clock case by turning the foot.  The clock should be level front to back and side to side.  A small leveling tool (or spirit level) may be set on the door frame or flat cornice to help achieve this.  Fine adjustments leveling may be needed up at the movement so that the clock does not stop after a few minutes.  Your clockmaker should help you with this.

Hanging the Pendulum

Grandfather clocks have a variety of designs for hanging the pendulum.  Most pendulums are suspended from a “crutch” or a fork on the back of the movement.  If a clockmaker sets up the clock for you, you will not have to worry about how the pendulum is suspended.

Always remove the pendulum before moving the clock to another location. The pendulum bob is heavy and can damage the clock if allowed to swing freely when moving the cabinet.

Hanging the Weights

The weights on most grandfather clocks vary in weight depending upon which “train” of wheels they are driving.  Sometimes, the weights are labeled on the bottom “L”, “C”, or “R” (left, center, and right) to help you position them on the correct chain.

Always remove the weights before moving a grandfather clock.  Free-swinging weight during the moving of a grandfather clock can break glass or damage the cabinet.

Winding the Clock

The chains must be pulled straight down; not at at an angle. Pulling the chains toward you can cause them to slip out of their ratchet wheel.

Slow down as the weight approaches the top. As soon as you hear the weight bump against the top, STOP. Further winding will jam the weight and put tension on the clock that will prohibit it from running. Under no condition attempt to pull the weight down. This can severely damage to your clock. Get a clockmaker to lower the weight for you.

Setting the Time

Rotate the minute hand clockwise until you arrive at the current time. Each time the clock begins to chime, pause until the chiming stops. Continued turning of the minute hand while the clock is chiming will put the chime out of synchronization with the time of the clock.  Some of the modern grandfather clocks are able to re-sync themselves after an hour.  Ask your clockmaker for guidance on your clock.

If your clock chimes on the quarter hour, do not reverse the minute hand past the 3, 6, 9, or 12 hour markers on the dial.  If it chimes on the half hour, do not try to reverse the minute hand past the 6 or 12.  If it only chimes on the hour, do not try to push the minute hand backwards past the 12.  As soon as you feel resistance in turning the minute hand backwards, STOP. Forcing the minute hand backwards can damage your clock.

Starting the Clock

After the clock is wound and the time is set, you can start the clock by putting the pendulum in motion. This is done by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.

Adjusting for Accurate Timekeeping

After you have started your clock, you may discover that it is running too fast or slow. You can improve the accuracy of your clock by following this procedure: After a week’s time (or sooner if the clock is gaining or losing time rapidly), compare its time with that of an accurate time source. This source may be an electric clock or a quartz watch.  You may adjust the speed of your clock by turning the knurled wheel below the pendulum to the left if the clock is running to fast or to the right if the clock is running too slow.

Reset the hands to the correct time and let the clock run for another week without further correction. As the clock’s time becomes more accurate, your adjustments will become smaller. Each time you make an adjustment, make a note of it (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, 1mm, etc.). Keeping track of your changes will help you achieve the best accuracy your clock can provide.

Don’t expect your mechanical clock to be as accurate as a quartz watch. If your clock is accurate within two minutes for a week, you have a well regulated clock. Simply nudge the minute hand to the correct time when needed or when you wind the clock.

Increasing Your Clock’s Lifespan

Like any mechanical device, your grandfather clock will need periodic maintenance. After ten years, the oil will be oxidized and dirty and will no longer protect the clock’s metal parts. Just like on your car, replacing oil is a lot cheaper than replacing parts. Unlike your car, with proper maintenance your clock can easily provide good service to many generations.  Grandfather clocks should be re-serviced every 10 years to keep them running well in to minimize the parts wearing out.

How to Extend the Life of Your Clock

By observing a few simple rules, you can dramatically extend the life of your clock.  Conversely, by not observing them you will dramatically shorten its life.  Some rules are common sense; like don’t leave it in the yard unless its a sundial.  However, many well-meaning but uninformed people can make decisions that are destructive to their clock.

Rule #1

Keep your clock in a place that has the same temperature and humidity you enjoy.  For most of us, that would be our homes.  Do not set your clock next to a source of heat or in a place where it will be subject to drafts or direct sunlight.

Never store your clock in the attic, the basement, or the garage.  These places offer extremes in temperature and humidity your clock will not like..  The joints of an antique clock are held together with hide glue.  Hide glue softens with heat and if a clock is kept in a place like this, the wood in the case will expand and contract.  These factors will cause the  joints separate.  Your clock could also experience loosened veneer, corrosion in it the movement, and whatever damage bugs and other critters might leave behind.

Rule #2

A mechanical clock is a machine.  As such, it requires periodic cleaning and lubrication.  The primary cause of a clock stopping (other than being knocked to the floor)  is a build-up of dust and oxidation in the pivot holes of its movement.  These are points upon the wheels turn and must be lubricated with clock oil.  However, oil has a tendency to collect dust as well as oxidation from the metal it lubricates.  Harder bits become embedded in the softer brass plates and grind way at the steel pinions on which the wheels turn.  As the oil thickens, the clock eventually grinds to a halt.

By the time the clock stops working, damage has already been done.  Some of the brass pivot holes will become egg-shaped with  time.  Regular cleaning can slow this process but not eliminate it.  Most pivot holes can be easily re-bushed when needed.   However, steel pivots are not as easy to repair and regular cleaning will greatly extend their life.

Frequency of servicing depends upon the type of clock.  Mantel and wall clocks should be cleaned and lubricated every 5 years.  Grandfather and anniversary clock can go for 10 years before they need to be serviced.   Please know that adding oil to a dirty clock will not solve the problem.  The dust and oxidation must be removed to keep the clock in good working order.

Rule #3

Batteries should be removed from quartz clocks that are not running or not in use.  Old batteries contain a corrosive acid that will leak into your clock and ruin it.  This is a good rule to follow for quartz watches as well.

How to Care for Your Wall Clock

A Place for Your Clock

Your wall clock should be located in a place in your home that is free of extremes in temperature or humidity. For this reason, do not set your clock above or beside a fireplace, stove, or other source of home heating. Do not place the clock where it will be subjected to direct sunlight or drafts. Cuckoo clock can be particularly sensitive to drafts.

Make sure that the nail or screw on which your clock hangs is sufficient to support the clock.  Depending upon the weight of the clock, you may consider supporting it on a stud in the wall.

Leveling the Clock

The clock case must be level. When we return your wall clock, we will tell which part of the case should be used as point of leveling.  Depending upon the clock it will be the floor of the clock or some other convenient horizontal edge.  A small spirit level (or bubble level) will help with this task.

Hanging the Pendulum

After your clock is in a safe and level location, the pendulum may be installed. Open the case a look for a rod in the center of the clock with a hook at the bottom end. Hang the pendulum on this hook.

Remove the pendulum before moving the clock to another location. The pendulum bob is heavy and can damage the clock if allowed to swing freely.

Winding the Clock

Depending upon whether your clock is spring or weight driven, use the following instructions that are appropriate to your clock.

• Key wound - The direction in which to turn its mainspring arbors will depend upon your clock. You will hear clicking when you are turning it in the correct direction. Do not attempt to force the key as this will damage your clock.

• Chain wound - The chains must be pulled straight down; not at at an angle. Pulling the chains toward you will cause them to slip out of their ratchet wheel. If this happens, have a clockmaker reseat the chain for you.

• Spring driven - Unlike a watch, a spring-driven clock can be wound without fear of overwinding. Wind each arbor until the key stops.

• Weight driven - Slow down as the weight approaches the top. As soon as you hear the weight bump against the top, STOP. Further winding will jam the weight and put tension on the clock that will prohibit it from running. Under no condition attempt to pull the weight down. This can severely damage to your clock. Get a clockmaker to lower the weight for you.

Setting the Time

Rotate the minute hand clockwise until you arrive at the current time. Each time the clock begins to chime, pause until the chiming stops. Continued turning of the minute hand while the clock is chiming will put the chime out of synchronization with the time of the clock.

If your clock chimes on the quarter hour, do not reverse the minute hand past the 3, 6, 9, or 12 hour markers on the dial.  If it chimes on the half hour, do not try to reverse the minute hand past the 6 or 12.  If it only chimes on the hour, do not try to push the minute hand backwards past the 12.  As soon as you feel resistance in turning the minute hand backwards, STOP. Forcing the minute hand backwards can damage your clock.

Starting the Clock

After the clock is wound and the time is set, you can start the clock by putting the pendulum in motion. This is done by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.

Adjusting for Accurate Timekeeping

After you have started your clock, you may discover that it is running too fast or slow. You can improve the accuracy of your clock by following this procedure: After a week’s time (or sooner if the clock is gaining or losing time rapidly), compare its time with that of an accurate time source. This source may be an electric clock or a quartz watch. If your clock’s incorrect you may adjust its speed using one of the following appropriate methods.

• Using the key for the speed arbor, turn the arbor toward the “F” is the clock is running slow or toward the “S” if the clock is running too fast.
• Turn the knurled wheel on the pendulum to the left if the clock is running to fast or to the right if the clock is running too slow.
• Slide the bob down the pendulum rod if the clock is running to fast or up the rod if the clock is running too slow.

Reset the hands to the correct time and let the clock run for another week without further correction. As the clock’s time becomes more accurate, your adjustments will become smaller. Each time you make an adjustment, make a note of it (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, 1mm, etc.). Keeping track of your changes will help you achieve the best accuracy your clock can provide.

Don’t expect your mechanical clock to be as accurate as a quartz watch. If your clock is accurate within two minutes for a week, you have a well regulated clock. Simply nudge the minute hand to the correct time when needed or when you wind the clock.

Increasing Your Clock’s Lifespan

Like any mechanical device, your clock will need periodic maintenance. After fives years, the oil will be oxidized and dirty and will no longer protect the clock’s metal parts. Just like on your car, replacing oil is a lot cheaper than replacing parts. Unlike your car, with proper maintenance your clock can easily provide good service to many generations.

How to Synchronize your Clock’s Time and Strike

Antique Connecticut-made mantel and wall clocks are very dependable and forgiving clocks. However, their strike and time will go out of sync if allowed to wind down to a stop.   When this happens (and it will happen)  you can follow these simple steps to re-synchronize the clock.

1. Wind (or raise the weights on) both sides of the clock.
2. Using your finger, turn the minute hand clockwise to the “12” until the clock starts striking the hours.
3. Count the number of strikes.  This is the “strike-time” –  the time the clock thinks it is.
4. Turn the hour hand to point at the number of strikes you just heard.  Most hour hands are held in place by friction.  You can turn them either direction and then tighten them by pushing them in around their base; close to the shaft on which they set.  The dial-time and strike-time are now synchronized.
5. Turn the minute hand clockwise until the current time is reached.  Be sure and pause each time the clock starts to strike.  Wait for it to complete its strikes before continuing.
6. If it is not already running, start the clock.
7. Done.

How to Make your Clock “Fall Back” the Easy Way

The end of Daylight Saving Time is one of the  least anticipated events for the mechanical clock owner.  OK, “Fall back”.  Loose an hour.  Since I am not supposed to turn the minute hand counter-clockwise, what do I do?  Well there’s two ways to tackle this less-than-cherished task.

First, you  could advance the time forward by 11 hours.  That would be keeping the rule of not turning the minute hand backwards.  However, it also means you would have to wait each time the clock starts chiming, which for a clock that chimes on the quarter-hour could seem like an eternity.  (Now just why did I want this grandfather clock?)  There is a less painful solution.

The second solution is far less nerve-racking but does require a little bit of keeping track of the time.  Stop the clock.  Yes, literally.  Stop the clock.  Go watch your favorite television program and in one hour start it back up.  Mission accomplished.  You may have to tweak the minute hand forward or back a little, depending upon how good you were at keeping track of the time, but by employing a little bit of smarts and patience you will have breezed through the end of DST like a pro.

How to Synchronize Your Cuckoo Clock

If you are setting up your cuckoo clock or if you missed winding it before it stops, you will need to synchronize the clock.   Follow these simple steps to get the clock sounding out the correct time.

1. Raise the weights on the clock.  Be careful not to jam them against the bottom of the clock.
2. Using your finger, turn the minute hand clockwise until you reach the current time.
3. Start the clock by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.
4. On the right-hand side of the clock is a wooden door that is hung by a single nail or screw.  Push the door to one side.  This will reveal a black lever.  Each time you push this lever in and release it, it will advance the strike (or cuckoo-ing)  by one half hour.  Count the number of cuckoos you hear to determine the “strike-time”.  Repeat this process until the clock is sounding out the number of cuckoos for the current hour.  If the current time is beyond half past the hour, push the lever one more time so it will sound out the bottom of the hour.
5. Raise the weights back to the top.
6. Done.

7 Most Common Clock Owner Mistakes

1.  Forcing hands or other parts

If a minute hand or something else offers resistance, showing who’s boss is one of the quickest ways to break a clock.

2.  Pulling winding chains at an angle

A good way to jam the weights is to pull winding chains at an angle and never straight down.  Pulling them fast will also help jam the weights.

3.  Pulling on jammed weights

If a weight is jammed, pulling it free is a sure-fire way to strip a ratchet wheel.  Of course, the clock won’t wind after that.

4.  Leaving it in direct sunlight

Nothing bleaches a finish or ages wood like constant exposure to the sun.  Southern windows are typical locations for this sort of abuse.

5.  Storing it in the attic

Wide variations in temperature and humidity will loosen the joints and veneer of a clock until the case falls apart.  Basements, garages, and out-buildings are equally destructive.

6.  Spraying it with WD-40

Just because it works great on doors does not mean it will work on clocks.  When the lubricant dries your clock will be gummed up with green gel.

7.   Avoiding oil changes

Over time, the oil in your clock collects dust and copper oxide.  This abrasive sludge will grind and slow your clock’s pivots until it seizes.  This is like never changing the oil in your car and taking it to a mechanic after it stops running.

How to Start a Rear-Access Pendulum Mantel Clock

Many mantel clocks have a door on the back of the clock.  Tambors and many cottage clocks are typical examples.  Opening this door reveals the clockworks including the pendulum.  Most people are inclined to start the clock by pushing the pendulum, closing the door, and then turning the clock around.  This method can be cumbersome and not always successful.  There is a better way.

Set the clock on the shelf or mantel on which it will be used.  Make sure it is level.  Then lift either the left or right side of the clock about a half inch and then immediately set it back down.  When done smoothly, this simple motion is enough to start the pendulum swinging.  Your clock is now running!