Do's and Dont's

The Do's and Don'ts of Your Clock!

• Wind your clock every 7 days . Wind all of the holes on your clock until they are tight. You cannot overwind!

• Do not turn the minute hand backwards at anytime.

Clock with Pendulums:

• Never move your clock with the pendulum attached. Always remove the pendulum first.

• If you just brought the clock home, hang it or set it in its spot before reattaching the pendulum. Then hook the pendulum on very carefully causing as little disturbance to the spring above as possible. Once this is finished give the pendulum a swing.

• If the pendulum was taped down to the back of the case:

• Hang it or set it where you want it to go.

• Carefully pull the tape off while holding the pendulum in place. Do not allow the pendulum to be pulled with the tape.

To Regulate for Fast or Slow:

The nut at the bottom of your pendulum is responsible for the rate at which your clock keeps time. Before making any adjustments, gently stop the pendulum from swinging and either:

a.) hold in place

b.) remove from hook

Clock is running fast	Clock is running slow
Turn nut down to the left	Turn nut up to the right

*One full turn for every minute per day*

If the hour strike does not match the actual time:

Bring the minute hand (longest hand) to the hour and count the number of strikes.
Move the hour hand (shortest hand) to the number the clock struck (you may go forward or backward with the hour hand). Example: if the clock reads 2:00 and it strikes four, then move the hour hand (shortest hand) forward to 4:00 .
Set the clock to the correct time.

Frequently Asked Questions

We frequentley receive emails asking questions about clocks and clock repair. Hear is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions. Please look through the questions and click on any that apply to you.

When does my clock require an overhaul or major repair?
What is a re-bushing?
What function does the pendulum perform?
Does The Clock Man repair clocks and watches?
Does The Clock Man repair clock cases?
Does The Clock Man make house calls?
Does The Clock Man repair Antique Grandfather clock?
Does The Clock Man repair English or Scottish Grandfather clocks?
Does The Clock Man sell clocks?
If I have a grandfather clock that needs repair, do you need to take the whole clock back to your workshop?
Can I over wind my clock?
How often should I wind my clock?
How accurate should I expect my clock to be?
What determines the rate of my clock?
Can I turn the hands backward?
Why are there three wind up points to my clock?
Can I spray WD40 in the back of my clock to get it working?
What is the purpose of the weights or springs?
What is the difference between weights and springs?
Can I oil my clock myself?

1. When does my clock require an overhaul or major repair?

One indication that your clock needs an overhaul and not just a minor repair is when the oil point contains a black or green residue. This residue is a mixture of old oil and brass powder, a sure sign your clock needs re- bushing.

To the right is an extreme example of clock plate ware. Notice the black residue round the pivot hole, well that is old oil and ground brass. Also notice the gap above the pivot. Your clock may not have as much black residue but any black or green residue indicates a need to clean the clock.

2. What is a re-bushing?

The clock plates are made of brass and the pivot is made of steel. These two materials form the baring for the clock wheel. If the pivot is clean and polished and there is oil or no contaminant in the plate hole then the pivot will turn with minimal ware on the brass plate. If there is no oil in the baring then ware will occur and what was previously a round hole now wares in one direction causing it to become oval. shaped If this is allowed to continue the clock gears can become disengaged with disastrous results. A re-bushing to drill out the oval hole to a larger size on its original center will have to be done and then install a brass bushing.

To the right is an example of a badly worn clock plate hole. This is caused by excessive ware. When the clock gets worn a repair with a bushing is required.

To the right is an example of a normal clock plate hole.

3. What function does the pendulum perform?

The pendulum regulates the clock and allows the power to be released at a precise rate. Longer pendulums swing slower.

4. Does The Clock Man repair clocks and watches?

Yes, absolutely. Please call for details.

5. Does The Clock Man repair clock cases?

Yes, we are experienced in shellac and Lacquer color matching, plus fabrication of missing pieces.

6. Does The Clock Man make house calls?

Yes, we come to your home and often repair your clock within the hour.

7. Does The Clock Man repair Antique Grandfather clock?

Yes, The Clock Man has extensive knowledge of Grandfather clocks.

8. Does The Clock Man repair English or Scottish Grandfather clocks?

Yes, The Clock Man has extensive knowledge and experience with English and Scottish Grandfather, Fusee and wall clocks.

9. Does The Clock Man sell clocks?

Yes, See the products page for details.

10. If I have a grandfather clock that needs repair, do you need to take the whole clock back to your workshop?

If you have a grandfather clock we only need to take the pendulum, weights, movement and dial back to our workshop. We have test stands and can repair you clock on such a stand.

11. Can I over wind my clock?

Lots of people ask me this question. In general the answer is no you can not over wind your clock as long as normal hand pressure is used.

12. How often should I wind my clock?

Most clocks have an 8-day cycle. Set aside a specific time each week that way it becomes a habit and keeps your clocks ticking.

13. How accurate should I expect my clock to be?

Do not be concerned if your clock keeps to within two minutes per week. However I have weight driven clocks that keep time to within 10 seconds per week. Even greater accuracy can be achieved with a compensating pendulum or a pendulum constructed of special materials.

14. What determines the rate of my clock?

The length of the pendulum determines the rate your clock runs at. Moving the pendulum bob up or down using the nut at the bottom will adjust the rate of your clock. Natural changes in the temperature will cause the pendulum to expand and contract and vary the clock rate.

15. Can I turn the hands backward?

It would be safe to turn your clock hands back but not past the nearest chime point. For example if your clock reads 10 minutes past the hour you would be safe to turn the hands back to 1 min past the hour but no further.

16. Why are there three wind up points to my clock?

If you have three winding points then you have a clock with three independent gear trains. The center is for the time, the left is for the hour and is known as the strike. The right is for the chime.

17. Can I spray WD40 in the back of my clock to get it working?

WD40 is one of the worst things you can do to your clock. It will not fix the problem and causes more harm. It will attract a collection of dirt on everything. Our repairman would have to give your clock an additional treatment to get rid of the WD40 before he can begin to clean the clock in the ultrasonic clock cleaner.

18. What is the purpose of the weights or springs?

The weights or springs provide the power to drive the clock.

19. What is the difference between weights and springs?

Weight gives an even pull throughout the entire period. A spring will give less power towards the end of its wind. A Fusee clock evens out the power of a clock spring.

20. Can I oil my clock myself?

It depends on your skill level but probably not. This is because you can see less than half the oiling points from the rear. You would need to remove the clock from the case and partially dismantle the mechanism to reach all the oiling points. In addition some clock movements require light grease on several locations. A modern strike and chime movement can have as many as 40 lubrications locations.

Most people would use too much oil. Less than one drop of oil is required. Too much oil and the surface tension will not hold the oil in place, causing it to run from the oil sink down the clock plate leaving the bearing dry.