Grandfather CLock Repair
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR A "MODERN DAY" GRANDFATHER CLOCK, OR GRANDMOTHER CLOCK.
Please keep in mind that at some point in the 1970-90's, there were several grandfather clock manufacturers in the US. Each manufacturer built their grandfather clock cases slightly different from each other and each model from the same manufacturer was built a little different as well. Although the basic construction is the same, how a movement is removed from the grandfather clock varies.
When replacing or repairing a grandfather clock movement, sometimes the biggest challenge is getting the movement out of the case. Each case manufacturer had their own way of building a clock case and they had several different ways of installing the movement.
There are so many parts, both moving and stationary to a grandfather clock. Because we focus on the repairs and or replacing the grandfather clocks movement, we are going to focus at this point on the movement and the face and names of their parts. We did want to show a picture and the names of the case so you will have additional information. At a later point, we will discuss the grandfather clocks case and its parts, as well as minor case repairs and adjustments.
Starting with the basics:
We have to start at the basics and simple terminology in order to keep things straight. Please understand that there are technical terms to parts on the movements and other parts of the grandfather clock that some people call one thing and others might call others. We will try to label and point out everything we are describing on this sight.
When we talk about the grandfather clocks left side, we are talking as if we are facing the grandfather clock. So the left weight on a grandfather clock is "YOUR" left facing the clock. When we say the right side weight, we are talking about "YOUR " right.
Please keep in mind that at some point in the 1970-90's, there were several grandfather clock manufacturers in the US. Each manufacturer built their grandfather clock cases slightly different from each other and each model from the same manufacturer was built a little different as well. Although the basic construction is the same, how a movement is removed from the grandfather clock varies.
When replacing or repairing a grandfather clock movement, sometimes the biggest challenge is getting the movement out of the case. Each case manufacturer had their own way of building a clock case and they had several different ways of installing the movement.
There are so many parts, both moving and stationary to a grandfather clock. Because we focus on the repairs and or replacing the grandfather clocks movement, we are going to focus at this point on the movement and the face and names of their parts. We did want to show a picture and the names of the case so you will have additional information. At a later point, we will discuss the grandfather clocks case and its parts, as well as minor case repairs and adjustments.
Starting with the basics:
We have to start at the basics and simple terminology in order to keep things straight. Please understand that there are technical terms to parts on the movements and other parts of the grandfather clock that some people call one thing and others might call others. We will try to label and point out everything we are describing on this sight.
When we talk about the grandfather clocks left side, we are talking as if we are facing the grandfather clock. So the left weight on a grandfather clock is "YOUR" left facing the clock. When we say the right side weight, we are talking about "YOUR " right.
First things first:
Before you start digging in too deep into the reason your grandfather clock stopped, there are a few things we can check prior to diagnosing any major problem.
1st.:
Make sure your grandfather clock is level and stable. There are small adjustable feet, located under each corner toe molding on your grandfather or grandmother clock. You can adjust these feet and using a small level you will be able to level and stabilize your clock case. Older floor clocks and some older grandfather and grandmother clocks do not have adjustable feet. If this is the case with your clock, you will have to use some type of shims under some or all the feet in order to level and stabilize your clock.
2nd:
Make sure the hands on the clock are not touching each other or touching the face of the clock. Also check the second hand. Look for high spots on some of the numbers. Also if you have a decorative ring around your second hand, look for loos screws or high spots on the ring. Also make sure the second hand is not rubbing on the face. The slightest push on the second hand could cause this problem. If this happens, simply pull on the second hand slightly out, allowing the second hand to turn without hitting the face.
Before you start digging in too deep into the reason your grandfather clock stopped, there are a few things we can check prior to diagnosing any major problem.
1st.:
Make sure your grandfather clock is level and stable. There are small adjustable feet, located under each corner toe molding on your grandfather or grandmother clock. You can adjust these feet and using a small level you will be able to level and stabilize your clock case. Older floor clocks and some older grandfather and grandmother clocks do not have adjustable feet. If this is the case with your clock, you will have to use some type of shims under some or all the feet in order to level and stabilize your clock.
2nd:
Make sure the hands on the clock are not touching each other or touching the face of the clock. Also check the second hand. Look for high spots on some of the numbers. Also if you have a decorative ring around your second hand, look for loos screws or high spots on the ring. Also make sure the second hand is not rubbing on the face. The slightest push on the second hand could cause this problem. If this happens, simply pull on the second hand slightly out, allowing the second hand to turn without hitting the face.
3rd:
Make sure the pendulum is not rubbing or touching anything as it swings.
If everything checked out and the clock movement will not stay swinging, it is time to look at the clocks movement.
Last:
Make sure the suspension spring is not broken or the pendulum leader is connected correctly.
When we service a grandfather clock out in the field, or in the shop, the first thing we have to do is remove the movement from the case. Study the case carefully. Some movements come out from the front of the clock, whereas others come out from the back and very few come out from the top.
The suspension spring and leader will look different depending on the make and model number of the clocks movement. We will have additional pictures on other models in additional postings.
Make sure the pendulum is not rubbing or touching anything as it swings.
If everything checked out and the clock movement will not stay swinging, it is time to look at the clocks movement.
Last:
Make sure the suspension spring is not broken or the pendulum leader is connected correctly.
When we service a grandfather clock out in the field, or in the shop, the first thing we have to do is remove the movement from the case. Study the case carefully. Some movements come out from the front of the clock, whereas others come out from the back and very few come out from the top.
The suspension spring and leader will look different depending on the make and model number of the clocks movement. We will have additional pictures on other models in additional postings.
After you have checked out the simple problems, we will look into more complicated problems that come up with your movement. OILING and SERVICING your Grandfather Clock Is your next step. Click on this link for instructions on Servicing and oiling your Grandfather Clock.