Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/7/2008

Question
Thanks for answering so quickly. The clock is all glass except the back,  and the movement is attached by many screews to the wooden back. I am afraid I would never get it back together. Do you think one of the rods that is adjustable is a good idea, or should I seek out a repair shop.? There is not one locally.

Answer
Hi Susie,
    I don't have your original question, and can't quite remember if this is a battery or wind up clock. If it is a battery clock, the it will be easy to select a "break-off" pendulum, which can be snapped off in sections to make it whatever length you want. The top hook can also be bent to make it fit snugly on the pendulum leader. Length is not a critical factor with these movements.
    Wind-up movements are another story. First, the length of the pendulum is very critical to the timekeeping rate of the clock. Unless you get the correct pendulum length, the clock will run too fast or too slow. Secondly, you must have the correct top hook on the pendulum. Different movement makers use different styles of pendulum top hooks, and they are not interchangeable.
    It might be possible to use an examination mirror like dentists use to get a look at the back of the movement. This would tell you what make of movement you have. If you can do this, get back to me with the information, and I'll tell you which movement you have.
    The next question is whether your original pendulum stick was wood or metal. If it was wood, you can purchase a pendulum stick with disk and regulating unit, and cut it to the correct length, then attach the correct top hook. Top hooks are inexpensive, and you can buy one of each of the three or four main types, see which fits best, and then attach that one to the pendulum stick. Metal pendulums, unfortunately, require that you know the maker of the movement.
    To determine the correct length of pendulum stick, make a guess from memory on how long the original was. Set the regulating nut on the threaded rod at the lower end of the pendulum about midway on the threaded rod. Then cut the pendulum stick and attach the top hook. Make sure that you start by cutting the stick LONGER than you think you will need; you can always cut more off, but once it's cut too short, it's ruined. Then try running the clock, and see how it keeps time. If the clock runs too slow, and adjusting the regulating nut and disk downward is not enough to correct it, then you will need to cut the rod shorter. This is a trial-and-error process, and will require some patience and probably several adjustments.