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Question
This clock has a standard westminster chime movement wound by a spring. It has a double weight that runs the clock. It is about 40 inches high. Recently the pendulum began striking both sides of the glass while running. I have stopped it, re started it and it always begins striking again. I have the clock perfectly level. Is there anything I can adjust ??
Thank you!!
Hi Robert,
)
Every movement has its own arc of swing, which ordinarily will not change. If your clock's pendulum has started hitting both sides of the case as it swings, and if it hasn't done that before, it is almost certain that something has been done to the clock to cause the change. There is no adjustment that will correct this, as the width of the arc of swing is a fixed characteristic of the movement.
The most common cause of this problem is poor matching of a movement to a case, in other words, a case that is too narrow for the movement's normal arc of swing. This is unlikely in a good quality clock such as a Hamilton, unless the movement has been replaced.
A second possible cause is a pendulum bob which is too large in diameter for the clock. But this is only a possibility if you have changed the pendulum or the bob.
Another possible cause is that the crutch has been bent and the crutch post is contacting the pendulum leader at a significantly higher point on the leader than it should. I have attached a labeled photo of the pendulum assembly to clarify this explanation. This problem can only be caused by forcible bending of the crutch, usually as a result of removing and/or reattaching the pendulum incorrectly and forcibly. If this is the problem, the crutch can be bent back to its correct position. However, these are delicate parts and there is always a risk of breaking something. You might want to consider having a professional clock repairer do this work.
These are the only possible causes of this unusual problem that I can think of. If the crutch correction is not a possible solution, then the only possible remedy would be to replace the bob with one of smaller diameter. The width of the arc of swing will remain the same, but the smaller bob may not contact the sides of the case. http://www.clockmasteronline.com
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Answers by Expert:
Martin Meyer
Expertise
Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com
Experience
24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com
Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)
Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.
Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.
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