Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 11/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a close friend who just purchased an Ingraham Calendar Wall Clock.  I helped mount the clock on the wall, but when it came to getting is running I am at a loss.  There are 2 parts that came loose with the clock.  From looking at other clock sites, it appears to be the pendulum with bob and another piece that connects to it and probably connects to the movement/works... I think it is called a suspension spring, as it has a hook at one end and what looks like a small flat spring type metal piece at the other end.  I have attached a pic of the clock with the pendulum attached (incorrectly I am sure, as it appears to be too high and does not include the suspension spring).  Sorry I do not have a pic of the suspension spring.  How do I put this assembly together and attach it correctly to the works/movement?  Do I need to remove the clock face to get it right and oil/clean the works/movement?  Any assistance will be appreciated, including a drawing of the assembly if possible.... this the the engineer in me talking....  Thanks in advance.. Garry

ANSWER: hands and dial need to come off --pin or nut holds the minute hand on and the others just pull off (when you put the calendar hand on again -line it up with a number on the OD and then push it straight on to keep the spot where it is pointing- the hour hand you can move once it is on)

the flat end of the wire goes in a slotted post on upper front of the movement and hanges through THE CENTER of a brass wire loop coming out of the escapement (ticking mechanism) and the pendulum hooks on the wire at the bottom.

Hang it on the wall with out hands or dial to get it running and test it - get the case straight on the wall and then bend slightly left or right as needed the brass wire from the escapement to get the tick sounding even and "in beat". then replace the dial and hands.

skip the cleaning - if you want to put minute drops of light oil on the ends of the gear shafts only (front and back) and the two faces of the escapement anchor, that would be best.

if the "ingraham" photo I attached did not come through- email me at Pendclocks@aol.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ken, Thanks so much for your assistance.  Just one clarifying item:  What will keep the flat end of the wire from slipping thru the slotted post?  I do not remember anything on the flat end that would do this?  Is it possible that this has broken off the flat metal section?
If so, what is the best course of action to get it replaced?  Thanks again, Garry.

ANSWER: see: http://www.clock-keys.com/CART/images/29386.jpg

there is either a hole in the tip for a wire, like the photo or a "dimple" punched in the tip to make it too wide to pull through the slot. You can dimple the tip 3/16" down from the end using a sharp nail like a sheetrock nail and a gentle tap against a hardwood surface
- not too much or you will break the metal - just enough to make a dimple on the opposite side --several gentle tries rather than one big whack would be the way.

if you have to shorten it you will need to adjust the pendulum down by the same amount to get the speed of the clock right. the entire suspension spring wire can be had new at any clock repair shop by bringing the old one in and $5-10 while you wait.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ken, Your instructions yielded good results.  All parts appeared to fit properly together without having to do any repairs.  The sound appeared to me to be in beat, so I replace the face, etc.  I made sure that it was wound up, and started it again...  It ran for about 45 minutes and then stopped.  Thinking that the problem might be that it was not really in beat, I reached behind the face and slightly bent the brass wire from the escapement.  Well, then it only ran for 15 minutes.  So now I stopped and need your advice on how to proceed.  Thanks again.  Hope you are having a nice Thanksgiving, and hope to hear from you in the next few days. Garry

Answer
run it without the dial and hands- bending stuff without being able to really see what you are doing is problematic- recheck the setup above with the dial off.

silly question but you did not state--did you wind the clock with the key fully? and did you oil it?
with the dial off move the bottom of the clock on the wall left and right till the sound is best and see how long it runs and then make a move left or right about 1/4" and see how long it runs -(runs shorter, you went the wrong way on the wall - go back 1/2", etc.)