Expert: Michael Radi - 11/5/2008

Question
I Have a Ridgeway Tempus Fugit. I set the time and with in 24 hours it is about 15 minutes slow. This clocked belonged to my parents and I did not find any booklets on it when I went throu their papers.Thanks for your time.


Answer
The timekeeping adjustment for all pendulum clocks is in the pendulum length. The longer the center of gravity, the slower the clock will run.
In grandfather clocks, this adjustment is in the rating nut under the pendulum bob. This nut is turned onto the threaded rod at the bottom of the pendulum. The threads are "right handed".
It is important to hold the pendulum firmly so that it does not twist while you turn the nut. This will keep you from damaging the parts that the pendulum is hanging from. To be really safe, you can remove the pendulum from it's hanger to make the adjustment. You will probably have to adjust it every day for several days before you get the timing close enough to make the clock a usable timekeeper. Grandfather clocks can be set to run within one minute a week or better.
To make your clock run faster, turn this nut clockwise as if you were looking up at it from the bottom. This will raise the bob upward and make your clock run faster. I would start with two full turns of the nut.
Please pay close attention to my remarks on holding or removing the pendulum while making the adjustment.