Expert: William J Perkins - 4/22/2008

Question
I have a clock made by the Regulator Clock Company in Port Jefferson, New York.  The pendulum hangs from a long rod, which is attached to a flexible strip at the top of the inside mechanism.  The rod broke loose from the flexible strip.  After I glued it back together, the pendulum works fine, but it doesn't chime until ten minutes after the hour.  Do you have any suggestions for correcting this?  Any assistance would be appreciated!

Answer
You need to reposition the minute hand.  If the hand is held in place by a hand nut remove it, turn the hand over and you will see that the square hole that holds the hand in position is a friction fit bushing.  Take a pliers and turn the bushing untill the hand, when placed on its arbor (post) is in the proper position, i.e., pointing at 12 when it begins to strike.  Secure the hand to the shaft with the hand nut.  If the hand is held in place by a pin, push the pin out, remove the hand then do the repair as outlined above.  Put the hand in place and secure it by repalcing the pin.  Regards WJP