Expert: William J Perkins - 5/6/2008

Question
We purchased a Trend grandfather clock at a garage sale. The lady who owned it gave us a book to set the clock but the instructions are not detailed enough for us. We did get it to chime but it is 15 minutes early. We can't figure out how to oil it either. We did not remove the bars when moving the clock so they are in the right position, we believe. Do you have a booklet on how to set and oil the clock in more detail? Also is there an easy fix for the clock being off 15 minutes? Any advice will be appreciated!! The style no. 84501177 or 1111-(hard to read) the movement no. 100 and the pack no 3790. Thank you.

Answer
When you say, "you did not remove the bars when moving the clock", I don't know what you mean.  Please clarify.  Now as to the other matters.  You can correct the 15 minute error by simply removing the hand nut and the minute hand, pulling the hand off and reposition it so that the chime action is appropriate to the quarter hour.  Since, by you description, the chime is 15 minutes fast, you would move the hand back 15 minutes.  As to oiling your clock there are kits available that not only provide the correct lubricant, but instructions as well.  You can find one such kit at <www.howtorepairclocks.com>