Expert: William J Perkins - 6/8/2008

Question
We have a Pearl Grandfather clock that we've had for over 20 years, and it still runs like new. Problem: the hour "bongs" don't match the clock; e.g., when it's 4:00, it only "bongs" 3 times. Is there a fix for that that doesn't involve taking it to a clock repair place?

Answer
You need to reposition your hour hand.  The hour hand is friction fit to its shaft.  To make the needed adjustment, with one hand, grasp the hour hand as close to its attachment point as you can.  With the other hand hold the minute hand so that it cannot move, the turn the hour hand 1 hour backward.  Should this action break the friction fit with the hour shaft simple push the hand back towards the dial, making sure the hand is parallel to the clocks face, otherwise, the hand will lock to the minute hand.  With this done set the clock in the normal manner and you are done.  Regards WJP