Expert: William J Perkins - 7/25/2008

Question
I have what I believe to be a Hamilton "Padington" 31 day Grandfather Wall Clock.
I purchased it at a thrift store for $6.00. It was missing the fake Brass tube weights and one chain, also the pendulum. It had no key and had a couple missing pieces of wood atop. I being a "tinkerer" couldn't resist the temptation and bought it anyway. I managed to find what I think was an acceptable pendulum for $3.00. Also my Shatz 400 Day Key seemed to fit for winding purposes. It ticks and tocs the pendulum swings. It's been running all day. The gong goes off fine once at half hour and on the hour, the amount of the hour. Now, the only problem is, it's running slow. Approx 5 minutes an hour. I shifted the pendulum weight up as far as I could, any furthur and it refuses to stay ticking for more than a few seconds. Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Answer
More than likely you have not mounted a pendulum of the lenth called for by the clocks movement.  I would suggest you find another pendulum longer than the one you presently have.  Cut it to a length 1/4" shorter.  Keepdoing this untill you get the length that supports good timekeeping.  Try to find a pendulum with a bob of over 2" but not over 3">  If this does not solve the problem the clock most likely needs cleaning.  Regards WJP