Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/6/2008

Question
AFTER WINDING UP MY WALL CLOCK, I CAN'T GET IT TO RUN.  THE CHIMES WORK, BUT NOTHING ELSE.  THERE ARE THREE PLACES TO WIND AND I AM AFRAID MAYBE I WOUND THEM TOO TIGHT.  I'M NOT EVEN SURE WHICH PLACE IS FOR WHAT PURPOSE.  IT IS A BECKER WESTMINSTER THAT I DEARLY ADORE.

Answer
Hi Joan,

Clocks cannot be wound too tight unless you wind them so hard that the mainspring breaks; if this had happened, you would have known it by the loud noise and forceful vibration of the mainspring snapping. "Overwinding" is probably the most common myth about clocks; there is really no such thing.

As you look at the clock, the left winding shaft is for the hour strike, the center one is for the time/pendulum, and the right one is for the Westminster chime.

The most common causes of a wall clock's not running are that the pendulum is out beat, the pendulum is not connected properly, or the movement either needs lubrication or is worn and needs an overhaul. Please browse my previous answers, where I address setting the beat and connecting the pendulum in detail. Lubrication is best done by a professional clock repairer. When he lubricates the clock, he can also tell you if the bearings in movement are worn and the clock needs an overhaul.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com