Expert: Harold Williamson - 10/19/2009

Question
I RECENTLY ACQUIRED A 1976 RIDGEWAY GRANDFATHER CLOCK. IT HASN'T
RUN IN A LONG TIME. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET IT TO WORK? IT IS
LIKE NEW. IT SEEMS TO BE WOUND,ALL OF THE WEIGHTS ARE UP AND
LEVEL.

Answer
Hello Bob,

Congrats on your clock.  It has a German made movement and should be professionally serviced ever 8 to 10 years.  Meaning it should be removed from the case and overhauled in a clock shop and reinstalled.

But here are a few things to do.
Heavy weight on the right chain-cable as you are facing the clock.
level.
take pend. to the far left or right side of the case and just let go of it.  If it has glass sides place your hand on the opposite side so as not to break the glass.  It wont matter if it has wooden sides.

You might have to repete this several times,  If you don't hear it tick apply about two pounds of downward pressure on the center weight.  don't over do it.

at the same time move the min. hand clockwise a few min.  If you hear ticking while doing these things but lose the tick when you remove the extra weight it is a sign that the movement needs service. Dont spray any thing on the movement.  

Be careful in choosing your clocksmith.
Good luck and let me know if I can be of help.
Harold
fulltimeclockrepair@gmail.com
919-304-7651
Mebane,NC