Expert: Harold Williamson - 10/8/2009

Question
We received a Howard Miller grandfather clock from a deceased family member, a simple two weight on cable with separate clin springs  (2) to power the rod chimes.It only runs for a minute or two before the pendulum stops swinging.  the first gear for ticking the second which the verge is attached looks somewhat darkened. (Possible dirty?) How should I clean it off and re-lubricate it and what kind of lubrication product?

Tom

Answer
Hello Thomas,

Many reasons for the clock not to run so lets try a few.

If it hasnt been cleaned, serviced and oiled by a clocksmith in 8 years or more it is worn and dirty and nothing will start it  till that is done.  This cannot be done in the home.

If it has been running b4 it was moved to your home try the following.
Assuming the clock is on hardwood and level pinch the pend. and pull it to the very far left or far right and just let go.  If there are glass sides put your hand on the far side so it wont hit the glass.  Try this on the opposite side if is dosent reset the beat and start running.

Check and see of the hands are touching each other or the numbers on the dial.  Any touch at all will stop a clock.

Make sure the pend. is hanging correctly on the pend. leader.

Do not spray any lube on the movement.

Many times a clock will run for years and when it is moved it wont run again till serviced.

Hopefully the pend. and weights were removed b4 it was moved an inch as this will do damage.

Hope this will help.  Let me know.
Harold
Full Time Clock Repair
Mebane, NC919-304-7651
fulltimeclockrepair@gmail.com