Expert: William J Perkins - 11/29/2009

Question
Hi, I inherited a Hamilton head master wall clock from my grand mother. I followed the directions on the back. I wound the clock, set the time slowly moving the minute hand and started the pendulum. The pendulum will not stay moving, I tried adjusting the screw on the bottom, it still stops after about a minute. any help would be greatly appreciated! thanx, Brian

Answer
I suspect the clock has not been running for a while.  Inactivity allows the lubricants in the clock to combine with atmospheric dirt thus creating an emulsion causing heavy friction, thus brining the clock to a stop.  It might be appropriate for you to have the clock professionally cleaned.  As an alternative replacing the old lubricant with fresh could very well solve your problem.  There are a number of clock lubricating kits available on the Internet.  Simply seek out 'clock lubrication kit' and make your own selection.  One I provided to my clients can be found at, <howtorepairclocks.com/clock-oil.html>  This kit provide lubricant and instruction for use.  Regards WJP