Expert: William J Perkins - 2/8/2009

Question
I just purchased a Seth Thomas grandfather clock from an estate sale.  It is at least 30 yrs old and keeps perfect time.  The only thing I have a problem with is that say at 9 o'clock it will only chime 8 times.  How can I correct this?  Appreciate you help!

Answer
You need to reposition the hour hand.  Using your example of the clock saying 9:00 and the strike 8:00, simply grasp the hour hand, close to it mounting shaft and turn it back so that it points to the 8.  This places the time train into sync with the strike train.  You can do this because the hour hand is friction fit to its shaft.  If for some reason the hand breaks its friction fit, simply press it back towards the dial.  Now that the time and strike are in sync you can now set the clock to correct time in sthe usual manner.  Regards WJP