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Expert: - 4/4/2009


Question

Ansonia School Clock
I recently wound my clock and wonder if I may have over-wound it.  The pendulum rocks back and forth for a couple of minutes after I have manually started but keeps stopping.  I took the pendulum weight off and the hook moved very quickly so that you could almost see the hands moving!  Is there something I should do to get it back to working again.  It's been running fine up until now.  Thank you.

Answer
You should be able to wind it all the way up without any problem if the clock is in good running condition and the mainsprings are lubricated well.
When the lubrication on the mainsprings breaks down or dries up the spring can have trouble unwinding. This may be your problem or there may be something else going on here. You can leave the pendulum off and let the clock tick away for a few hours, that will allow the mainspring to unwind some.
Do you know how to put the clock in beat? This is moving the bottom of the case left or right until the timing of the ticking is evenly spaced.
If neither of these things will get it working again the movement may need to be serviced. A professional cleaning/lubrication may put it in good running condition. If the clock has not been rebuilt in 10 years or so it may need to have some bushings installed to align the gears properly.
I hope this information is helpful.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentI thank you very much and will try leaving the pendulum off again but leave it alone for more than an hour; will then try to get it to beat properly as you suggest. Thanks again!!!!


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Michael Radi

Expertise

Clock repair and clock parts questions

Experience

I have been professionally repairing clocks for 11 years. I owned and ran a clock shop for 6 years. I have been the owner of a clock parts supply company for the past 11 years.

Organizations
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Education/Credentials
High school graduate, some college, graduate of Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning and repair.

Past/Present Clients
I perform about 20 clock repairs per week.

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