Expert: Martin Meyer - 6/25/2009

Question
This clock very old; it belonged to my grandmother (could be 100yrs+). It has coil springs and pendulum suspended on a thin flexible metal spring strip. I replaced this strip which was broken. Oiled the clock.  The clock runs well but I cannot get it to slow down (much too fast) I have lengthened the pendulum as far it will go.But no luck slowing it down. Any suggestions? Thanks

Answer
Hi Will,

The part that you replaced is the suspension spring. The stronger the spring, the faster the clock will run. Replacement suspension springs are often stronger than the old, original springs. It is very likely that this is the cause of the clock's fast rate.

Clock supply houses have suspension springs of various strengths (thicknesses). You can attempt to find a weaker (thinner) spring which will make the clock run slower. Also, the width of the spring will affect its strength. You may be able to find a narrower spring, or cut an existing spring to a narrower dimension.   http://www.clockmasteronline.com