Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/22/2009

Question
I have the above named grandfather clock for some years now. Presently, when i swing the pendulum to start the clock, it (the pendulum) will automatically stop after a few swings. What can i do to correct this?

Answer
Hi Shab,

There are many possible reasons for a clock's failure to run, but the most common are 1)the pendulum is out of beat, 2)the movement needs lubrication and 3)the bearings in the movement are worn.

To determine if your clock is out of beat, listen to its tick. If a clock is in beat it goes "tick-tick-tick" like a metronome. If it goes "tick-TOCK-tick-TOCK", then it is out of beat. Some clocks have automatic beat setting; try starting your clock with as wide a swing as possible. If it has auto beat setting it will correct the beat as it settles down to a normal swing. If your clock does not have auto beat setting, you may need to call in a clock repairer to reset it. There are several different designs for setting the beat, and describing all methods in detail is beyond the scope of this forum; however, you can search my previous answers for descriptions of the various beat setting methods.

A professional clock repairer can do a service call and both lubricate your clock and determine if the bearings are worn. I don't recommend trying to lubricate the clock yourself, but if you want to try, use clock oil ONLY, and apply a very small drop of oil to each point where a pivot (the end of a gear shaft) emerges from a hole in the front and back main plates of the clock.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com