Expert: William J Perkins - 1/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a Howard miller grnadfather clock. the chime is off by a quarter hour. It will chim the hour at 15 minutes past. How do i adjust it to be correct? Also how often should the clokc be servcied?

ANSWER: Remove the hand nut and minute hand from their shaft.  Replace the minute hand back on the shaft to a position 15 minutes earlier.  Replace the hand nut.  Set the clock to the proper time in the usual manner.  Your clock should have an automatic adjustment feature to correct this deficiency.  The fact that feature has not engaged leads me to believe your clock needs cleaning.  I would suggest you have the clock inspected every two years or when something irregular occurs, (such as the chime going out of sequence) whichever occurs first.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: It would seem that rather than try to adjust the clock I should have it sinspected. How do you recommend that go about finding a reputable person to inspect my clock? Isn't there an organization of service professionals that repair clocks in the US. I live in Ohio.

Answer
The best recommendation I can make for you to locate a qualified clock repair person is for you to go to the web site <local.com>  This takes you to a screen that asks you where you want the services performed and, what service you require.  In your instance you would enter the community in Ohio you reside or wish services to be rendered.  Then as service required, enter, clock repair. Upon entry of that data you will be presented a listing of clock repair providers in your area.  As to selecting a provider from that list, ask your friends and neighbors what they know about any of these folks.  Also call those that appeal to you, ask them where they received their training and whether or not they belong to any horological groups such as, American Clock and Watchmaking Institute, The National Association Of Watch %26 Clock Collectors, The British Horological Society, Etc.  While belonging to one or more of the professional organization does not assure competency it does demonstrate a dedicated interest.  Above all when you do select a clock repair person go to the trouble to have a clear understanding as to what you expect of each other.  Regards WJP