Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/25/2010

Question
I have a pendulum chime wall clock that chimes 8 minute to the hour instead of on the hour...

How do I reset the chimes to activate on the hour.

thanks   mike

Answer
Hi Mike,

You don't reset the chimes, you adjust the minute hand. Assuming that this is a modern (not 100 year old) clock, it has a minute hand with a bushing for this adjustment. At the center of the hand is a circular or hexagonal piece with the square hole which fits on the hand shaft. This piece is riveted onto the minute hand, but can be turned to adjust the hand to point exactly to the :12, :15, :30 and :45 points when the clock chimes.
  
To perform this adjustment, insert a square-sided awl or small screwdriver in the square center hole. Hold the minute hand tightly near its base, and turn the screwdriver or awl, so that the bushing turns, thus changing the orientation of its square center hole. Be careful not to bend or break the minute hand as you do this. The bushing will usually be quite tight, but will turn with enough effort. If the bushing is not tight, and turns very easily, you should set the hand on an anvil and give the bushing a couple light taps with a small hammer to tighten it up. After adjusting, put the hand on its shaft and turn it to see if it correctly lines up with the chime point. This is a very precise setting requiring tiny adjustments, so it will almost certainly take several adjustments to get the hand in synch with the chime. It is very difficult to get the synchronization perfect, but an acceptable standard is plus or minus 20 seconds from the exact chime point.