Expert: John Newman - 11/28/2010

Question
after setting the time, how do you set the weights to keep it going & tell the exact time. when I do it the time is always off about 15 min. or so then it eventially stops. can you give me any suggestions how to set it up from the beginning.
                thank you-----Paul

Answer
Paul, there are many different types of grandmother clocks, and since I don't know the model of the movement, my answer will be rather general.  The weights are wound by pulling the chains (or if it is a cable type, the crank is wound) until the weights are at the top.  A general rule is that if one weight is heavier than the other two equal ones, it is hung on the right (as you face the clock).  If one weight is lighter than the other two equal ones, it is hung on the left.  There are occasionally some variations to this.  I don't know exactly what you mean by it being off 15 minutes.  Do you mean it chines and strikes 15 minutes off?  If so, it is probable that the minute hand at some time has fallen off and been reinstalled at the incorrect position.  It fits on a square shaft and only one position is correct.  To correct this, stop the pendulum, turn the minute hand through the chimes and hour until it chimes and strikes the hour.  Count the number of strikes.  Without turning anything on the clock, remove the minute hand nut and the minute hand.  Reinstall the minute hand so it points to the hour and install and tighten the nut.  If the hour hand is not pointing to the hour that just struck, slip it around to that number.  Then use the minute hand to set the clock to the correct time.  Start the pendulum and listen for the tick tock.  It should be even and sound like tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will stop  In this case the escapement mechanism will need to be adjusted.  As I do not know the model of the movement, I cannot tell you exactly how to do this.  If you reply to my shop email address below with the information you find on the back plate of the clock movement, I can identify it and send you some adjustment instructions along with a troubleshooting list.  If you can include a clear photo of the back of the movement showing the pendulum hanging arrangement, that would be a big help.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts related questions in a timely manner.