Expert: William J Perkins - 4/17/2010

Question
Hi

I have an old Ansonia kitchen clock with a 9 1/4 movement. I have cleaned it and the mainsprings and put it back together, but it will only run for a couple of minutes. Also, the tick tock is not very loud. I have been trying to adjust it, but still no luck. At one point it would stay running if it was slightly crooked. If you can give me some suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. I can not seem to find anything on repairing this movement on the Internet. I have watched a basic clock repair course which covered the basics like cleaning mechanism and mainsprings, reassembling, oiling, but nothing on adjustments to keep it running.
Thanks
Debbie

Thanks
Debbie

Answer
I'm going to recommend a book to you.  Philip E Balcomb's, "The Clock Repair Primer".  I believe this book would serve you well.  I believe it is out of print, copies are available through, Amazon, Alibra, ABE and other book sources as well as Ebay.  Now as to your immediate problem.  Since the clock has ran when it is slightly crooked tells me you have beat problem, this is where the anchor cutting depth into the escape wheel is not equal on both sides as it swings back and forth.  You correct this by bending the pendulum leader.  The pendulum leader is the wire fixed to the anchor at one end and has a loop at the other through which the pendulum wire passes.  You ben the leader from right to left or left to right which ever is needed.  In bending the leader you will note that by so doing you have altered the amount of bite the anchor penetrates the escape wheel cogs.  You ben until the penetration from either side is equal.  By doing this you will be rewarded by a nice even tick-tick sound.  When achieved the clock will be in beat.  Give very serious thought about getting the book.  If you don't choose to buy it get a lender copy from the library.  Regards WJP