Expert: William J Perkins - 1/30/2011

Question
I have a Ridgeway grandmother clock,at least that's  what I was told it was. My question is: The threaded rod that runs through the pendulum, How is it supposed to be adjusted, or are you supposed to adjust it? When I take the pendulum off the clock will run, but when I put it back on it will run a few minutes then quit. Do you know what I need to do? Thanks  Terry

Answer
The threaded rod you speak of should have a nut on it, below the bob.  It is called the rating nut and is used to adjust the speed of the clock.  Turn the nut clockwise and it raises the pendulum bob causing the rate to increase, thus speeding up the clock.  If the nut is turned counter clock wise, it has the opposite effect, causing the clock to slow.  I also suspect the underlying cause for the clock running for but a few minutes to be the is clock is dirty and needs cleaning or that the clock is out of beat.  To determine if the clock is in beat, set the pendulum in motion and listen attentatively to the sound the clock makes.  If it has an even tick-tick, the clock is in beat, if it has an uneven tick-tock sound it is not in beat and will need to be adjusted.  To do this grasp the pendulum, at the very bottom and swing it back and forth in an arc of about 4" to 5" inches, while exerting a directly downward pull of about 1 lb.  Release the pendulum and listen again to the sound it makes.  If it still is not even, try going though the manual swinging of the pendulum using a 5" to 6".  If that doesn't work try doing it with a shortened swing of 3" to 4".  If that don't work the clock definitely needs cleaning.  I hope this does it for you.  Regards WJP