Expert: William J Perkins - 12/7/2011

Question
I HAVE A MANTEL CLOCK SETH THOMAS WITH A SUSPENSION SPRING FOR THE PENDULUM IT WORKS WELL BUT MUCH TOO FAST. I'VE TRIED TO SLOW IT DOWN BY LOWERING THE BOB ON THE PENDULUM. BUT I CAN'T LOWER THE PENDULUM ANY FURTHER BECAUSE IT HITS THE BOTTOM OF THE CLOCK. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO SLOW IT DOWN? THANKS WILL

Answer
My first thought is that your pendulum might be hung improperly.  Check very carefully to assure the pendulum rod, the pendulum leader and the pendulum spring are all hung properly, i.e., every thing is seated properly etc.  Secondly, perhaps the clock is out of beat, i.e., the clock is producing an uneven tick, tick.  To test for this condition, try raising one side of the clock to see if the ticking becomes more even.  That didn't work, try raising the other side.  Third, and most likely, the clock needs cleaning.  Hope this helps you, regards WJP