Question I have a grandfather clock. The last time I wound it, it started to dong four hours later on the hail hour mark. For example, when it is 4:30 it dongs four hours later that the right time. It will dong eight times instead of one.When it is 4:00 it dongs only one time. It's like backwards....Please help. I hope I explained it alright. Help!!! Thanks
Answer It is backwards. Sounds like the minute hand had been turned backwards. That's a no! no! Always move the minute hand forwards. If it appears the clock has somehow gotten ahead of itself, simply stop the clock and start it again when the correct time can be set by moving the hand forward. When the clock commences a strike sequence, stop moving the hand, then, after the sequence has completed, you can start moving the hand forward again.
Although this does not help you solve the current problem, it could help prevent it from recurring.
Let's get to it. Your clock is striking the hours at a half hour. Since it does not have an automatic reset mechanism you will have to make the adjustment manually. To do this, examine your clock, you will see the minute hand is fixed to its shaft by a nut. Remove this nut and pull off the hand, reposition the hand 30 minutes ahead of its former position, reinstall the hand nut. That will take care of the minutes problem. Now you need to reposition the hour hand. More than likely the hour hand is friction fit to its staff, that being the case you simple turn it to the appropriate hour, backwards or forwards, it does not matter. Should the hand break its friction fit simply push it in towards the dial to re-establish. That should do it for you. Should you have further problems, do not hesitate calling upon me. Regards WJP
