Expert: Martin Meyer - 12/6/2007

Question
I've recently purchased the grandfather floor clock from JCPenney.  I brought it home and set it up according to the limited directions that they included.  I wound the spring with the key to the stop as directed.  The problem I'm having is that the pendulum stops swinging after only about 4 or 5 minutes.

Answer
Hi Joe,
    It sounds like your pendulum is out of beat.
    Listen to your clock's tick. If a clock is in beat it goes "tick-tick-tick" like a metronome. If it goes "tick-TOCK-tick-TOCK", then it is out of beat. Some clocks have automatic beat setting; try starting your clock with as wide a swing as possible. If it has auto beat setting it will correct the beat as it settles down to a normal swing.
    If your clock does not have auto beat setting, you may need to call in a clock repairer to reset it.
    Setting the beat manually is a process that takes some practice to do easily. If you want to try setting the beat yourself, move the pendulum to the side until the disk touches the side of the clock. Then press on the pendulum rod about two-thirds of the way up the rod. Press the rod very, very lightly toward the side of the clock. You will be pressing the rod less than you can see, just enough to press the tiniest amount against the resistance that you will feel. Then start the pendulum with a normal swing (not a wide swing) and listen to the beat again. If it is more out of beat than before, or doesn't tick at all, do the same procedure again, but with the pendulum on the other side of the clock. It will take at least several adjustments before you get the tick evened out. Again, this is process that takes some practice, and can be very frustrating when you attempt it yourself.