Posted 11 years ago
Timeflies
(1 item)
A couple of pictures of my grandfathers clock that I would very much like to get repaired. It does run but will not stay running. All the chimes and gongs work. I have key but am afraid to wind it, dont want to break the spring.
The only way to tell if you have a running clock is to wind that sucker up.... Crank the key until it won't turn any further. Do both sides. Give a little bounce side to side to get the pendulum rocking then listen to it for a while. If you have a nice steady tick-tock with good rhythm your clock is level and should keep on running. If your tick-tock is out of rhythm then your clock isn't level and will soon stop. Try it! If the spring breaks...which it won't... better now than after you pay to have it fixed. Really, the guy servicing it will wind it and if the spring breaks that's the first thing he'll have to fix anyway...lol... Beautiful clock!!
I could try to level it first,, was just afraid to wind her up too much :)
I have all 4 corners level but still doesnt want to stay running for more then 5 mins. I can hear it slow down as I listen too it. The weight on the pendulum has an S on it,, not sure if it is original or not or even if that makes a difference. I cant seem to find this model.
Sitting here listening too it,, it isnt a steady tick tock,, gets quiet, then louder, then quiet. Must not be level but not sure what else I can check on it. I know one of the feet has a loose brass foot but am trying to compensate with a folded piece of paper.
Did you wind it fully?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/120993300292
The movement looks pretty dusty/dirty. If it has been sitting for a while there may be rust. The oil has probably evaporated. It should be properly cleaned and oiled.
Hi,
A lovely clock! But don't be afraid to wind it, just wind it up a bit, that is what may be stopping it from staying running. Try oiling it, and cleaning a bit with a cotton bud and a LITTLE bit of water IF THERE IS ANY IMPOSING DIRT OR DUST ONLY. The gears can get rusted, so just a tiny bit. For the pendulum, if there is a nut at the bottom, just twist it to adjust the beat :)