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Are the ticks and tocks of your grandfather clock suddenly out of sync? Or are its chimes no longer aligned with the time? Such instances might raise a moment of concern, but the good news is that you can easily adjust the clock in a few right ways.
In this blog post, we’ll dig deeper into some simple steps that can bring your grandfather clock back to its punctual functionality. So, let’s get started with exploring how to adjust a grandfather clock like a pro!
Adjusting a grandfather clock may seem like a challenging task, considering its complicated mechanism. However, the below guide simplifies everything, allowing you to learn how to adjust a grandfather clock in a few minutes.
The mechanism of grandfather clocks is dependent on gravity to display precise time. Therefore, if it’s leaning in one direction, issues might arise in its timekeeping capabilities. This usually occurs due to an uneven floor or carpet.
To adjust, try to fix the floor or move the clock to a better spot. Even slipping a thin object like a penny under one or two legs of the clock can help balance it properly. Or if your clock comes with adjustable feet, simply turn the feet until a leveling of the clock is achieved.
You can also use a carpenter’s level to see if your clock is straight. Place the level on top of the clock and observe the bubble in it. If it’s exactly in the middle, your clock is standing straight.
To adjust the time on your grandfather clock, move its minute hand forward, (i.e., clockwise) to the desired time. Do not move the minute hand backwards (counter-clockwise) unless instructed to do so by your owner’s manual.
To set the time backward, simply stop the pendulum and set a timer for the amount of time you wish to move your clock backwards. When the timer rings, start the pendulum again by moving it to one side and releasing.
If your clock isn’t fast by hours but only a few minutes, the quick adjustment strategy is to move it clockwise. However, pause at every quarter hour (15, 30, and 45 minutes) to let any melody finish playing before continuing to fix the time.
You will listen to a click before the melody when the minute hand reaches each quarter hour. As this happens, avoid pushing the minute hand forward until the melody has finished playing.
For grandfather clocks having date or moon phase discs, gently rotate the discs using one finger until the correct information is displayed. If you feel like the discs aren’t moving easily or are getting stuck, don’t force them. Instead, wait for 2 hours and try again.
If the month that just ended has less than 31 days, remember to change the date on the 1st manually. As for the moon phase, if you keep winding your clock, you won’t have to adjust it again.
Sometimes, the timekeeping mechanism of a grandfather clock is affected due to inconsistency between the hour hand and the number of chimes. In such a scenario, you need to rotate the hour hand so it aligns with the chimes that play.
For instance, if the clock chimes four times but shows 3:00, move the hour hand to 4. Then, use the minute hand to set the correct time, being careful not to move the hour hand again.
Winding the grandfather clock is another way to adjust it precisely. For this, you must first know if the clock is crank-wound or chain-wound.
Once wound, push the pendulum to one side and let go. It will start swinging by itself, finding its rhythm.
Carefully hold the bottom of the pendulum leader and slightly shift it. Sometimes, moving it by only a few millimeters can be sufficient to even out the pendulum’s beat.
Besides this, it’s equally important for the hands of your clock to not touch anything. If it happens, the clock will stop. To fix this error, lightly grip the clock hand close to the middle with two fingers. Then, with your other hand or using needle-nose pliers, carefully pull the hand away from the point of contact.
When a grandfather clock is newly set, it may require a few hours to show accurate time. Thus, give it an hour or two to adjust by itself. It’s also recommended to double-check it once a day to ensure the clock is running smoothly without losing or gaining time.
If your clock is running too slow or too fast, here’s what you need to do to adjust it:
Let’s explore a few straightforward tips that make the process more manageable:
With a few simple adjustments, your grandfather clock can become a cherished timepiece that graces your home for generations. That said, if you are looking for a clock with historical richness, visit Old Time Chimes.
Our Amish craftsmen are experts at making clocks that not only fit your home’s interiors but also show accurate time for years to come. We can even help you pick the right wood and color by sending you samples, or you can send us your requirements, and we’ll try to match them.
Get in touch with us now to get your custom-made grandfather clock of premium quality!
