How do you lower the chains on a grandfather clock?

How do you lower the chains on a grandfather clock?

Pull the weight chain down slowly with one hand while providing a slight resistance with the other. When the last of the chain enters the mechanism, continue to pull slowly until the chain is released from the sprocket.

What happens if grandfather clock is not level?

The pendulum needs to swing exactly equal distances from dead center to the left, as from dead center to the right. If a clock is out of beat, the pendulum will swing for a few minutes, then stop even if the clock case is level.

What happens if you wind a grandfather clock to tight?

The holes in the clock plate can become elongated over a period of time from friction and metal shavings and become oval or egg-shaped instead of round. Often the additional friction from a tightly wound spring can cause this to become obvious and necessitates repairs on the clock plate.

How do you drop the weights on a grandfather clock?

A clock can be overwound, resulting in the weights being stuck in the highest position. When this happens, gently move the minute hand past the quarter hour and listen for the chime. This should release the weight. When winding, be sure you can see the top of the weight and then stop to avoid overwinding.

Which side does the heavy weight go on a grandfather clock?

The heaviest weight is “R,” the next heaviest is “C” and the lightest is “L.” Open the door to the clock. Grab the chain on the left-hand side.

Can a clock be wound too tight?

Some clocks will run faster if they are wound too tightly in the first 24 hours after you’ve tightened the mainspring. Ideally, if you stop just short of the mainspring’s full potential, your clock will run just fine for a full week without having to get any attention from you.

Does a grandfather clock have to be perfectly level?

Grandfather clocks need to be leveled from front-to-back and side-to-side in order for the clock to operate properly. Some grandfather clock cases have adjustable feet in each corner, while others do not.

Why is only the middle weight dropping on grandfather clock?

If the clock is running but not chiming, then only the center weight will drop. Typically, what we find is that the grandfather clock has not been serviced and the oil has dried up in the movement and therefore the chiming side of the clock is hung up, or worst, worn out.

Which side does the heaviest weight go on a grandfather clock?

The heaviest weight is “R,” the next heaviest is “C” and the lightest is “L.” Open the door to the clock. Grab the chain on the left-hand side. It has a small brass plate with a hole in it attached to one end.