Adjusting the Beat Frequency on a Grandfather Clock

Beat frequency is controlled by the pendulum.

The beat of a grandfather clock is the sound of timekeeping. The frequency of the beat corresponds to seconds. The pendulum controls the beat. Grandfather clocks work mechanically through gravity and a dependence on the regular rhythm of the pendulum from left to right, depending on how far the bob is located up or down on the pendulum shaft. There is a small nut at the bottom of the pendulum bob. If your clock runs fast or slow, the nut needs to be adjusted to raise or lower the bob on the pendulum shaft.

Instructions

1. Stop the pendulum from swinging with your hand. Use your fingers to turn the knob at the bottom of your clock one full turn clockwise for every minute that your clock is slow.

2. Turn the knob one full turn counterclockwise for every minute that your clock runs fast.

3. Check the clock's time every day and adjust accordingly for one week.

4. Check the clock once a week after that and adjust accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that grandfather clocks run only on gravity. They will almost never keep time as well as electronic clocks -- but they work when the power is out.

• The closer you get to perfect time, only turn the knob one-quarter turn at a time.

• If you are within a few moments of your clock beginning to chime, wait until it finishes. Don't touch the clock until it completes its chiming and never interfere with it when it is chiming. It can throw off the timing.