How to Adjust a Howard Miller Clock Without a Pendulum
A Howard Miller spring-driven clock that is not equipped with a pendulum uses an oscillating balance wheel for regulating time. The balance wheel is referred to as a “floating” balance due to its suspension between two helically wound springs. A wire passes through a tube in the center of the wheel to provide vertical stability. The oscillating surface of the wheel is horizontal. You can adjust the regulator on the balance wheel to correct a time error with basic do-it-yourself skills, although you may need to repeat the process to attain the highest possible degree of accuracy.. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Open the rear door of the Howard Miller clock.
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2
Locate the floating balance wheel on the back of the clock mechanism. The wheel is usually in the center of the mechanism near the top. The outer periphery of the wheel is perforated.
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3
Stop the oscillation of the wheel by gripping it gently with two fingers.
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4
Locate the regulator on the top of the balance wheel surface. The regulator has three “fingers” that apply pressure uniformly on the top of the wheel.
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5
Check the rear plate of the mechanism on either side of the balance wheel for a minus sign (-) and a plus sign (+). The minus sign represents a decrease in speed while the plus sign stands for an increase.
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6
Move the nearest regulator finger with tweezers toward minus (-) if the clock has been running fast or toward plus (+) if it has been slow. Hold the balance wheel firm when moving the adjustment finger. The distance between the perforations represents approximately 30 seconds.
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7
Release the balance wheel. The springs will set the wheel in motion by themselves.
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8
Wind the clock and set the correct time.
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9
Repeat Step 6 as necessary for greater accuracy.
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Tips & Warnings
Even the finest spring-driven clocks lose time as the springs wind down. Springs produce maximum torque (power) when fully wound. Adjusting the clock to run slightly faster allows it to draw nearer to accuracy as the springs unwind.
