How to Adjust the Pendulum on a Clock

Cuckoo clocks offer a variety of designs, sizes and colors. From antique cuckoos to modern models, they eventually need adjustments on the pendulum to maintain correct time. Typically, a cuckoo clock provides a one or eight day movement and some play music on the hour and half hour with a bird or other creature emerging. The procedure to adjust the Cuckoo clock's pendulum takes little time and effort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Measuring tape/ruler
• Pencil

1. Remove the pendulum stick by unhooking it at the top. Usually a wire hanger supports the hook.
2. Slide the pendulum carving or bob/disc slightly up the stick for a faster time adjustment. Consider 1/16 inch up or down the stick adds or subtracts a couple of minutes each day.
3. Push the pendulum carving or bob gently down the stick to slow the clock's time.
4. Swing the pendulum after setting the time.
5. Measure the time over a period of 24 hours.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to make adjustments for faster or slower pendulum swings.
7. Use a pencil to mark the backside of the carving's location on the stick after positioning the carving to the right speed. This gives you a reference point in case the carving moves.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the length of the pendulum stick before hooking back onto the clock and keep the measurement in a safe place. Some antique cuckoo clocks contain fragile pendulums that break easily under too much force when pushing the carving. Know the length in case you need to replace a broken pendulum stick.
• Consider leaving the time where it's at when you stop the pendulum and wait for twelve hours to go by before pushing the pendulum to start the time. Older clocks sometimes have considerable wear and pushing the hands results in bending them out of alignment.
• When moving the clock's hands always stop on the hour and half hour for the clock to chime before moving beyond these time points.
• Your cuckoo clock needs to hang level with the wall to maintain a correct beat. See that the pendulum stick swings freely without rubbing against the sides, a sure sign of hanging unevenly.
• Never push the hour or minute hands counter-clockwise to set a clock.

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