How to Wind a Grandfather Clock

Winding a grandfather clock is a very simple and necessary process for any grandfather clock owner. When a grandfather clock stops ticking, the usual remedy is to wind it. The majority of grandfather clocks have an actual crank or chain that is used for winding and adjusting the weights. This is something that you should do every week for proper clock maintenance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open the glass access door on the front of your grandfather clock to allow you to reach inside and wind the clock. Some will have an actual lock and key needed to open it and others will simply pull open.

2. Pull the chain on the grandfather clock to wind it, if the grandfather clock has a chain. The chain will be under the face of the grandfather clock and will be attached to the area behind the face. Pull on the chain of the grandfather clock as many as a dozen or more times. Keep pulling until you feel a tight resistance to your pull. That means it is properly wound.

3. Turn the crank clockwise on the grandfather clock, if it has a crank. This winds your grandfather clock. The crank on the grandfather clock is attached to the face and will appear to wind the face of the clock as it is turned. Crank the clock enough times, until you feel a resistance to your cranking. This is when you know you have properly wound your grandfather clock.

4. Check the pendulum on your grandfather clock. The pendulum is a round disc that suspends in the clock and swings back and forth under the influences of gravity. The pendulum could quite possibly be considered the most important part of the clock, because its swinging back and forth is what allows the clock to maintain and display the correct time. If the pendulum is swinging again, you have wound your grandfather clock correctly. You may have to tap the pendulum to get it started swinging once more.

Resources

• Read a grandfather clock owner's manual
• View advice on maintaining a grandfather clock