How to Care for Pendulum Clocks
Pendulum clocks were first made in 1656 by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens. Hundreds of years later, we are still keeping time with them. The different styles of pendulum clocks include the grandfather clock, wall clock, mantel clock and anniversary clock. Unlike the antique pendulum clocks that needed to be wound every day, you have a choice of electric, battery powered or the old-fashioned pendulum clock that you wind up every day or every week. There is a pendulum clock to suit any lifestyle. Proper handling and care will ensure that you'll have the clock in your family for many years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Remove the pendulum from its hanger inside the clock before moving it. Lock the pendulum in place if it can't be removed. Set the clock on a level surface after moving it.
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Rehang the pendulum on the hook, which may be accessed through a door in the back of the clock, or from the front, depending on whether you have a mantel or shelf pendulum clock. Lift one side of a mantel clock about two inches from the surface and set it down to start the pendulum swinging. On a shelf clock, give the pendulum a slight nudge to start it swinging.
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Wind the clock every day or every week, depending on the model. Turn the key smoothly and slowly, releasing it after each turn. Stop winding the clock when you can't twist the clock key anymore.
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Turn the pendulum nut to the right to make the clock go faster, and turn it to the left to slow it down. The pendulum nut is at the bottom of the pendulum. Doing this regulates the beat of the swinging of the pendulum.
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Set the hands of the clock by moving the minute hand slowly clockwise. Pause at each 15-minute mark to allow the clock to chime.
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Use the needle-nose pliers to grasp the chime hammer rod in the middle, and with your other hand, adjust the hammer-head end up or down. Leave a small space between the hammer head and the bell to adjust the chime's tone and resonance.
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Clean the pendulum clock with a feather duster once a week. Two times per year, use the vacuum cleaner hose with the soft brush attachment to remove dust from the crevices of the clock.
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Apply a small amount of glass cleaner to a cloth. Wipe the glass on the face of the clock. Wipe the glass dry with a dry cloth or paper towel.
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Tips & Warnings
The hanger for the pendulum is typically found behind the dial in shelf and wall clocks.
Adjust the pendulum nut a little at a time to achieve the correct speed on the clock.
Set the correct time on a modern German pendulum clock by moving the minute hand counterclockwise, to avoid pausing to let the clock chime.
Take your clock to a professional to have it inspected, cleaned and oiled every three years.
Don't try to move the minute hand of a mantel clock counterclockwise; it will damage the mechanism.
Avoid turning the clock key with a hard twisting motion or you will damage the clock's gears.
Don't try to lubricate a clock with any sprays or oils. The parts that may need lubricating can be serviced only by a professional.
Clean the clock without picking it up, moving or tipping it to the side. This throws off the pendulum's rhythm, and you'll have to reset and adjust the clock.
