A Grandfather clock is a useful piece of home decor.They require more care than other kinds of clocks.Make sure that the grandfather clock is on level ground in order to set the correct time and pendulum beat.Carefully adjust the hands until the pendulum swings.The pendulum should swing freely and evenly and the hands should show the correct time.A small adjustment is all that is needed for your clock to stay accurate.
Step 1: There is a clock on a level surface.
Grandfather clocks use gravity to keep time.The timekeeping mechanisms will be thrown off if your clock is on a surface that tilts in one direction.Try moving the clock away from the wall.Place a carpenter's level on top of the clock.The clock is on a level surface if the bubble is in the center.
Step 2: The minute hand should be counterclockwise to avoid playing the melody.
Grandfather clocks play music and chime on the hour.If you want to set the time without playing the melody, move the minute hand clockwise.The minute hand 1 full rotation will set the clock back by an hour.The hour hand should not be moved.For the most accurate time reading, use the time on your cell phone.If the clock is less than 2 hours, wind the minute hand clockwise.
Step 3: If the clock is off, move the minute hand clockwise.
It will be quicker to move the minute hand in a clockwise direction if your clock is only off by a few minutes to an hour.Wait at each quarter hour for the melody to finish playing before moving the minute hand.The minute hand 1 full rotation will set the clock forward by one hour.When the minute hand reaches a certain point, you will hear a click.When you hear the click, do not force the minute hand forward.
Step 4: If the clock has the day count and moon phase, set it.
The date or moon phase discs should show the correct information if you use one finger.Don't force the disks.Wait 2 hours and try again if they catch another mechanism.You will need to reset the date on the 1st if you have less than 31 days.If you keep your clock wound, you shouldn't need to reset the moon's phase.
Step 5: If the chimes are malfunctioning, move the hour hand.
The hour hand should be moved so that it matches the number of chimes you hear if you notice it showing one time but not the other.Make sure you don't move the hour hand by rotating the minute hand on the clock.The hour hand should be moved to the 3 if the clock says it is 2 o'clock.The clock should be set to the correct time.
Step 6: As often as necessary, wind the clock weekly.
To keep the time correct, you should wind your clock at least once a week.If you notice the time is getting slower before the week is over, you may have to wind your clock more frequently.
Step 7: Start the pendulum by winding your clock.
If your clock is chain-wound, you have to wind it.Look at the clock.There are winding points for a crank if there are a few small holes.The wind can be either clockwise or counterclockwise.Look for chains next to the hanging weights if there are no winding points.The weights should be at the top of the case.Move the pendulum to one side and let it find its own rhythm.You should keep an eye on your clock over the next day to make sure the pendulum is still swinging.
Step 8: There is an even beat of the pendulum.
The pendulum should swing from one side to the other evenly.You might need to adjust the pendulum if you hear a pause on one side.
Step 9: Give your clock a few hours to get used to it.
It may take an hour or two for the mechanism to adjust if you recently set up your grandfather clock.After two hours, check your clock to see if the issue has been solved.The clock needs to be checked again in about a day to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Step 10: The base of the clock should be moved until you hear a beat.
Hold the base of the clock with two hands and slowly move it.A few millimeters will level your clock and even out the beat of the pendulum.If you have trouble adjusting your clock so that it is level, try placing a penny under 1 or 2 of the feet.
Step 11: Make sure the hands don't touch each other.
The clock will stop if the hands of the clock touch anything.If they are touching something, hold the hand of the clock with two fingers near the center.If you want to pull it away from something, use your other hand or a needle-nose plier.
Step 12: If the clock is losing time, loosen the pendulum.
There is a small nut at the bottom of the pendulum.To speed up the clock, turn the nut to the right.The clock needs to be slowed down by turning the nut to the left.Wait a day to see if the problem is fixed.If not, make another adjustment.