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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: Why Doesn't My Clock Keep Running After I Start It? | |
| A: Clock movements are based on a perpetual motion concept. For this principle to work the clock must be sitting level, or in the case of a wall clock, the clock must be hung level. If after checking for level the clock still doesn't run, it probably is in need of cleaning, oiling and realignment. For most non-working clocks this basic service is all it needed. | ||
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Q: My clock chimes a different hour than is indicated by the hands, why is that? | |
| A: This happens when the mainspring that runs the chiming winds down before the mainspring that runs the time. Thus the time advances without the clock chiming and the chime gets out of synchronization. Most of the time this can be fixed simply by gently rotating the hour hand to the proper hour. Always rotate your clocks hand clockwise, this is especially important with the minute hand. The gears in the clock movement are designed to only spin one way, forcing them to turn the opposite way could possibly cause internal damage. | ||
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Q: My clock made a loud popping sound while i was winding it, now it won't run, what is wrong? | |
| A: In most cases when this happens one of the mainsprings has broken. This is repairable but it will require a trip to the clock shop. Depending on your clock, a mainspring break could mean more damage to the movement itself. Usually if your clocks springs are contained within a barrel assembly there is no other damage, however if your clocks springs are exposed (most American movements) this could mean other damage. The expanding spring could have broken some teeth or shafts. If this happens they usually have to be fabricated from scratch to match your clock. | ||
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Q: I moved my clock and now it doesn't work, why not? | |
| A: First you should make sure your new location is level, for the clock to operate it must be kept level. If you move it a mile or a meter you always should remove the pendulum and the weights from the clock movement. If these are not removed they could swing around and potentially bend or break some internal parts. | ||
| Got a question that isn't listed above, ask the "Clockman" directly at: clocksnet@tx.rr.com | ||