THE CLOCK CLINIC
I am often asked "Can my old clock be repaired?" The answer is quite simple but not so straight forward. "Yes," I reply but that is not the end of the matter. Generally, if the clock is complete it can always be repaired and most need only a normal service and setting up. There are some clocks however that come to our workshop with very worn movements that require a great deal of repair or even new parts. This is not always obvious until the clock is dismantled. In some cases it may be that the cost of the repair out stretches the worth of the clock. For instance, a 1960's mantel clock that could be replaced for as little as £40 would only be worth spending money on if there was some sentimental value or you really loved the clock. On the other hand, a family heirloom or a clock that has a great deal of worth would benefit financially from a complete renovation. We charge just a nominal fee to examine your clock and as a full service can cost as little as £30 it is well worth finding out what could be wrong with your clock. This page should help you find out what may be amiss with your clock.
Click on one of the subjects directly below and follow the instructions that appear at the top of the page to find out more about your clocks problem by following the 'red' links.
THIS PAGE SHOULD HELP YOU IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM WITH YOUR CLOCK
Use the links above to follow standard patterns to try and find out what may be wrong with your clock. The result of your choice will be shown at the very top of the page giving you red links as options, to help you know which you have visited the links will turn purple once used.
It may not get your clock running but it will allow you to have some idea how serious the problem is or even if it is not worth spending money on your clock. Sometimes it can be a simple job to get a clock running even if it has been stood for some time, but remember that the most common culprit of a clock stopping is dirt and wear. The former can be cured by a simple service but prolonged exposure to dirt and grime can cause all sort of wear which could mean your clock may need major surgery.
The system isn't fool proof but it could help you to understand how the clock works and you never know, it may help you get your clock going.
Click on the subjects above and it will bring the relevant text to the top of your browser.
Pendulum clocks are are usually the older type of clock but not always, they have to be set up correctly to run. They are less likely to have their escapes stopped by dirt or wear and are generally more robust. Pendulum clocks are said to have more character as the tick of the many types are very different to each other.
If the clock does not run you may have to look inside to find out if there is anything missing, particularly if you have just
acquired the clock. If you have owned the clock some time or you know the clock has run at some time you may have to make a few checks. Is there a pendulum and is it connected correctly? If it is there and the pendulum seems to swing correctly it could be a crutch problem.
If both these things have been checked then the problem could be more serious. It is possible that the movement is damaged or has something missing. If you do not know what you are looking for then this is the time for a visit to your clock repairer.
If the clock is running poorly, does it run with an uneven tick or does it just run for a short time before stopping?
If the clock has an uneven tick it could be several things. Firstly the clock could be suffering some serious wear or dirt or old oil could be clogging up the works. If the clock looks clean this is no indication that it actually is, most dirt in clocks congregates in places that are difficult to see or it could be microscopic. If you know that the clock is relatively clean then the clock may need setting up. If the clock is dirty then it will need a full service.
The crutch is the arm that fixes to the escape wheel shaft and powers the pendulum. If it is missing or out of sync with the escape anchor the clock will have to be set up. To check this go to our Adjustment Page. If adjustment has had no effect on the clock then it is likely that wear or a dirty movement is the cause. In either of these options a full service is the only remedy.
If the clock runs unevenly or runs for a short while before stopping then there could be one or more problems with the clock. The most obvious problem could be that the clock is out of beat and it will need adjustment. If it is not so obvious then the clock could be worn or dirty, both causes can be solved by a service. There is a great deal of friction in a clock and the spring or the weights have a great deal of work to do to keep the clock in motion, anything that causes extra friction such as dirt, congealed oil or worn holes, the clock will run slow, run erratic or even stop. It could be that there are damaged or bent shafts. In these cases there is nothing more to do except visit your clock repairer.
If your clock requires a service it can be the best opportunity to put the clock back to it's original working condition. The service should include a full strip and clean and whilst the clock is dismantled any worn holes can be bushed and the pivots repaired. Any other repairs can be done at this time. The clock can then be oiled and set up. The only way to properly clean a clock is to take it apart, dirt lodges in the pivot holes and between the gears and the only way to remove this is to strip and soak the clock before cleaning and polishing the relevant parts. Contact your clock repairer for advice.
The pendulum should swing freely from side to side without catching or striking any part of the movement or case. The pendulum bob should swing gently in even swings without oscillating from side to side. If the pendulum is gently moved from side to side a slight 'tick' should be heard. If there is no tick then the escape anchor may be out of sync with the crutch. If this is the case then the clock needs to be set up before going any further.
The striking or chiming movements are very different on many clocks so it is very difficult to describe them in any detail. The obvious thing to check is the gong or the chimes in the back of the clock. Are they present and are they in the correct place. Make the clock chime by moving the minute hand to a point where it triggers the chime and watch the hammer/s fall. Do they operate and do they strike the gongs? If they do not operate it is possible that the motion is faulty and you need to consult the repairer. If the hammers operate but do not strike, you need to adjust the fall of the hammer.
MY CLOCK DOES NOT RUN MY CLOCK RUNS BUT IS ERRATIC OR STOPS AFTER A WHILE
MY CLOCK RUNS BUT THE CHIMES DO NOT WORK
Non pendulum clocks require cleaner conditions for their escapes to work and in most clocks the movements are more delicate due to the smaller sizes such as French clocks. Most modern clocks have this type of movement and the tick of these clocks tends to be quicker but they can be moved around at will and take no setting up. Due to the delicate nature of the escapes, they can cost a little more to repair than the more robust pendulum clocks.
Non pendulum clocks have either balance spring type escapes or platform type escapes. Both these types of escape are delicate and require clean running conditions. Dirt can cause slow or erratic running but if the escape is kept clean they are very little trouble. If the clock will not work at all it is possible that the balance spring is bent or damaged, this can usually be seen but if the spring is obscured by the movement it is not always obvious. In worse cases the escape pivots may be broken, this usually means fitting a new escape, particularly in the case of cylinder type platforms. There is no option but to take it to the repairer.
If the clock runs erratically it is likely that the fault is dirt or wear on the movement or escape. As the balance springs on these clocks can be very delicate it is not advised that you tamper with them unless you have some experience, and as there is little option but to perform a service on the clock it is wise to consult a clock repairer.
If your clock requires a service it can be the best opportunity to put the clock back to it's original working condition. The service should include a full strip and clean and whilst the clock is dismantled any worn holes can be bushed and the pivots repaired. Any other repairs can be done at this time. The clock can then be oiled and set up. The only way to properly clean a clock is to take it apart, dirt lodges in the pivot holes and between the gears and the only way to remove this is to strip and soak the clock before cleaning and polishing the relevant parts. Your local clock repairer will advise you.
If this page has been no help to you in fault finding on your clock, or even if your clock is not of the types covered here, please email us with a full description of the clock and the problem and we will try to reply within seven days.