Discussion:
Grandfather clock keeps stopping
(too old to reply)
Susan Harris
2009-03-18 13:14:09 UTC
Permalink
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering if
anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like this
before.

The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock chimes
etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I obverse one of
two things:

1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism to
work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).

2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.

Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information I
could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
Jack Denver
2009-03-18 14:06:48 UTC
Permalink
Your clock probably needs cleaning and lubrication. Just like changing the
oil in your car, clocks need periodic maintenance. Find a local clock
repair shop and they will take it from there.
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering if
anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like this
before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock chimes
etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I obverse one
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism to
work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information I
could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
dAz
2009-03-18 20:42:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering
if anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like
this before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock
chimes etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism
to work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information
I could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
is the sound of the tick even? or are you getting a long and short tick.

usually when clocks get moved around something gets bumped out of
adjustment, if the clock is out of beat meaning you have to move the
pendulum further one way for it to tick than the other, the clock will
only run for a few minutes.

the tick should be even on both sides of the centre when the pendulum is
at rest and with say a 1/2" of overswing.

resetting the beat is not hard but I need to know the age of your clock.

dAz
Jack Denver
2009-03-18 20:57:54 UTC
Permalink
As a starting point it might be helpful to use a level or plumb bob to see
if the clock is standing vertical.
Post by dAz
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering
if anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like this
before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock chimes
etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I obverse one
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism
to work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information I
could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
is the sound of the tick even? or are you getting a long and short tick.
usually when clocks get moved around something gets bumped out of
adjustment, if the clock is out of beat meaning you have to move the
pendulum further one way for it to tick than the other, the clock will
only run for a few minutes.
the tick should be even on both sides of the centre when the pendulum is
at rest and with say a 1/2" of overswing.
resetting the beat is not hard but I need to know the age of your clock.
dAz
Frank Adam
2009-03-18 23:12:46 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:57:54 -0400, "Jack Denver"
Post by Jack Denver
As a starting point it might be helpful to use a level or plumb bob to see
if the clock is standing vertical.
I thought the starting point would be whether it is in, or out of
beat, Jack. ;-p
--
Regards, Frank
dAz
2009-03-19 00:17:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jack Denver
As a starting point it might be helpful to use a level or plumb bob to
see if the clock is standing vertical.
that really makes no difference, so long as the case is stable and not
rocking on the floor, eg; if it is standing on carpet the underlay can
be a bit thick along the skirting board causing the case to lean
forward, in which case it is best to attach the case to the wall or at
the very least chock the front feet so the case leans back on the wall,
may need spacers at the top back of the case to ensure the case is upright.

if the clock is on a timber or tile floor then check to make sure the
case cannot rock, because that can cause the weights to swing in
sympathy with the pendulum and stop the clock.

anyway, it make no difference is the case is not perfectly upright, the
beat can be set to where ever the clock is standing.
Post by Jack Denver
Post by dAz
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm
wondering if anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a
clock like this before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast
but correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the
clock chimes etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement
mechanism to work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for
the clock to maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more
information I could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
is the sound of the tick even? or are you getting a long and short tick.
usually when clocks get moved around something gets bumped out of
adjustment, if the clock is out of beat meaning you have to move the
pendulum further one way for it to tick than the other, the clock will
only run for a few minutes.
the tick should be even on both sides of the centre when the pendulum
is at rest and with say a 1/2" of overswing.
resetting the beat is not hard but I need to know the age of your clock.
dAz
Susan Harris
2009-03-20 19:22:00 UTC
Permalink
Thanks for all these suggestions. I examine it in detail over the weekend.
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering if
anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like this
before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock chimes
etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I obverse one
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism to
work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information I
could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
Radioguy
2009-03-23 18:10:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering if
anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like this
before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock chimes
etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I obverse one of
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism to
work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information I
could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
1. Did this problem start recently? If so was the clock moved? If
it's yes to both, then chances are the clock is out of beat. If you
listen to the clock as it runs the tick and tock are not equally
spaced - it might sould like it is loping along.

2. Otherwise, if it is running fast and not staying running for long
then chances are it is due to be disassembled, cleaned and reoiled.
The clock oil has likely thickened over time.
8***@gmail.com
2015-05-27 20:09:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering if
anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like this
before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock chimes
etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I obverse one of
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism to
work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information I
could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
I just got a mantle clock, and am having the same problem. With the spring wound, the clock works perfectly without the pendulum. However, when I put the pendulum on, the clock stops within about 30 seconds, even after setting the beat. Any help would be appreciated
Mur
2015-05-28 19:07:51 UTC
Permalink
Probably out of beat. If it is a modern clock,with self-adjusting beat, the friction may be too loose. If an older one, owner needs to be shown how to adjust. The weights may be shuffled, or there may be interference at the crutch, or elsewhere. These or a dozen other things an expert would check.

When was it last cleaned; has it been moved?
Murray
m***@gmail.com
2015-11-21 06:08:21 UTC
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Mine is out of beat. I can hear it. How can I fix that?
Ian Partridge
2015-12-14 04:00:45 UTC
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This post might be inappropriate. Click to display it.
s***@gmail.com
2018-01-18 16:10:08 UTC
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Hi I seem to have the same problem but cannot seem to sort it out can someone help me .... I have removed the clock out of the casing and trying to figure this out . Can someone share videos or can o share videos for someone to help me understand the actual problem
m***@gmail.com
2018-11-19 03:26:28 UTC
Permalink
mine would stop after 15 minutes. Then I noticed that the crutch was sitting outside the pendulum leader (hanger). I put the crutch through slot on leader and then fixed timing by listening for equal time between tick and tock. At first it was going tick-tock--- tick-tock--- with he tick tock starting on the left sway. I raised the right side of the clock until tick and tock spaces equal and BOOM.My click does not stop!!!
UsedClockParts.com
2019-01-26 01:10:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by s***@gmail.com
Hi I seem to have the same problem but cannot seem to sort it out can someone help me .... I have removed the clock out of the casing and trying to figure this out . Can someone share videos or can o share videos for someone to help me understand the actual problem
If it is a grandfather clock I would contact your local NAWCC chapter and have them recommend some one to do the service of setting up the clock. Here is a link to find the chapter: https://nawcc.org/index.php/chapter-information/find-a-chapter-near-you. If it is not a grandfather clock you can find alot of information on my site. Hope this helps Tim
m***@gmail.com
2018-11-19 03:23:52 UTC
Permalink
This all helped! I did all this and still would stop after 15 minutes. Then I noticed that the crutch was sitting outside the pendulum leader (hanger). I pit the crutch through slot on leader and then fixed timing my listening the equal time between tick and tock. At first it was going tick-tock--- tick-tock--- with he tick tock starting on the left away. I raised the right side of the clock until tick and tock spaces equal and BOOM.My click does not stop!!! THANKS!!!
m***@gmail.com
2018-11-19 03:26:47 UTC
Permalink
mine would stop after 15 minutes. Then I noticed that the crutch was sitting outside the pendulum leader (hanger). I put the crutch through slot on leader and then fixed timing by listening for equal time between tick and tock. At first it was going tick-tock--- tick-tock--- with he tick tock starting on the left sway. I raised the right side of the clock until tick and tock spaces equal and BOOM.My click does not stop!!!
m***@gmail.com
2018-11-19 03:28:06 UTC
Permalink
http://www.clockworks.com/ebook/main/
m***@gmail.com
2018-11-19 03:28:26 UTC
Permalink
http://www.clockworks.com/ebook/main/
h***@gmail.com
2020-01-07 16:58:34 UTC
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Post by m***@gmail.com
Mine is out of beat. I can hear it. How can I fix that?
The anchor can usually be slipped on the shaft in order to put it in beat. Trial and error but I can usually get it after a few tries.
Thomas
2020-05-23 11:17:48 UTC
Permalink
Not mention yet, other than beat be sure the weights are in the correct spot.
The weights are each a different weight.

m***@gmail.com
2018-11-19 03:25:24 UTC
Permalink
mine would stop after 15 minutes. Then I noticed that the crutch was sitting outside the pendulum leader (hanger). I put the crutch through slot on leader and then fixed timing by listening for equal time between tick and tock. At first it was going tick-tock--- tick-tock--- with he tick tock starting on the left sway. I raised the right side of the clock until tick and tock spaces equal and BOOM.My click does not stop!!!
c***@gmail.com
2020-01-07 16:44:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by Susan Harris
I have a grandfather clock I inherited that has a problem. I'm wondering if
anyone on here has some insights as I've never owned a clock like this
before.
The clock works fine without the pendulum - ticking away, very fast but
correctly. The weights move down, the hands move around, the clock chimes
etc. HOWEVER as soon as the pendulum is put onto the clock I obverse one of
1. The pendulum requires a huge angle to allow the escapement mechanism to
work (and of course this degree of swing is too much for the clock to
maintain).
2. The pendulum works, but stops after about 10-15 minutes.
Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm sure there is more information I
could provide, but I'm not sure what is significant!
No one has mentioned the crutch being loose this I often find with french movements if the crutch is unscrewed from the escapement pinion tightened a little and replaced will fix this must not be too tight to allow for finger pressure adjustment to put the clock in best
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