![]() Hanging the pendulum is simple but do make sure that the top seats correctly on the bottom lugs of the brass-tipped steel suspension and that the rod properly engages with the crutch. Further, it could easily knock the clock 'out of beat' - see below. Moving it with the pendulum attached also places unnecessary strain on the delicate steel suspension from which it hangs and risks expensive damage to the escapement. Don't try offering the clock up and then screwing it in place instead, hang it like a painting.įITTING THE PENDULUM: Never move a clock with the pendulum attached.įitting the pendulum after placing the clock in position is essential to avert the risk of physical damage to the case or glass as the pendulum slams into it while in motion. Ensure that the screw is driven almost fully home to hold the clock close to the wall. Ensure it is big enough to support the weight and small enough to fit the hole in the back of the clock. ![]() Hang it from a secure screw, preferably a dome head rather than a countersunk as there is less risk of it sliding off. Also avoid any position where it is liable to be knocked as someone passes by. And don't hang it over a radiator or fireplace where it will be subjected to intense heat and rapid temperature variations. It must be level and perfectly vertical or the pendulum may come into contact with the weights or backboard. For the same reason stud partition timber walls are not suitable. Wall clocks require a brick or blockwork wall, not the one with a door or window in it as constant opening and closing will send vibrations through the clock. If they are left free-standing the tendency is for them to stop, usually when the weights and the pendulum are of equal length and oscillate in harmony with each other (often day four for an eight day movement). Once set up, they should be screwed to the wall, particularly if standing on a carpet or where there is any likelihood of movement caused by loose-fitting or creaking floorboards. Longcase clocks (or Grandfathers) should be positioned on a level floor, preferably without a carpet underneath, and wedged to ensure stability. The frequent earth tremors in this region are enough to disturb the delicate balance of a 400-day movement and it will repeatedly stop. If you are thinking of setting up a 400-day clock in the foothills of the Himalayas, don't bother! Get a carriage clock instead. They should be level but if the place is slightly out of true, the clock may be adapted to suit, as explained below. A shelf, mantelpiece, bracket or heavy unit on a concrete floor are infinitely better. So avoid any unstable surface like the television, a table on a carpeted floor or any furniture standing on loose or springy floorboards. ![]() Mantel clocks with a pendulum on the other hand like rigidity, especially 400-day clocks. Also avoid side tables which get knocked and any low position on a level with wagging tails and young inquisitive fingers. All these clocks are easy to site but avoid window ledges - if the sun doesn't harm any woodwork first, one day you might find it has been stolen. Any clock with a balance wheel is easily identifiable as, unlike the rest below, they have no pendulum. LOCATION: Before fitting the pendulum, decide where to display it.Ĭarriage clocks are like mechanical watches in that they have a balance wheel (platform) escapement and so will run in any position, even lying on the back seat of a car (they were designed for travelling so they can tolerate movement). ![]() You'd probably do well to bookmark this page so that you can return to it again later but if you've bought your clock from me, I usually include a hard copy of some instructions specific to each clock when I pack it. To make it easier to navigate, you can jump straight to the section you want by clicking on one of these headings: Please read through everything first and then return to this page to study the parts in sequence when you're ready to set it up. There's a lot here because it covers different types of clock.
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