This guide will be useful for people who own a grandfather clock or floor clock. You can see our full selection of Grandfather Clocks here and Floor Clocks here.
It is important to know your product information label which includes model number and serial number. We suggest you take a look and find it once you receive your clock. You can find it on the outside of the shipping carton or on the back of the door, on the back or top of the Grandfather Clock, inside the top back corner or inside the Grandfather Clock above the back of the dial. This information will be useful in case you need to obtain parts for your clock, need maintenance or repair service.
At the heart of every floor clock is the movement. The movement controls the hour strike, time keeping, and chime. The pendulum and weights are critical components to operation of the clock movement. The pendulum provides the ability to regulate and adjust the time keeping. As described within these instructions, adjustments to the pendulum to achieve accurate time keeping is easily accomplished. The three weights provide power to the hour strike (left weight), time (center weight), and chime melody (right weight). Without these weights, the clock would not operate. Each weight is different and must be properly hung from the movement (left, center, right) to ensure proper operation. Weights are hung from the movement by a cable or chain. The weights must be raised at least every 7 days or the clock will stop. Raising cable driven weights is accomplished through use of a crank. Raising chain driven weights is accomplished by pulling down on the loose end of the chain. The strike and chime sounds are made by a series of hammers hitting various length rods. Each rod makes a different sound when hit by a hammer. Specific chime melodies are achieved by controlling the sequence that each hammer hits a corresponding rod.
Move the clock close to its final location - ENSURE CLOCK IS POSITIONED SQUARE AND FIRM ON THE FLOOR SO THAT IT WILL NOT FALL OVER. ADJUST LEVELERS FOR MAXIMUM STABILITY AND PROPER ALIGNMENT.
Access to the clock movement, chimes and cables is made in three possible ways; through the front door(s), through the top side panels (or side doors on some clocks), or through the back access panel. The top side panels are held from the inside by tape or a plastic clip. The plastic clip may be turned or tape may be removed permanently.
Remove the cardboard sleeve, from around the chime rods and pendulum guide, by holding the cardboard sleeve at points ‘A’ and ‘B’ and pulling straight down. Pull straight down and off the ends of the chime rods and pendulum guide (See figure 1).
Remove the foam pads from between the chime hammers and chime rods. Care should be taken to avoid bending the chime hammers. The chime hammers will be free to move after the cardboard sleeve has been removed, thereby allowing easy removal of the foam pads.
DO NOT REMOVE THE STYROFOAM BLOCKS from above the cable pulleys. This is one of the most critical points in the entire set-up operation. Removing the styrofoam blocks at this time could cause the cables to overlap and bind the movement. You can remove the styrofoam blocks AFTER they become loose through normal operation, which typically occurs after eight (8) hours of run time.
Position the clock into its final location. Once in place, your clock cabinet must be leveled, as the clock may not operate if it is not level. There are four (4) levelers under the cabinet on each corner that can be screwed in (up) or out (down) to make adjustments. Place a level alongside the clock cabinet from front to back and side to side, adjusting the levelers until level. It may be necessary to periodically check your cabinet after initial set-up, (especially if the clock is on carpet), as it might settle after original leveling (see figure 2).
Some pendulums have a colored protective plastic film covering the pendulum disk. Carefully remove this film before hanging the pendulum. To hang the pendulum, locate the pendulum guide through the front door, or any of the side or back access panel locations. While holding the pendulum guide with one hand, slip the pendulum in through the front door with your other hand. Place the pendulum hook through the slot on the pendulum guide, and lower the pendulum until it is hanging securely on the pendulum guide (See figure 3).
DO NOT REMOVE THE STYROFOAM BLOCKS until after your clock has been operating. You can remove the styrofoam blocks AFTER they become loose through normal operation, which typically occurs after eight (8) hours of run time.
Most clocks use three weights. The bottom of each weight is labeled as to its proper hanging position as you view your clock from the front. The total weight of each weight is slightly different and each WEIGHT MUST BE INSTALLED IN ITS CORRECT LOCATION FOR THE CLOCK TO OPERATE PROPERLY. Check the weights to ensure that they are tightly assembled.
Check to make sure that the cable is in the cable pulley. Hang the weights on the pulleys (See figure 4).
With your fingertips, apply slight pressure to the front of the moon dial and rotate the moon dial clockwise until the moon is directly below the #15 lunar day mark (each mark represents a lunar day) on the lunar arch (See figure 5).
Refer to an almanac or calendar and determine the date of the last full moon. Count the number of days past the last full moon.
Rotate the moon dial clockwise 1 lunar day for every day past the full moon.
Example: If the last full moon was 3 days ago, rotate the moon dial clockwise 3 lunar days so that the moon is centered at lunar day 18 on the lunar arch.
The moon dial is now set and will indicate the proper moon phases as long as the clock operates continuously. If the clock stops the moon dial will also stop and can be reset when the clock is started again.
If the moon dial will not rotate, see the Troubleshooting Section.
CAUTION ON MOVEMENTS WITH AUTOMATIC CHIME SEQUENCING: The chime selection lever should not be in the “Auto” position when moving the hands. Moving the hands in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction while the automatic chime sequencing is in operation could damage the chime mechanism.
CAUTION ON MOVEMENTS WITH DAY/NIGHT SHUT-OFF FEATURES: The Day/Night lever must be in the strike position (all the way up) when moving the hands. To set the time, move ONLY THE MINUTE HAND counterclockwise (backwards) until the hour and minute hand are at the correct time (See figure 6).
DO NOT MOVE THE HOUR HAND WHEN SETTING THE TIME. The hour hand will move automatically when the minute hand is moved. By moving the minute hand counterclockwise it is not necessary to wait for the clock to chime as the minute hand passes each quarter hour (See figure 6). The movement has a self correcting feature which synchronizes the chimes with the time. If after setting the clock on time, it does not chime properly, permit it to operate 2 hours to correct itself.
Reach through the front door of the clock and place your hand on the side of the pendulum disk.
Move the pendulum to the far left of center and release. Let the clock operate a few minutes until the pendulum settles into an even swinging motion (See figure 7).
If your clock gains or looses time after twenty-four (24) hours, see General Information Section to regulate the timekeeping of your clock.
AFTER the styrofoam blocks become loose through normal operation, which typically occurs after eight (8) hours of run time, you can remove the styrofoam blocks. Remove the styrofoam blocks by lifting the blocks straight up until they clear the cable pulley. Then gently push them back, through the cables. Do not use tools to remove the blocks. Do not permit the cable to overlap on the drum.
Located in the bottom of the shipping carton will be a box. This box contains:
Also, within the shipping carton will be the clock pendulum packaged in a separate cardboard box.
Move the clock close to its final location - WARNING: ENSURE CLOCK IS POSITIONED SQUARE AND FIRM ON THE FLOOR SO THAT IT WILL NOT FALL OVER. ADJUST LEVELERS FOR MAXIMUM STABILITY AND PROPER ALIGNMENT.
Position the clock into its final location. Once in place, your clock cabinet must be leveled, as the clock may not operate if it is not level. There are four (4) levelers under the cabinet on each corner that can be screwed in (up) or out (down) to make adjustments. Place a level alongside the clock cabinet from front to back and side to side, adjusting the levelers until level. It may be necessary to periodically check your cabinet after initial set-up, (especially if the clock is on carpet), as it might settle after original leveling (See figure 9). Ensure clock is positioned square and firm on the floor so that it will not fall over.
Illuminated cases: Some clocks have lights illuminating the inside of the clock case. Carefully remove the paper sleeve from the light bulb before operating the light.
NOTE: To perform the following steps we suggest wearing cotton gloves or using a soft cloth when handling parts.
Some pendulums have a colored protective plastic film covering the pendulum disc. Carefully remove this film before hanging the pendulum. To hang the pendulum, locate the pendulum guide through the front door, or any of the side or back access panel locations. While holding the pendulum guide with one hand, slip the pendulum in through the front door with your other hand. Place the pendulum hook through the slot on the pendulum guide, and lower the pendulum until it is hanging securely on the pendulum guide (See figure 10).
Most clocks use three weights. The bottom of each weight is labeled as to its proper hanging position as you view your clock from the front. The total weight of each weight is slightly different and each WEIGHT MUST BE INSTALLED IN ITS CORRECT LOCATION FOR THE CLOCK TO OPERATE PROPERLY. Check the weights to ensure that they are tightly assembled.
CAUTION: Ensure that each link of each chain is properly positioned on the teeth of the sprocket. Hang each weight on the solid hook at the end of the chain, never on the chain links (See figure 11).
To set the time, move ONLY THE MINUTE HAND counterclockwise (backwards) until hour and minute hand are at the correct time (See figure 13).
DO NOT MOVE THE HOUR HAND WHEN SETTING THE TIME. This hand will move automatically when the minute hand is moved. By moving the minute hand counterclockwise it is not necessary to wait for the clock to chime as the minute hand passes each quarter hour. The movement has a self correcting feature which synchronizes the chimes with the time. If after setting the clock on time, it does not chime properly, permit it to operate 2 hours to correct itself.
If your clock gains or looses time after 24 hours, see General Information Section to regulate the timekeeping of your clock.
The product information label identifies the clock model number and serial number. The clock model number and serial number are essential for obtaining parts or service. The product information label is located in several locations: outside the shipping carton, back of door, back of the clock, top of the clock, inside the top back corner of the clock, or inside the clock above the back of the dial. Refer to this label when contacting us or your dealer.
Care should be taken whenever you move your clock to insure that all accessory parts such as the pendulum and weights are removed and packed properly to prevent damage. NEVER wind a cable drive movement without weights installed.
Your clock may have wood or glass top side panels. When removed, you have access to the clock movement and chime area. The panels may be held in place during shipment by tape or a plastic clip. In order to remove the panel, reach in through the front door and turn the plastic clip or remove the tape. Then follow these steps:
When installing wooden or glass top side panels reverse steps 1 thru 5.
Note that minor character marks are created by the glass making processes such as heat bending, cutting, or polishing. These character marks are visible to the eye. They are natural and are not considered as flaws. When cleaning glass, use a non-ammonia glass cleaner. Never spray the cleaner directly on the clock.
The weights must be raised every seven (7) days or the clock will stop.
IMPORTANT: PULL STRAIGHT DOWN ON THE CHAIN. DO NOT lift up on the weights as this could cause the weights to come unhooked from the chains. Pull down on the loose end of the chain until the weight is approximately 2” from the bottom of the wood movement mounting board (See figure 16).
Changing the speed of time keeping is accomplished by moving the pendulum disk up or down. The pendulum disk is moved up or down by turning the adjustment nut. To slow the clock down, move the pendulum disk down by turning the adjustment nut to the left. To speed the clock up, move the pendulum disk up by turning the adjustment nut to the right (See figure 17).
Day One
Select a time of day that will allow you to check your clock at the same time for at least six days.
Record time selected __________________________________.
Check correct time.
Re-set the minute hand to the exact, correct time.
Day Two, Three, Four, Five, Six (If Necessary)
Some clock models feature an option which will automatically silence the chime and hour strike between the hours of 10:15 p.m. and 7:15 a.m. (Last chime at 10:00 p.m. and first chime at 7:15 a.m.). Use the lever on the left-hand side of the dial to select this option.
If your clock remains silent between 10:15 a.m. and 7:15 p.m., you need to re-set the clock hands back 12 hours. First, take the movement out of nighttime shutoff, then move the hands backwards 12 hours, rotate the minute hand (only) counterclockwise to the correct time.
Some clocks have lights illuminating the inside of the clock case. Carefully remove the paper sleeve from the light bulb before operating the light.
Selecting the chime melody is accomplished by a selection lever on the clock dial.
Some models play only the Westminster chime, while others give you a selection of three melodies. Some models also have an automatic chime sequencing feature. This feature allows the movement to automatically change the chime selection every hour. Selection of the chime sequencing feature or one of the three chime melodies is done with the selector lever.
If the dial states “Chime-Silent,” your clock has only the Westminster chime. If your clock has a triple chime movement, the chime lever identifies the melody choices.
All floor clock movements have the Big Ben hour gong which will count the hour, on the hour. DO NOT attempt to move the chime selection lever while the clock is chiming. Doing so could damage the chime mechanism. See figure 18 for when it is safe to move the chime selection lever without damaging the movement.
Your clock requires little care and maintenance.
Listed below are steps you can take to maintain the exceptional quality of your clock.
Ensure that all instructions provided with your product have been carefully followed. These instructions will provide detailed information to answer most questions.
If the moon dial will not rotate (as described in the set up operations STEP 4), this may indicate that the gears which automatically advance the moon dial are engaged. To correct this situation, rotate the minute hand backward 3-1/2 hours as described in STEP 5 of the set up operation, set the moon dial, and then set the time as described in STEP 6.
If the clock chimes more than one minute before or after the proper time, the minute hand should be removed and adjusted.
CAUTION:When performing this operation be careful not to scratch the hand nut, hand or dial.
If after several hours of operation your clock does not strike the correct hour, grasp the HOUR HAND ONLY and move it forward or backward to line up with the correct hour on the dial indicated by the number of times the hour strikes. Rotating this hand independently will not damage the clock. If the minute hand needs to be reset (to correct time), move the minute hand counterclockwise (backwards) as described in Step 5: Setting Time.
NOTE: The hammer tension screw is set at the factory, and is NOT adjustable.
When the automatic nighttime shutoff feature is selected, and on some models the “silent” feature, the center weight will drop at a faster rate than the other weights.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Dipak Modi
March 26, 2024
I like your blog and learned a lot o grand Father clocks, I am novice to this area
We have inherited 1920 or older Daniel Pratt and Boris, Boston grand father clock. It has three weights and three winding holes and moon dial I need help in setup.