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The Clock Owners Guide to Setting Up

Setting up a pendulum clock.

Set the clock on a level surface, or vertical wall, depending on the type of clock, so that it neither tilts to one side (which will give the clock an uneven beat or may stop it) nor tilts forward nor back (which can cause the pendulum to rub the case or the works and stop the clock)

Balance wheel clocks do not have a pendulum so do not need to be set perfectly level, nor do they have to be set in beat, provided they have been serviced correctly.

Wind the clock fully.

Hang the pendulum on correctly. If the pendulum is fitted with a long rod then this should hook over the pin at the bottom of the suspension spring (or silk in rare cases) and the rod should be positioned within the fork at the bottom of the crutch.

If the pendulum has only a very short rod then hook this onto the end of the rod that hangs on the suspension; this will either be through a hole or over a pin. If in doubt, ask your local clock repairer.

Start the clock by gently swinging the pendulum if this is accessible from the front of the clock. If it is not, then move the case of the clock sharply to one side and back again by a small amount.

Setting the clock in beat

This means setting the clock up to give an even tick. The clock will have been put in beat during its last service but moving the clock can sometimes put it out of beat, as will clumsy hanging of the pendulum. Try tilting the clock from side to side to find out which way it needs to be tilted to get an even tick, remember that direction.

Return the clock to the level and push the crutch gently towards the side that had to be lifted to get an even beat: it will move easily at first and then meets with resistance. Push it slightly into the resistance.

This works with most clocks but there are notable exceptions: long-case clocks have a crutch arm that is made of wire and is designed to be bent to put the clock in beat. Bend it slightly towards the side that had to be lifted to get an even beat. Earlier French clocks are the same, but the later ones had the crutch on a friction fitting so that the first method should be used.

Four-glass clocks and those with visible escapements usually only require a vigorous swing of the pendulum to put them in beat automatically.

With all these methods, it may be necessary to repeat the process until the tick is even. If in doubt, consult your local clock repairer.

Regulating clocks

Clocks are regulated either by using the regulating nut below the pendulum bob or, on some clocks, by a small key inserted in a hole at 12 o'clock on the dial and turned.

revised 18 Jan 96