My Tempus Fugit Clock Will Not Run

The Hands

• If the hands of your clock can't move, it will appear that the clock isn't running. Check whether the hands are touching each other or touching the glass face of the clock. If the hands touch, push the hour hand away from the minute hand. For hands that touch the glass, push the minute hand away from the glass. In either case, work carefully to not damage the hands and don't push the hands so far back they touch the dial.

Clock Position

• Because your grandfather clock operates by a swinging pendulum, if the clock is not properly balanced, the pendulum won't swing correctly and in some cases may stop swinging altogether. To fix the problem, adjust the clock so it is as level as possible then start the pendulum. With the pendulum swinging, tilt the clock a small amount to either side as you listen to the tic-toc sound. Once you have it in a position where the sound is balanced, use some type of support under the clock to keep it in that position.

Pendulum Weights

• As your grandfather clock runs, weights behind the pendulum descend. Part of your regular care for your clock should include raising these weights before they touch the floor of the clock. Once the weights reach the clock floor, the pendulum stops swinging and the clock won't run. To fix this, wind the weights back up weekly. Your clock should have a crank that inserts into holes in the face of the clock. Turn the crank in each of the three holes until the weights are as high as they will go.

Serious Problems

• If adjusting the hands, re-positioning your clock and raising the weights don't get your clock running, you may have other problems that should be taken care of by a professional clock repair person. Problems can include a bent pendulum, broken suspension mechanism or weights that aren't the right size for your clock.