Why Isn't the Pendulum Working on My Clock?

Clock Placement

• The best surface for a pendulum clock is a firm, flat floor. It is best to place a clock in a position away from a direct heat or light source. If there is a skirting board in the location you choose, it may be necessary attach a piece of wood of similar thickness to the back of the clock to ensure that the clock stands straight and does not lean backward.

Leveling Side to Side

• With the pendulum and weights out, check the level of the clock case side to side, and adjust until it is exactly level. Contemporary clocks often have adjustable feet that can be screwed in or out to assist in leveling the clock. If the feet are not adjustable, place a coin or a thin piece of cardboard under the sloping side. Floors are not universally level, and small adjustments make a difference in the successful operation of pendulum clocks.

Leveling Front to Back

• With the pendulum and weights out, check the level of the clock case front to back. If there is carpet under the clock, the edge against the wall may be slightly thicker due to grip strips or a hem. In this case, it may be necessary to tuck a piece of carpet under the front edge of the clock case to level it front to back. The clock must be level front to back or the pendulum may brush against the weights or hit the clock case, which will stop the clock.

Beat Adjustment

• A clock must be in beat to operate properly. Once the case is level and the weights and pendulum are in place, the beat of the clock should be a steady "tick, tock, tick, tock." If the beat is "tick . . . tock, tick-tock," or some other irregular beat, you need to adjust the beat. Most new clocks have automatic beat adjusters. All you need do is hold the pendulum all the way to one side and gently release it to get it back in beat. If your clock doesn't have an automatic adjuster, you can adjust the beat by carefully bending the pendulum crutch until you achieve a steady beat. The pendulum crutch is the thin rod through which the feather or suspension spring threads at the top of the pendulum.