How to Fix the Movement of French Pendulums

Use your bubble level to determine if the clock is sitting on a straight, level surface. If not, adjust the clock’s beat by placing a coin or two under the lower side. Listen to the beat to hear when it becomes even.

Wind the clock completely but carefully -- a French pendulum clock can turn in its case when it is being wound. Loosen the inside workings until you can turn them slightly inside the case. Do this until the clock face is positioned correctly.

Move the bob (the disk at the bottom of the pendulum) if the clock is beating too slowly. Turn the nut under the bob slightly to the right, making sure it stays in contact with the pendulum. To slow the movement, turn the nut slightly to the left to move the bob down.

Reset the time after you adjust your clock’s pendulum. Remove the minute hand nut with your pliers, then move the minute hand up to 12. Count the number of times the clock strikes the hour, then move the hour hand to that hour. Move the minute hand forward until the clock is set at the correct time. Check 24 hours later and each 24 hours after until the clock is keeping correct time.