Setting up a Mechanical Clock

This guide is for people that are unfamiliar with mechanical clocks and how to set them up.

1. Step one:  Mechanical clocks need to be placed in an areas that are not:

a. Near doors or windows that could be slammed.

b. In an area that receives a draft ( ie. a heat register)

c. In an area with excessive heat or cold, humidity or dust.

d. In an area with a lot of foot traffic, vibration could be enough to stop the clock or make it loose time.

2.  Step two:  Make sure clock is level horizontally and vertically to the wall or shelf you are placing it on. 

                    Note: Make sure that the shelf or wall that you are putting the clock on is also straight and level, both vertically or horizontally, as applies.  If the surface you are placing your clock on is not level and straight both vertically and horizontally; you my use a shim behind or under one or more edges of the clock. 

3. Step three:  Make sure that you have the right key for the clock.  The key should fit easily in the winding arbor.  If the key that you have seems to have excessive movement, it may be too large.  If this seems to be the case, "do not wind the clock with this key, as it may strip the winding arbor".  Wait and get the appropriate key for your clock.  A good clock repair shop should have keys on hand or have the ability to order them within a short time

4. Step four:  Make sure to wind the clock.  This may sound retorical, but it does happen.  Do not assume that the clock will wind to the right or left.  This all depends on the maker of the clock.  There are sometimes arrows pointing the way the clock should by wound on the upper edges of the winding arbors.  "Caution", please do not wind the clock too far. 
Once you start to feel resistance, stop winding.  Note: this last part is for spring driven clocks.  If you do wind too much, you take the chance of breaking the mainspring of the clock.  This is the spring that powers the clock.

 4a.For wieght driven clocks: Hook the weights onto the chains or cords, whichever applies.  Next, bring them up, but not all the way to the top.  Leave yourself about 3" space between the top of the weight and the bottom of the clock works.  If there is more than one weight, make sure that the tops of all the weights are aligned with each other.

5. Step five:  Starting the clock:  Place your finger on the side of the pendulum, and push lightly.  If you have done everything correct, you here a clip as the pendulum starts to swing back and forth.  If you don't here a click, or the pendulum stops,   don't pull down or push up on the pendulum, as this could damage to clockworks.  Check to make sure the clock is level and try again. 

6 Step six:  Setting the time:  To set the time, only touch the minute hand, and only go clockwise(never counterclockwise).  At each time the clock chimes let it chime before moving the minute hand any future.  Once the chimes stop continue to move the minute hand around till this correct time is set.

7. Step Seven:  If you are still having trouble getting your clock to start, consider taking it to a professional to set it up for you.  I don't recommend that you try to set up a Grandfather or Grandmother clock with out a professional.  These clocks do not like to be moved, and a lot of harm can be done to the clock with just a little tinkering.  If the clock has not been cleaned in a while or looks dirty; have it cleaned by a professional, or all the setting up will be for naught.  Dirty clocks don't run that well.  A few more signs that your clock is dirty would be: the clock slowing down or stopping;  if the chimes are not working properly or not at all.  Clocks, just like any other machine need to be cleaned and have regular maintainence to perform and keep performing for a long time to come.

8. As the author of this guide, I wrote it to help people with the basic setup of their clock.  I know it can be extremely frustrating trying to get your first mechanical clock setup.  Don't give up hope if you don't succede on the first try.  These are very precise machines, and as a result need certain conditions to run and run well. 

9. This last part is something I would rather not include here, but unfortunatly is a neccessity in todays world..  I except no responsibility for the actions taken by any individual that reads this guide that causes injury to themselves or others.  Nor do I except any legal or financial obligations for the actions taken by the individual reading this guide and there attempts to setup their mechanical clock.