Village Clock Shop FAQ's
1. I overwound my clock-how can I fix it?
A. Rest assured you did not overwind your clock. It is simply fully wound and for another reason is not working. It may need oil or it could have worn out parts. Your clock needs servicing.
2. How often should I have my clock serviced?
A. I recommend having your clock oiled every 3-4 years to keep it running as it should.
3. Can I oil my clock myself?
A. I strongly advise against attempting self servicing your clock. There is oil specially formulated for lubricating clocks and you should NEVER use oils such as WD-40, 3 in 1 oil, mineral oil or petroleum based lubricants.
4. Can I move my grandfather clock for painting and remodeling?
A. With proper preparation, yes. I would ask that you phone me for a quick lesson on how to remove the weights and pendulum and secure the lines.
5. Do you provide in home services for grandfather clocks?
A. Yes I do. I can come to your home to simply service your clock and I also offer breakdown and set up services should you move or are doing extensive home remodeling. Please contact me for this service.
6. Are your estimates free?
A. There is no charge for my estimates if you bring the clock to me. If a house call is required a service fee is included in the repair cost. Contact me for details.
7. How do I know if my clock is worth repairing?
A. This is sometimes a difficult question to answer. I will certainly advise you as to the monetary value of your clock versus the repair cost. However, clocks tend to be quite sentimental and only you can determine if your clock is worth the costs involved.
8. How do I make my clock run faster or slower?
A. The length of the pendulum on your clock determines the timekeeping. The lower the pendulum is the slower your clock will run. There is a knurled nut at the bottom of the pendulum that can be adjusted, or if you have a pendulum with no regulating nut look for an additional hole in the face of your clock-usually above the 12:00. By turning this arbor it will raise or lower the active length of your pendulum.
9. On my grandfather clock only the center weight is descending. Why aren't the left and right weights coming down?
A. Your clock has 3 weights because it doing 3 seperate jobs. The center weight runs the timekeeping which is why your clock is still running. The right weight runs the chimes on the quarter hours and the left runs the strike at the hour. Your clock is not chiming and striking and needs servicing.
10. Does it matter which weights go on which side of my grandfather clock?
A. It most certainly does. The most important thing to remember is the heaviest weight goes on the right side. The lightest weight goes in the middle. Never put the heaviest weight in the middle to run the clock. If your clock needs a heavier weight to run it is worn out and needs serious attention.
11. My clock is running fine but it strikes the wrong number at the hour. Can I fix this myself?
A. The answer is generally yes. Most hour hands are friction fitted, which means it is simply pushed onto a shaft. Because this is the case, it means you can simply move the hour hand forward or backwards to match up with the number of strikes. Once your clock is in sequence you will need to set your clock by moving the minute hand forward and letting it chime-the hour hand will follow and will remain in sequence. This is another easy fix that I am happy to walk you through over the phone.
12. Has clock repair always been your hobby?
A. No it has never been a hobby of mine. I went to school to train and it has been my lifelong career and passion ever since.
13. I have an interest in clocks and watches and would like to learn more about them. Where do you suggest I go?
A. I am proud to be a life member of both the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and the American Watchmaker-Clockmakers Institute. These organizations are a wealth of information and well worth the membership fees. Additionally there is the British Horological Institute.
14. Can you supply parts if I choose to repair my clock myself?
A. I can order most parts for you. Keep in mind that parts may need to be fitted-they are not always an exact match to your clock. Fitting of the parts would not be included in the price of the part.
A. Rest assured you did not overwind your clock. It is simply fully wound and for another reason is not working. It may need oil or it could have worn out parts. Your clock needs servicing.
2. How often should I have my clock serviced?
A. I recommend having your clock oiled every 3-4 years to keep it running as it should.
3. Can I oil my clock myself?
A. I strongly advise against attempting self servicing your clock. There is oil specially formulated for lubricating clocks and you should NEVER use oils such as WD-40, 3 in 1 oil, mineral oil or petroleum based lubricants.
4. Can I move my grandfather clock for painting and remodeling?
A. With proper preparation, yes. I would ask that you phone me for a quick lesson on how to remove the weights and pendulum and secure the lines.
5. Do you provide in home services for grandfather clocks?
A. Yes I do. I can come to your home to simply service your clock and I also offer breakdown and set up services should you move or are doing extensive home remodeling. Please contact me for this service.
6. Are your estimates free?
A. There is no charge for my estimates if you bring the clock to me. If a house call is required a service fee is included in the repair cost. Contact me for details.
7. How do I know if my clock is worth repairing?
A. This is sometimes a difficult question to answer. I will certainly advise you as to the monetary value of your clock versus the repair cost. However, clocks tend to be quite sentimental and only you can determine if your clock is worth the costs involved.
8. How do I make my clock run faster or slower?
A. The length of the pendulum on your clock determines the timekeeping. The lower the pendulum is the slower your clock will run. There is a knurled nut at the bottom of the pendulum that can be adjusted, or if you have a pendulum with no regulating nut look for an additional hole in the face of your clock-usually above the 12:00. By turning this arbor it will raise or lower the active length of your pendulum.
9. On my grandfather clock only the center weight is descending. Why aren't the left and right weights coming down?
A. Your clock has 3 weights because it doing 3 seperate jobs. The center weight runs the timekeeping which is why your clock is still running. The right weight runs the chimes on the quarter hours and the left runs the strike at the hour. Your clock is not chiming and striking and needs servicing.
10. Does it matter which weights go on which side of my grandfather clock?
A. It most certainly does. The most important thing to remember is the heaviest weight goes on the right side. The lightest weight goes in the middle. Never put the heaviest weight in the middle to run the clock. If your clock needs a heavier weight to run it is worn out and needs serious attention.
11. My clock is running fine but it strikes the wrong number at the hour. Can I fix this myself?
A. The answer is generally yes. Most hour hands are friction fitted, which means it is simply pushed onto a shaft. Because this is the case, it means you can simply move the hour hand forward or backwards to match up with the number of strikes. Once your clock is in sequence you will need to set your clock by moving the minute hand forward and letting it chime-the hour hand will follow and will remain in sequence. This is another easy fix that I am happy to walk you through over the phone.
12. Has clock repair always been your hobby?
A. No it has never been a hobby of mine. I went to school to train and it has been my lifelong career and passion ever since.
13. I have an interest in clocks and watches and would like to learn more about them. Where do you suggest I go?
A. I am proud to be a life member of both the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and the American Watchmaker-Clockmakers Institute. These organizations are a wealth of information and well worth the membership fees. Additionally there is the British Horological Institute.
14. Can you supply parts if I choose to repair my clock myself?
A. I can order most parts for you. Keep in mind that parts may need to be fitted-they are not always an exact match to your clock. Fitting of the parts would not be included in the price of the part.
S43W31423 WI 83
Genesee Depot, WI 53127
*By appointment only
