Weird synch issues with grandfather clock hands

Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 2:13 am     Post subject: Weird synch issues with grandfather clock hands

Hey all,

I just inherited a grandfather clock (a Howard Miller--not really sure of the model). Anyways, I know next to nothing about these things but I manage to get it up and running.

I have two issues with the clock:

First, no matter what I set the time to, the clock will always run about 2-3 minutes slower than all the other clocks in my house (I take it I just need to adjust the pendulum nut for this)--no big deal (I think).

Second, and more important, while the clock runs fine for all other hours, the 6 O'clock hour is messed up. During the 6 O'clock hour only, the minute hand continues to be 2-3 minutes slow, however, the hour hand is still showing a late 5 O'clock position. For some reason, the hands aren't in synch at this hour. However, the issues resolves itself somewhere around 6:55 or so.

Anyone have any ideas?

Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:26 pm     Post subject:

You are correct, a pendulum adjustment should take care of the slow timekeeping. Note that one full turn of the pendulum rating nut equals about 1 minute in a 24 hour period. Turning the nut counter-clockwise should make the movement run faster. Turning the nut clockwise will make the movement run slower. Always allow 24 hours in between each adjustment (to see if the movement is gaining/loosing time over a 24 hour period).

I am not entirely certain I can help with the sluggish hour hand (only at the 6 o'clock position).