Adjust the Pendulum on a Clock
Old pendulum clocks usually have a screw to adjust the length of the pendulum and therefore the time of each swing or rotation. This article tells you how to do this to correct the time-keeping.
Contents
Steps
- Wind the clock fully, set the time correctly and let it run for one week exactly at which point record how many minutes fast/slow it is (call it M).
- Measure the number of turns per inch of the thread of the screw that support the pendulum weight (call it N).
- Let T be the length of time per swing. (A swing is from one side to the other, not back again. For a long case grandfather clock T is typically 1, but for shorter clocks T will be some fraction of 1).
- Calculate the number of degrees turn to adjust the pendulum as follows: degrees = M x N x T x T x 2.78
- Watch the clock to see if it is keeping time. If it is running slow, shorten the pendulum; if fast, lengthen it.
Tips
- Getting the mechanism professionally cleaned and lubricated will improve the clock's time-keeping.
- Long case clocks keep the best time when on solid floors, preferably attached to a wall, and in an even temperature.
Warnings
- Clocks, especially large ones, could be dangerous if they fall on a child. Make sure they are secure at all times.
Related Articles
- Wind a Grandfather Clock
- Adjust Timing
- Tell Time Without a Clock
- Wake Up Without an Alarm Clock
- Make Use of Time With Your Friends
- Be Sociable at Dinner Time
- Fix Carpet Indentations from Furniture Legs (Wet Towel and Iron Method)
