How to Hang a Grandfather Clock Pendulum

The design and style of a grandfather clock were shaped with the invention of the pendulum. Apendulum is an object hung from a fixed point that swings back and forth under the action of gravity. Christian Huygens came up with a new method using a pendulum to help clockmakers. His idea was to step aside from powering clocks by springs and weights to a new way where a pendulum would swing every second with the anchor escapement system. The new formula required a longer pendulum.

Hanging a Pendulum on a Grandfather Clock

1. Some pendulums have a colored protective plastic film covering the pendulum disc. Carefully remove this film before hanging the pendulum.

2. To hang the pendulum, locate the pendulum guide through the front door, or any of the side or back access panel locations. 

3. While holding the pendulum guide with one hand, slip the pendulum in through the front door with your other hand. 

4. Place the pendulum hook through the slot on the pendulum guide, and lower the pendulum until it is hanging securely on the pendulum guide.

Regulating Timekeeping

Changing the speed of time keeping is accomplished by moving the pendulum disk up or down. The pendulum disk is moved up or down by turning the adjustment nut. To slow the clock down, move the pendulum disk down by turning the adjustment nut to the left. To speed the clock up, move the pendulum disk up by turning the adjustment nut to the right.

Day One

• Select a time of day that will allow you to check your clock at the same time for at least six days.
• Record time selected __________________________________.
• Check the correct time.
• Reset the minute hand to the exact, correct time.

Day Two, Three, Four, Five, Six (If Necessary)

• Check the correct time.
• Compare the time shown on your clock with the correct time. Is your clock fast or slow?
• Turn the adjustment nut on the pendulum. One complete revolution equals approximately one half (1/2) minute fast or slow per day. (24 hours). Accurate time adjustment varies for every pendulum.
• Check the correct time.
• Reset the minute hand to exact, correct time.

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