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SETTING UP AND REGULATING PENDULUM CLOCKS
It is essential that a clock is "set up" when put into operation after a move to a new position. No matter how thoroughly a pendulum clock is overhauled, if it does not receive this final attention it may suffer from loss of power and subsequently stop. All clocks leaving our workshop will have been set "in beat" on a level surface. Provided that a clock is transported carefully with the pendulum removed and subsequently placed on a firm level surface, an adjustment may not be necessary.
Placing
A mantel clock must be placed on a firm even surface. Longcase or Grandfather clocks should be screwed to the wall, particularly where there is any likelihood of movement. Wall clocks should be hung on secure fixings (not nails). Uneven and unsound walls should be avoided.
Regulation
A number of factors can affect the timekeeping of a clock (temperature, balance etc). No matter how well a clock may have been overhauled, final adjustment is almost always necessary. The longer the pendulum, the slower the clock will run (heighten to hasten, lower to slower). Most pendulums have an adjusting nut under or in the bob, and small adjustments should be made as necessary. Do not alter the pendulum more than once in 24 hours and remember that spring driven clocks may run slower as the resulting effect.
Never move a clock with the pendulum attached, as this will put it out of beat, damage the delicate spring on which the pendulum is suspended and may cause expensive damage to the escapement.
Setting Up
A clock is "in beat" when the intervals between ticks are exactly equal. An "out of beat" clock can be heard ticking unevenly, with alternately long and short intervals between ticks. Carefully fit the pendulum, wind up and gently set the clock going. After a few moments check the sound of the ticking.
Wall clocks may be given their final adjustment by moving the bottom of the case very slightly to one side. Some fine movement have screw-threaded beat adjusters, allowing for very precise alterations. Some modern movements even have automatic adjustment.
French clocks are sometimes adjusted by slackening the two screws on the back door and rotating the movement imperceptibly. Re-tighten the screws to prevent the clock from rotating when being wound.