A Realistic Clock Maintenance Schedule
What to do weekly, yearly and every few years to avoid a costly overhaul.
Weekly
Wind on your set day. Check that the clock is still level and that the case has not shifted.
Monthly
Compare the clock against a reliable reference and adjust the pendulum nut a small amount - lower to slow, raise to speed up. Quarter turns only.
Yearly
Dust the case with a dry cloth, inspect cables or chains for fraying, verify the door closes squarely, and check that the strike matches the hands.
Every 3-5 years
Professional cleaning and oiling. This is the single most cost-effective thing an owner can do; it prevents the wear that turns a $200 service into a $600 overhaul.
Every 10-15 years
A full overhaul with bushing work, especially for clocks that run continuously.
Keep records
Note the service date inside the case door. Future owners - and future clockmakers - will thank you.
Not sure what you are looking at? Send a photo or call and describe the sound. Most diagnoses start with a five-minute conversation.
Jordantero Co., Lakewood COMore guides
- Why Your Clock Stopped Running
- How to Wind a Clock Correctly
- Setting a Clock In Beat
- Moving a Grandfather Clock Safely
- Chime and Strike Troubleshooting
- Understanding Clock Movement Types
- What Makes an Antique Clock Valuable
- Clocks and Colorado's Dry Climate
- How to Choose a Clock Repair Shop