Clock Tips

Clock Tip #1: Setting the Time on a Grandfather Clock

Clock should be level and stationary. Swing the pendulum, and if your clock is straight and level, it should start with an even Tick-Tock sound. Don’t hang the clock in the path of an air conditioner or heating vent which may blow on the pendulum. The Pendulum should arc an equal distance on either side of its center. Tilting clock in one arc direction will produce a TICK-tock, the opposite direction a tick-TOCK. Balance the clock until tick-tocks sound equal in intensity.

When setting the time, move the minute hand (the longer one) to the correct time. DO NOT move the hour hand.

If the clock runs slow, move the pendulum bob up (turn adjustment screw right). If the clock runs fast, move the pendulum bob down (turn adjustment screw to the left).

Remember it takes patience to adust time accurately.

Clock Tip #2: Oiling and Service

Like any precision instrument with moving parts, your clock should be oiled and serviced every 2-3 years. Hugh’s Clock shop provides expert clock repair and services and is an authorized factory service center for the major clock manufacturers. Call to arrange an in-home service on your grandfather clock or bring your wall, mantel or other type of clock to one of our shops and protect your investment in time.

Important! Always remove pendulum and weights before moving or transporting your clock. Failure to do so could result in major damage like a broken suspension spring, or cause the clock to be knocked out of beat.

Clock Tip #3: Daylight Savings Time?

Daylight Savings Time (or summertime as it is called in many countries) is a way of getting more light out of the day by advancing clocks by one hour during the summer. During Daylight Savings Time, the sun appears to rise one hour later in the morning, when people are usually asleep anyway, and sets one hour later in the evening, seeming to stretch the day longer.

The reason DST works is because its saves energy due to less artificial light needed during the evening hours—clocks are set one hour ahead during the spring, and one hour back to standard time in the autumn. Many countries observe DST, and many do not.

The US begins Daylight Savings Time at 2:00 am local time on the Second Sunday of March and reverts back to Standard Time 2:00am local time the first Sunday in November. DST is not observed in Hawaii or Arizona, except for the Navajo Nation which does observe DST.

Spring forward, Fall backwards!

Remember when setting the time on your clock only move the longer minute hand. DO NOT set the time by moving the shorter hour hand.

Watch this video for help springing ahead!