How to Maintain Your Grandfather Clock

by Gregory Burton

How to Maintain Your Grandfather Clock

A grandfather clock is a majestic, antique timepiece that is made up of complex, integrated parts. Even if it’s not in operation, overtime, the clock will need a little care and maintenance to keep it in tip top shape. Here are some easy ways to protect and maintain the quality of your Howard Miller Grandfather clocks.

Keep It Away From Sunlight

Direct sunlight and extreme heat and humidity can crack the case and cause the finish to fade. To keep your clock looking and working its best, make sure it’s stored in a cool, shady area of your home. 

Keep the Door Locked

It’s essential that the door on your Howard Miller Grandfather clock is always closed and locked. This will help keep any debris or excess dust from forming on the parts, slowing the clock down or causing damage. A locked door also keeps pets and children from coming into contact with the delicate parts.

Wind the Clock Weekly

Every seven days or so, you should wind your grandfather clock. This will help to prevent the clock from randomly stopping. Once you’re done winding it, correctly set the time by moving the minute hand. If the clock starts running too fast or slow, simply adjust the nut on the pendulum rod.

Check the Weights

The weights are what provides power to the grandfather clock. Once you’ve cleaned the hands you should take great care to check the weights to ensure that they are still properly assembled. 

Check the Levellers

An unbalanced clock can throw the timing out of whack. From time to time, the levellers on the bottom of the clock will need to be checked. If they are unbalanced, simply adjust them until the clock sits flush with the floor.

Check the Oil

Just like a car, a grandfather clock can also seize up if the oil gets too low. You don’t have to oil the movements every time you check the clock, but you should always make sure the parts are lubricated just enough to move easily. For most models, you will only need to oil the clock movements every two years. When adding oil to the movements, remember to wear latex gloves and specialty clock oil to prevent damage to the parts during the process.

Clean the Clock Movements

Every four to five, the grandfather clock should undergo a deep cleaning of the movements. The servicing should only be done at a professional clock repair shop. DIY repairs could result in lost parts or screws, or even damage to the movement, causing more harm than good. 

You can reduce the number of repairs it needs with some regular maintenance of your grandfather clock. If you don’t want to do it yourself, bring it in to our experts at Frankenmuth Clock Company and we’ll service it for you!