Most quality new grandfather clocks will run about 20+ year if you set one up and never maintain it, but oiling every few years may make the clock last a lifetime (or two).

Do grandfather clocks wear out?

Modern grandfather clocks, if operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, have a life expectancy of about 10-15 years before developing major internal mechanical problems and failing to run, or to run well.

How often do you need to rewind a grandfather clock?

Almost all grandfather clocks are made to run for seven or eight days without winding, so winding them on the same day each week will ensure that it never stops. If your clock stops before its regular winding time, however, you may need to wind it more frequently.

How many times does a grandfather clock?

Each hour a grandfather clock chimes the number of times that correspond to that time of the day. For example at 3 pm it will chime 3 times.

What causes a grandfather clock to stop working?

Another reason for stopping is that your clock is “out of beat”. Your clock needs to have an even “tick”. If the tick sounds comparable to a guy walking with a limp, it wont run. The pendulum needs to travel an EVEN distance after each tick.

Should the weights on a grandfather clock drop evenly?

The weights on my grandfather clock arent coming down evenly. If your clock is not silenced, or doesnt have that feature, check to see that the weights are hanging on the correct chains or pulleys. The heavier weight should be on the right hand side as you face the clock.

Why does a pendulum eventually slow down and stop swinging?

When the swing is raised and released, it will move freely back and forth due to the force of gravity on it. The swing continues moving back and forth without any extra outside help until friction (between the air and the swing and between the chains and the attachment points) slows it down and eventually stops it.

What stops a pendulum from swinging?

A pendulum is an object hung from a fixed point that swings back and forth under the action of gravity. The swing continues moving back and forth without any extra outside help until friction (between the air and the swing and between the chains and the attachment points) slows it down and eventually stops it.

Where should the weights be on a grandfather clock?

If there is no markings to identify the weights, hang the heaviest weight on the right side as it needs more power to run all of the chime hammers. The other two equal or lighter weights should be placed in any order on the left side and center position. This will usually work on most grandfather clocks.

How do you reattach a pendulum on a grandfather clock?

Reach through the front door of the Grandfather Clock and place your hand on the side of the pendulum disk. Move the pendulum to the far left of center and release. Let the Grandfather Clock operate a few minutes until the pendulum settles into an even swinging motion.

What makes a pendulum stop swinging?

A pendulum is an object hung from a fixed point that swings back and forth under the action of gravity. The swing continues moving back and forth without any extra outside help until friction (between the air and the swing and between the chains and the attachment points) slows it down and eventually stops it.