Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How to Repair an Ingram Mantle Clock

An Ingram mantle clock is a clock that rests on a flat surface; not footed or elongated like a Grandfather clock. An Ingram mantle clock is often rectangle shaped, with aesthetically pleasing design work, and a clock face on the front. Mantle clocks have inner and outer mechanisms that coincide together to make the clock run. The inner mechanisms are responsible for regulating the clock hands and keeping of time. If inner mechanisms are faulty, the clock will cease to function and keep correct time.

Things You'll Need

Small pliers
Clock oil

Instructions

- 1
  Stop the pendulum on the front of the Ingram mantle clock by carefully touching it with your hand. Open up the back of the clock with a small pair of pliers, if needed. Fix the pendulum speed of the mantle clock by adjusting the nut at the bottom of the bob to regulate the speed of the clock.
- 2
  Turn the nut to the left to slow down the clock. This will lengthen the pendulum bob. This adjustment also provides less functioning of the spring inside the clock, enabling it to last longer. Keep track of the time. Lower the pendulum speed further if the clock time is inaccurate and ahead compared to other clocks or watches after a 24-hour period.
- 3
  Adjust the pendulum nut by moving it to the right if the clock is too slow. This raises the bob of the Ingram mantle clock, allowing it to run faster. Monitor the time over the next 24 hours. Keep adjusting the pendulum nut as needed.
- 4
  Look at the clock face and hands of the clock. See that they are not stuck together, or that the hands are not stuck to the face dial of the clock. Put a small amount of clock oil between the minute and hour hands, and gently pull the minute hand toward you if it is stuck against the clock face. Be careful not to break the minute hand as you pull.
- 5
  Check the inner mechanisms to see if they are functioning correctly if the clock fails to keep accurate time after these adjustments. Examine the spring. Add a a dab of clock oil to the pivot sections of the spring to keep the spring functioning better.
- 6
  Replace an old spring with a new spring, if necessary. Add a few drops of clock oil to the gears within the clock, where the sections rub together. Oil an Ingram mantle clock once every three years. Close the back of the clock when all repairs and oiling is complete. Make sure no dust gets inside the clock or moisture, to ensure that the clock remains damage free after repairs are made.

Antiques