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How to Adjust a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock

A Howard Miller Grandfather clock must be adjusted in order to work correctly. On these types of Grandfather clocks, there are inner and outer mechanisms that coincide together and run in synchronized fashion. The clock mechanisms on the inside as well as the outside need to be adjusted, so that the clock will not only function, but stay in good working order. This will help to prevent possible future malfunctioning of the clock mechanisms.

Things You'll Need

Clock oil
Small pliers
Clean glove

Instructions

- 1
  Make sure the Howard Miller Grandfather clock is set on a flat surface. If the clock is on carpet, make sure the carpet is flat and the clock is not set on any raised bumps. Work on the adjustments to the clock once it is set in its permanent spot.
- 2
  Never move the clock once it is adjusted, for that may interfere with the settings to the clock; especially the pendulum movement, and the clock rhythm. Push the clock against a flat wall surface as well, or place a piece of plywood behind the clock, to steady and balance it. Screw the plywood into the wall, or into the back wood part of the clock.
- 3
  Place a small piece of wood underneath the clock to balance the clock feet, if wobbly. If the clock is on carpet, place a small piece of carpet underneath the clock instead. This extra support will help the clock pendulum to swing correctly, and enable the clock dial to keep accurate time.
- 4
  Examine the inner mechanisms of the clock, to ensure that they are working correctly. Look over the spring and oil it in the pivot sections. Place a few small drops of oil onto the gears, and make sure to oil these clock parts once every three years. If the spring is old or malfunctioning, replace it with a new spring, using small pliers to remove the old spring.
- 5
  Adjust the weights of the Howard Miller clock, which are located on the outside. Often these weights can become tangled, and need to be adjusted accordingly. Remove the pendulum to work on the weights. Take the pendulum off the hook, and place it on the side.
- 6
  Stop the pendulum first before removing it. Put on a clean glove, and gently grab the pendulum at the bottom part. The glove will inhibit finger prints from forming on the shiny face surface of the pendulum bob. Look at the bottom of the weights where they are marked left, right and center. Put the weights in their proper place, if tangled. Hook the pendulum back up, with the shiny side facing front.
- 7
  Set the time on the Howard Miller Grandfather clock face dial. Move the small minute hand counterclockwise, to rest on the hour you want the clock to chime. Move the bigger hand around counterclockwise one time, stopping on the 12. Do not over-wind. Once the time is set, make the pendulum swing again, by simply pushing it in either the left or right direction.

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