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How to Fix a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock

A Howard Miller Grandfather clock has to be fixed if broken, or if there is a faulty mechanism within the clock. These types of grandfather clocks have a delicate set of inner and outer working mechanisms. The inner mechanisms consist of smaller clockworks, and outside the clock is larger hardware; usually behind a glass door on the case. These inner and outer mechanisms both work together in sync, enabling the clock to function. If one part of the clock is broken it will need to be repaired. Other parts of the clock also may need to be adjusted.

Things You'll Need

Small pliers
Clock oil

Instructions

- 1
  Set a Howard Miller Grandfather clock on a level surface, where it will be fixed. It is important to keep the clock on level floor, because movement will upset the weighted mechanisms within the clock, which could throw the clock rhythm off balance once fixed. Lean the clock against a thick piece of plywood that is screwed into a wall, or screw the plywood into the back wood part of the clock case, if there is not an even wall surface for the clock to rest against.
- 2
  Put a small piece of wood, or a small part of carpet section under the front feet of the clock, so the clock is level, and not wobbly. This will also help the clock pendulum to swing correctly.
- 3
  Check to see if the inner mechanisms of the clock are in working order. Oil the spring of the clock, and put a small droplet of clock oil in the pivot sections of the spring. Replace the spring on an old Howard Miller Grandfather clock, if rusted and beyond repair. Use a small pair of pliers to remove the spring. Oil the gears once every three years, to keep the sections that rub together on the gears from rusting.
- 4
  Fix the outer workings of the clock by first adjusting the weights within the clock if they are tangled or faulty. Carefully remove the pendulum from the pendulum hook, and place on the side. Look at the bottom of the weights to make sure they are in the right order. The weights will be marked left, right and center. Adjust the weights accordingly if tangled, and replace with new weights if the weight chain is broken.
- 5
  Put the pendulum back in place, making sure that the shiny face side is facing front. Move the pendulum to either the left or right direction, to start it swinging. Gently touch the bottom round section of the pendulum, and move it from there. Listen for a tick-tock sound.
- 6
  Set the time on the clock face dial. Move the smaller hand counterclockwise first, then move the bigger hand counterclockwise next. Wind the bigger hand around one time, making sure to stop on the 12, and don't over wind.

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