Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

Troubleshoot Why a Howard Miller Quartz Clock Runs Slow

Howard Miller Quartz clocks are generally mantle clocks that are decorative on the outside, with ornate detail. The antique or vintage clocks often have brass or bronze parts. The inner mechanisms of the clock work to run the outside face dial. Some vintage models have chime mechanisms inside along with gears and a spring that enable the clock to function. If something is wrong with the clock, then it may run slowly. Sometimes a part within the clock needs to be adjusted, or replaced. Since clocks run in synchronized order, all parts must be checked.

Things You'll Need

Small pliers
Small flashlight
Clock oil

Instructions

- 1
  Open the back of a Howard Miller Quartz Clock with a small pair of pliers, if needed. Use a small flashlight to examine the inner workings of the clock, especially if there is inadequate lighting around your work space. Be careful when working on the clock, and examine it on a flat work space.
- 2
  Check the spring of the clock. The spring is the mechanism responsible for the majority of the clock's functions. The spring needs to be replaced if it's rusted or broken. Oil the spring pivot points with clock oil. If the spring is broken, the clock must be taken to a clock repairman because of the intrinsic nature of the parts.
  
  Examine the wheel gears inside, and see if they are rusted, or stuck. Place a small amount of oil on the wheel gears to make them move faster, and with less effort.
- 3
  Adjust the pendulum bob from within the clock, if the pendulum nut is located inside. If the pendulum nut is located outside, move the nut to the right to regulate the speed of the clock.
- 4
  Once adjustments have been made inside of the clock, close the back casing. Set the time on the front of the clock, moving the minute hand to the hour you want the clock to chime. Move the minute hand counterclockwise every half an hour, until you hear the clock chime, then wind the larger hour hand once around counterclockwise, resting it on the number 12 on the face.
- 5
  Adjust the speed on Howard Miller Quartz Clocks with longer pendulums by adjusting the pendulum nut on the outside pendulum bob. Set the time after adjusting the nut, and start the pendulum swinging again. Make sure the hands of the clock are not sticking together, and add a dab of clock oil to the hand sections underneath where they are attached if they are old or stuck.

Antiques