Some Answers to the Many Questions About My Clocks

Power Source: Most of my clocks take a single AA battery. A few of the larger ones require a C battery or 2 AA's. Clocks require very little energy, so the battery should last years.

What if the Clock Won't Run? Don't panic. First, check out the easy fixes below. If those don't help and the movement is truly dead, just let me know.

The clock movement should last a lifetime. I will replace any failing movement free of charge if you return the broken one to me. If you want to try and replace the movement yourself, I have a repair info sheet that I can send to you by mail, email or fax. Or, you may ship the whole clock to me and I'll repair it and send it back.

Always first, as some things can be "fixed" with just a little advice.

Troubleshooting: A nearly dead battery will propel the pendulum but not the hands or sometimes vice versa. So if a clock isn't keeping time, always try installing a good battery first. Batteries can lose power just sitting on a shelf and even a brand new one right out of the box could be dead. So be sure to use a battery you know works. . . like the one in your TV remote control. More than half the time this is the problem and the TV remote batteries save the day.

Bent hands can also stop a clock. Be sure the hands aren't stuck on anything (or on each other). If the hands have become loose, unscrew the cap nut holding them on, remove the minute hand, press the hour hand firmly onto the shaft at the center of the movement, replace the minute hand and then screw the cap nut back on.

For problems with time setting, first rotate the minute hand only until both hands line up at 12:00. If the hands don't line up exactly, gently but firmly move them to 12:00. If this is not done before setting the time, then the clock will never keep accurate time. Then, to set the time, rotate the minute hand only. The hour hand will follow by itself.

All pendulum clocks must hang parallel to the wall so the pendulum swings freely. Minor tilt adjustments may be necessary to insure constant momentum. Always hang my clocks on a nail or screw not a picture hook.

Pendulums don't like wind or earthquakes. A minimal fan breeze can stop a temperamental pendulum. So can shaking (earthquakes, aftershocks, etc.).

These clocks do not belong outdoors or in bathrooms (high humidity).

Cleaning: All copper and nickel silver elements are coated with clear polyurethane. Simply dust with a dry or damp cloth. Use glass cleaner if necessary, but never use metal polish or abrasive cleaners. Stainless steel parts are not coated. A soft paper towel or cloth moistened with isopropyl rubbing alcohol works well to remove fingerprints from the steel. Windex or actual stainless steel cleaner can work too. Multiple wipes with several different paper towels are a good idea. We have yet to figure out who dared to call this steel stainless!

These clocks are guaranteed to give you service and pleasure for years to come. If you have any trouble, please let me know. Enjoy!

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