Wise Owl Clock Repair of Skagit Valley
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    • Clock Maintenance
    • Oiling
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  • Contact
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Services
    • Clock Maintenance
    • Oiling
    • Cleaning
    • Overhauling
    • Housecalls
    • Watch Batteries
  • Store
  • Warranty
  • Contact

How do I wind my clock?

5/10/2016

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Clocks with Weights and Chains: 
If the clock has weights that hang from chains, pull down on the loose chain ends, one at a time.  A chain must have tension on it to keep it on its sprocket, so if you “help” the weight up with your other hand, don’t take all of the pressure off.  I recommend wearing gloves any time you touch brass parts to prevent corrosion.  Stop at least a half inch from the maximum height that the weight can go.  Do this gently, as banging the weights on the clock case will cause the links in the chain to stretch and eventually break.

 
Clocks with Winding Arbors: 
If the weights hang from cables, or if the clock has springs instead of weights, there will usually be winding arbors on the clock face.  Winding arbors are square metal shafts that are visible... 


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Setting up an Anniversary Clock

3/22/2016

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Anniversary clocks have a pendulum that rotates back and forth.  Hang the pendulum (it may have four balls, a disk, or figurines) on the bottom block of the suspension wire.  The pendulums on some anniversary clocks cannot be removed easily.  These clocks usually have some kind of lock that keeps the pendulum in place during transport.  Usually there is a thick, stubby, brass lever between the base of the movement and the top of the pendulum.  Hold the pendulum and turn the lever until the pendulum is released.  Some clocks have a lever in the front, under the base of the clock.  Move the lever to one side to release the pendulum. 
 
Once the pendulum is hung or unlocked, you must level the clock.  If your clock has a small ring or cup under the pendulum, level the clock until the point of the pendulum is centered in the cup.   Level the clock by rotating the leveling feet (you will see three knurled disks at the base of the clock) until the pendulum is centered, or by putting shims under the clock if it doesn’t have leveling feet.  Once the clock is level, rotate the pendulum (1/2 circle) and release.

Note:  Never move an anniversary clock without first locking or removing the pendulum.
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Hanging and Setting Up a Wall Clock Securely

3/7/2016

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Hanging the Wall Clock
Over the years, even a light clock will eventually loosen a hook or screw that is set only in drywall.  All pendulum clocks rock slightly while they are running.  Add to that the extra downward pressure from the weekly winding, and you can see why so many clocks do fall from walls.
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To make sure that your clock is not at risk for a fall, be sure to use a stud finder to locate a stud.  Set a nail or a screw into the wall at a slight angle, so that the point goes down into the stud.  Make sure that the nail or screw is long enough to bite deeply into the wood of the stud.

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Setting up a Grandfather Clock

3/1/2016

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Please note: The oil from your hands will turn the shiny brass of your clock to a chocolate brown color.  New clocks have a heavy coat of lacquer to protect the brass, but it is best to wear gloves when touching weights and other brass items!

​I.  First, locate and set aside the pendulum, the weights, the door key, and the winding crank (if your clock has cables).

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We just bought the business!

2/17/2016

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On February 15th, 2016,  Mike purchased H.L. Peterson, Jeweler, from Howard Peterson.   We are currently renovating and remodeling to get Wise Owl Clock Repair up and running.  We are open for business, so feel free to stop by.  Please pardon our mess as we prepare to serve you.

On March 1st, watch for our first blog post: "Setting up a Grandfather Clock."
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    Mike Sarchet

    I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks.  In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    My clock is not chiming; is there anything I can do?

    We are moving.  How do I pack my clock?

    How do I set up my Clock?
    Setting up a Grandfather Clock

    Setting up a Wall Clock

    ​Setting up an Anniversary Clock
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    How do I wind my clock?

    Can I over-wind my clock?

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    How do I start my clock?


    How do I set the time on my clock?

    My clock is running fast/slow.  How do I adjust the time keeping?  

    ​How often should I have my clock serviced?

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    Can I oil my clock myself?
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    Finding a Key for My Clock

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    Will the addition of bushings decrease the value of my clock?

    All

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Email: mike@wiseowlclock
​repair.com

Address

Hours


Phone:
​360-336-2780

Wise Owl Clock Repair
275 West Rio Vista Avenue, Suite 1
Burlington, WA  98233

Monday:     By appointment
​Tuesday:     10:00-2:00
Wed:             10:00-2:00
Thursday:   10:00-2:00
Friday:         10:00-2:00
Saturday:   By appointment

Closed on Sunday 

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