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Hanging and Setting Up a Wall Clock Securely

3/7/2016

6 Comments

 
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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.

If a stud is not a possibility, use a molly bolt or other heavy duty wall anchor.  Remember that clocks can be heavy.  An eight-day cuckoo clock with three weights can weigh 15 pounds or more.  If a small child pulls on one of the weights, the downward pressure can easily exceed 50 pounds.
 
Setting Up the Wall Clock
Remove any packing material from around your clock.  If your clock has chimes, make sure you remove the packing material from around the chime rods and check that the hammers are free to move.
 
Hang the clock on a securely mounted hook or screw on the wall.  Hang the pendulum on the pendulum leader (a small brass or steel strap or a wire bent to form a hook) that hangs below the clock movement.
 
Hanging the Weights
Weights are usually hung with the lightest weight on your left and the heaviest weight on your right.    Modern weights are often marked with an L (Left), a C (Center), and an R (Right). 

However, in many wall clocks, the weights weigh the same and are interchangeable. Cuckoos and two-weight wall clocks are often in this category.

If your clock has cables, be careful that the cable doesn’t slip off the pulley wheel while you are hanging the weights.

Getting the Clock in Beat
 
Pendulum clocks must be level to run properly.  If instead of an even tick … tock … tick … tock, your clock runs with a tock tick …… tock tick …… your clock isn’t level.  Try moving the bottom of the clock to the left or right until you hear a nice, even tick … tock.  

At this point, your clock should be hanging securely on the wall, ready to give you years of pleasure.  
6 Comments
Elfed Thomas
5/16/2018 06:52:00 am

Thank you for the information on adjusting the Petaluma it has worked

Reply
Greta James link
12/16/2019 10:40:06 am

Thank you so much for your tip to find a stud to put the nails into so that you don't have to worry about the clock falling. A couple of weeks ago, my mother was telling me about her plans to redecorate her formal dining room. I really think a nice wall clock would work perfectly in that room. I will have to look for clock that I could get my mother for a holiday gift.

Reply
Paul
8/6/2020 03:52:05 pm

My wall clock is almost identical to the one in the picture. Mine has 3 beveled glass pieces in the same spot and the bottom of the clock is the same design.

Reply
rachel frampton link
10/12/2020 08:04:00 pm

My grandpa gave me his old wall clock, but the thing is, one of its hands is not working, which is why I've decided to start looking for a repair service that may fix this matter. Anyhow, thank you for these tips; I'll make sure to hang it in the securely mounted hook. I'll also keep in mind to double-check if the cable will slip off the pulley wheel.

Reply
Mark Bladen link
3/15/2021 06:08:52 am

Hiya, I have a large (3ft) wall mounted pendulum clock and am a bit worried in case it were to fall. Would there be any problems with securing it at the bottom as well?

Reply
LYNND
12/24/2022 04:48:18 pm

Inherited a Hermle Franz (72) 45CM Westminster Chime wall clock. It refused to keep time Pendulum simply stopped. Took movement out and got it running for about an hour. Put movement back in clock and hung on wall. It stopped again!

I have read that the pendulum should not be attached when moving the clock but there is no way to attach the pendulum to the leader without the back of the clock removed which entails dismounting it from the wall.

Please, if you can, provide some tips on how to protect a clock from going OUT of beat while hanging and how to put it BACK in beat if it does go out.

Thank you.

Reply



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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?

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Email: mike@wiseowlclock
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