May 24, 2010

Mantel clocks are available in chiming plus non-chiming versions. Chimes may range from Westminster to Ave Maria. They will be able to have automatic chime shut-off for nighttime. Woods may range from cherry, to oak and can be inlaid. Overlays may come in mahogany and satinwood. Several dials have spectacular patterns. The mechanics may have pendulums and weights and can come with up to three winding key holes. 

You must wind the clock at least once a week. Insert the key into the face of the clock. Flip the key clockwise till the spring tightens. You’ll feel the tension. Don’t over-tighten. If the clock has hanging weights, raise the weights with the crank; do not elevate the weights themselves as you could dislodge them. Wax and polish the clock cabinet. Do that on the same schedule that you polish your furniture. The perfect polish is the non-silicone liquid or paste wax. Clean the glass. Use non-ammonia cleaner plus do not spray the clock. Every so often check [that the] weights are assembled and are still hanging on their hooks. Oil the movement periodically. Oiling ought to take place each 2 years by a professional clock maker. He will drop oil on the pivots and can avoid anything gravity driven. Locate unique collectible mantel clocks here.

Mantle clocks can have quartz movements or may be traditional key wound clocks. Ornamental clocks may have brass, glass and assorted wood finishes together with inlays. Carriage mantel clocks have a small handle on top. Many mantle clocks chime. Standard, wound mantle clocks’ time is regulated either by moving the pendulum disk up or down, if the clock includes a pendulum, or they’re regulated by moving the time adjustment lever. 

Choose a time that you would like to check your clock over a six-day period. It must be the same time every day. Write down the time you have selected. Check the perfect time using a known source, like a radio station’s on-the-hour beeps. Re-set the minute hand on the mantel clock to that time. Check the right time on day two, and compare it with the time shown on the clock. Alter the time on the clock if the clock is fast or slow. For clocks together with a pendulum, move the disk up or down by turning the adjustment nut. Turn the nut to the left to slow the clock down plus to the correct to hurry it up. 1 revolution equals a half a minute. If the clock doesn’t have a pendulum, use the adjustment lever on the rear of the mechanism. Move the lever towards the minus mark to slow the clock and towards the and mark to hurry it up. Repeat for days three through six if necessary.