How to Adjust Chime Clocks

Chime clocks are large clocks that have pendulums and produce sound at regular intervals.  Most clocks chime at the top of the hour, while some have melodies every fifteen minutes or half hour.  Regular wear and tear leads to the chimes producing off-pitch or flat sound.

Materials

• Needle nose pliers


• Peg wood rod or pencil

Method

1. Turn the clock and open the back compartment to gain access to the chimes.


2. Stop the pendulum from swinging using your finger.  The best time to do this is when the pendulum has completed an arc and has paused before moving in the opposite direction.  Be sure not to force the pendulum.


3. Lift the pendulum from the anchor hook that attaches it to the suspension rod, and remove it.  This step is not necessary if the clock model has one hammer and gong.


4. Use the peg wood to lift each of the chime hammers. Lift and quickly release them all one at a time. Lift them about one inch off the surface.


5. Remove the peg wood from the hammer and as it drops, listen to the sound it produces. The hammer should strike the chime rod as it returns to position. It should also produce a distinct sound that lasts for a while. If the tone is flat and brief, it is an indication that more adjustment is needed.


6. Locate the chime hammer that needs to be adjusted and raise it again using the peg wood. Use the pliers to bend the hammer rod very slightly. Repeat the sound check and keep adjusting the rod until you get the right sound.


7. Replace the pendulum and push it gently to set it in motion. Make sure the hands of the clock are set to the correct time.


8. Move the minute hand of the clock to the 9 o’clock and 12 o’clock positions in order to reset the chimes. Keep moving the hands clockwise slowly to set the right time.