Clock Repair process for a typical Grandfather clock

We always do Complete Clock Repairs!

When we say "Complete Clock Repair" - We mean it - No short-cuts! Your clock movement will be restored in steps as outlined below.

Step 1: The movement is completely dismantled, cleaned and rinsed using ultrasonic cleaning techniques. The cleaned and rinsed parts are dried in a clock dryer. The next thing we do is inspect all internal parts for wear i.e. wheels, pinions, pivots, levers, cams, barrels, and springs. Next we burnish all pivots and replace those that are badly worn. Mainsprings installed in barrels are always disassembled cleaned and inspected, again looking for excessive wear and repairing or replacing as appropriate.

Step 2: Attention is now turned to inspecting and repairing the clock plates. If the bearing holes common to the arbor pivots are found to have excessive wear, bushings are installed using care to install them on the original center. The internals are installed and the new bushings are broached if and as required to provide the proper clearance with the mating pivot. The clock trains are then spun and tested: face up, face down and the correct way round, thus ensuring that the trains are free running.

Step 3: We pay particular attention to the escape mechanism; we carefully check the escape wheel for bent or short teeth, radial, and tangential run out. All the strike levers have their working faces smoothed and polished. Next the pallets and faces are attended to, polished and or rebuilt as required, so that the escapement can be adjusted properly. The escapement mechanism is fitted in place and adjusted for correct function. When all is satisfactory the strike train is timed. At this stage the clock is oiled with quality clock oil. Next all items belonging to the front plate are installed. Next all items on the front plate are installed.

Step 4: The crutch or leader is secured to the suspension spring and bridge. The assembled movement is now set up on a test stand and started. After successfully completing a test run the movement is installed into it's case and tested once again.

All clock repairs are treated in the similar manor. Assuring that when we return your timepiece it is ready to provide you long and faithful service. For the complete list of the clocks we repair, visit our Clock List page.

Also, if you are a do-it-yourself type person, you may want to visit our sister site for clock movements at www.DakotaClockWorks.com. We have many movements in stock for most brands and ready to use as replacement clock movements.

WE GUARANTEE OUR REPAIRS

If Dakota Clock Repair does a complete overhaul, we will guarantee our work for 1-year on spring powered (wind up) clocks, or clocks where we replace the whole movement with a brand new movement.

We guarantee that all work accomplished will be done in a workmanlike manner consistent with the latest Horological techniques applicable to your model and vintage. This covers all of our work and any parts we install.

If you feel your clock needs repair within the 1-year guarantee period, it is your obligation to bring or ship the clock to Dakota Clock Repair at your expense.

YOUR CLOCK IS SPECIAL TO US