FAQ's:

My clock doesn't run (tick) at all, or stops after running a short time

If your clock has not been serviced in the last 5 years, chances are you are attempting to run your clock dry. This can damage the clock. You should take it to a qualified clock repair person for a movement overhaul.

Has the clock been moved or it has taken a jolt of some kind recently? Clocks must be run "in beat." That is, the tick and tock must be evenly spaced in time. Check to see if your clock has an automatic beat adjuster.

If your clock is in beat and it still doesn't run, it could be that the springs have either broken or become weak or some part is excessively worn. You'll need to take it in for service.

My clock runs slow or fast

You can adjust the speed your clock runs very simply. For pendulum clocks the procedure is as follows: Wind and set your clock to the correct time; 24 hours later note the change from correct time.On the bottom of the pendulum is an adjusting nut; by turning this nut you can make your clock run faster or slower.

• If you move the pendulum UP the clock will run FASTER. To move the pendulum up turn the nut to the right one complete turn.
• If you move the pendulum DOWN the clock will run SLOWER. To move the pendulum down turn the nut to the left one complete turn.

After making an adjustment it is important to wait 24 hours before observing the results and making another adjustment. Keep a record of the day, the amount your clock was off, amount of adjustment, and the direction you moved the adjusting the nut. After you have your clock adjusted to run within one minute per day switch to adjusting once every seven days. Repeat the procedure you used to do the daily adjustment. Remember: Mechanical clocks will not run as accurately as a modern battery or electric clocks. Your clock was designed and built in a day when a minute a day was of little concern. After you have your clock running as accurately as it is capable, you will still have to move the minute hand a minute or two each month.

My clock doesn't wind properly

You can turn the key but it springs right back: The ratchet is not functioning. Do not try to wind the clock. Take it to a qualified service person for repair.

You can turn the key but it just spins: The spring is probably broken or the spring has come off its winding shaft. Take the clock to a qualified repair person for service.

The clock is fully wound and doesn't run: The most likely problem is that the oils and grease in the movement and spring have dried out and become gummy. Another cause could be a bent gear tooth or pivot, causing the strike mechanism is hang up. The remedy is simple. Take it to a qualified repair person and have the movement overhauled.

Clocks powered by weights; location of the weights:

The following rules apply to "modern" grandfather clocks. If your clock was not manufactured within the last 50 years these rules may not be correct.

If your clock is powered by weights there frequently is a difference in the weights. The weights are not randomly placed on the clock.

If you don"t know where the weights belong, look on the bottom of the weights, many times you will find the letter "L" (left), "R" (right), and "C" (center) stamped on the bottom of the weight. Remember it is left and right as you look at your clock.

If your weights are not marked, in general you hang the heaviest weight on the right side. The other two weights will weigh the same and can then be hung on either the left or center position.

There are exceptions to these rules, call Dakota Clock Repair for advice.

How often should I wind my clock?

24 hour clocks should be wound once a day, 8-day clocks should be wound once every 7-days, 400-day (Anniversary) clocks should be wound twice a year.

My clock ran down with the hand over the winding arbor. What do I do?

Move the hand backward enough to insert the key. Wind the clock and reset the time according to the instructions.

Here is some FAQ's about Dakota Clock Repair:

What do you sell? Dakota Clock Repair sells high quality repair and outstanding customer service to Jewelers and the public.

Will you pickup & deliver for repair? Pickup, delivery, and in home set-up of a clock can be arranged. Pickup, delivery, and set-up within 15 miles are free. If you are outside the 10-mile radius please call for price and availability.

How do I send my clock to you? The best way is to remove or lock the pendulum before moving it, than take the clock to a mailing store (like The UPS Store, etc.). They will do a professional job of packing and shipping you precious timepiece.

Do you sell spare parts? We do not sell spare parts, however, our sister site at www.DakotaClockWorks.com does offer new clock movements.

Do you repair wrist or pocket watches? We do not sell parts or service wrist or pocket watches.

Do you repair Anniversary & Cuckoo clocks? Yes we repair and restore 400-day clocks. No we do not service Cuckoo clocks of any age.

Do you sell clock making or repair tools? We do not sell clock-making tools.

Do you repair Quartz clocks? Yes, most Quartz clocks can have their movements replaced. One exception; Quartz Anniversary (400 day) clocks cannot have their movements changed.

Do you have a movement to fit my clock case? If you movement is a modern German movement the answer is yes. Visit our sister site at www.DakotaClockWorks.com for clock movements. We do not sell Antique clock movements.

How do I find the value of my antique clock? I frequently get calls from people asking me to place a value on their antique clocks. I am not qualified to do that, therefore I will provide links to refer visitors to the web sites that may be able to provide the price value information on your anitque time piece.

Ken Muggli, Horologist

YOUR CLOCK IS SPECIAL TO US