Frequently Asked Questions

To help answer some of the more frequently asked questions, we have complied a list answering them for you. They are arranged into the following four main categories: Top Five Questions, Clock Sale Questions , Clock Repair Questions , and General Clock Questions and Tutorials. You can either click one of the categories or scroll down the list clicking on the question that most interests you.

Clock Sale Questions

What types of clocks does TickTockTony sell?
I live outside of California; Can I purchase an antique clock from TickTockTony?
Does TickTockTony offer a warranty with clock purchases?
Will TickTockTony deliver and install my clock?

Clock Repair Questions

What types of clocks does TickTockTony repair?
What is the difference between an overhaul and a repair?
Does TickTockTony offer a warranty with clock repairs?
How much will it cost to get my clock repaired?
Does TickTockTony repair clock cases?
Does TickTockTony do house calls?
What is a re-bushing?

General Clock Questions and Tutorials

What does a pendulum do and do all clocks need one?
How do I adjust my clock?
How do I remove the clock movement from the case?
What is a rack strike-mechanism?
Can I turn move the clock hands counter-clockwise?
Why do some clocks have weights and others have springs?
I am moving, what is the best way to move my Grandfather clock?
How can I find out how much my clock is worth or how old it is?

3. What is a fusee clock?

Both weights and springs provide the power necessary to drive a clock. In general, weights provide an even pull throughout the entire period, whereas springs provide less power towards the end of its wind. To help compensate for the diminishing power a Fusee clock evens out the power, of a clock spring, throughout the entire period.

British dial clocks have a large spring and a fusee barrel allowing the clock to run for eight days, before needing to be wound. Without the Fusee mechanism, the clock spring would supply the movement more power during the first three days of the unwind cycle, than in the last five days. This would result in the clock running faster during the initial three days, than in the last five days of the cycle. To help compensate the Fusee barrel has a conical shape that increases the power transfer during the later part of the cycle.

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4. How to clean an antique clock movement?

A proper clock cleaning is a complex process and requires the movement be completely disassembled. Clock movements are comprised of numerous interconnected gears, which can be difficult to put back together, unless you have experience. Therefore, most people choose to have their clocks cleaned by an expert. To contact us about having your clocks movement professionally cleaned contact us.

The only way to effectively clean a clock is to clean each individual part in an ultrasonic bath of a specialized cleaning solution. Upon being reassembled all pivot points need to be oiled and sometimes require rebushing.

Simply cleaning the plates does not remove the dirt from the Bearings. Most damage occurs because dirt, in the bearings, causes the holes to wear more on one side than on the other. When the holes are elongated the gears grind and the clock stops working.

The most often made mistake by people is to think you can simply spray some WD40 on the clock gears and call it a day. In fact, applying WD40 is one of the worst things you can do to your clock. It will not fix the problem it actually causes more harm than good. Spraying WD40 will cause particulates to buildup on the entire movement. This happens because a clock bearing only requires a single drop of oil to operate. Surface tension holds the oil in place.

When excess oil is present the weight of the oil is too much and surface tension will not hold the oil in place. As the gears rotate, during normal operation, the oil will spread throughout the entire movement.

After a while, the oil will no longer be in the oil sink and the clock will, in essence, be running without oil. Anyone who has used WD40 knows it's impossible to apply one drop. Additionally, clocks work best when a specialized synthetic clock oil is used.

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5. How to clean a clock case?

Cleaning an antique clock case is a delicate process; it's easy to remove the clocks finish. Always keep in mind that antiques are supposed to have imperfections, they add to the clocks value. Likewise, removing an antiques finish can substantially decrease its value. When cleaning your clocks case only use products that have been proven safe.

Antique clocks have a shellac finish and you should only use a high quality wax, like Briwax. To apply, use a soft cloth and cover the clocks case using circular motions. I find it best to wax the case in sections, that way the excess wax is not left on the case for to long. After allowing it to dry for a couple minutes, remove the excess wax. After all the wax residue has been removed buff with a new soft cloth.

The glass can be cleaned with regular household Windex. Spray a small amount onto a paper towel and use the paper towel to clean the glass. Never spray Windex directly onto the glass because it contains alcohol, which will damage the wood shellac.Make your clocks case shine by using the same professional grade wax we use. Click the button below to purchase using PayPal's secure website. Don't risk damaging your clocks finish by using untested products. Briwax costs $19.99 plus shipping and handling.

Purchase securely using PayPal

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Clock Sales Questions

1. What types of clocks does TickTockTony sell?

We sell many types of clocks and have a large selection available for you to choose from. We specialize in selling both English and Scottish antique clocks. During the past several months we have added several beautiful antique grandfather clocks, antique dial clocks, and Austrian Vienna Regulators to our collection.

Click on one of the following links to check out our clock inventory:

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2. I live outside of California; can I purchase an antique clock from TickTockTony?

Yes, we have sold clocks throughout the United States and have shippers capable of delivering clocks to most countries.

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3. Does TickTockTony offer a warranty with clock purchases?

Yes, we offer a one year limited warranty with all clock purchases, except clearance items. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information about the warranty.

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4. Will TickTockTony deliver and install my clock?

We personally deliver, and install clocks, to most homes within the Southwest United States. If we are unable to deliver your clock, we will work with you to ensure your clock gets delivered.

Having purchased, and sold, antique clocks both domestically, and internationally, has allowed us to foster relationships with reliable shippers who are experience at handling antiques.

Additionally, we will put you in contact with a local installer so that once your clock arrives someone will be there to install it for you.

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Clock Repair Questions

1. What types of clocks does TickTockTony repair?

We have over 30 years experience repairing antique clocks. We can repair your modern or antique grandfather, wall, mantle, fusee, and cuckoo clock. Although we specialize in English and Scottish clocks we are fully capable of repairing most types of clocks. Unfortunately, we do not repair Atmos clocks or watches. If you're not sure about the type of clock you have, please give us a call.

To talk to us about having your clock repaired or overhauled contact us for our contact information.

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2. What is the difference between an overhaul and a repair?

Basically, an overhaul focuses on the entire clock movement, whereas a repair focuses on a particular issue. During our 11-step overhaul process, we completely disassemble your movement and perform a though inspection.

After documenting, all parts, we clean them in an ultrasonic bath of a specialized cleaning solution. Additionally, we oil all pivot points and perform all necessary repairs and rebushings. Although we always oil the clocks we work on, we recommend a clock oiling be performed every two years. Having your clock oiled regularly helps ensure your clock will last for the generations to come.

A leading indicator that your clock is in need of an overhaul, and not just a minor repair, is when the oil point contains black or green residue. This residue is a mixture of old oil and brass powder, which is a sure sign your clock needs rebushing.

To the left is an extreme example of clock plate wear. Notice the black residue around the pivot hole.

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3. Does TickTockTony offer a warranty with clock repairs or overhauls?

Clock movement overhauls, performed by TickTockTony, are warranted to be free from defects of material or workmanship for a period of one year from the completion date of the overhaul. The following exceptions apply:

Springs, chains, or weight cables are not included in the warranty.

Evidence of alteration or tampering by anyone not explicitly authorized by Ticktocktony voids the warranty.

Clock movement repairs, performed by TickTockTony, are warranted to be free from defects of material or workmanship, to the extent of the repair performed, for thirty days from the completion date of the repair. The following exceptions apply:

Springs, chains, and weight cables are not included in the warranty.

Evidence of alteration or tampering by anyone not explicitly authorized by Ticktocktony voids the warranty.

TickTockTony is the only party authorized to perform warrantee work.

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4. How much will it cost to get my clock repaired?

We have a minimum service charge, for all in-home repairs. The cost of the service call depends upon several factors, please contact us for pricing. The service call covers the first hour's labor and each subsequent hour is billed at $75/hr. Most times we are able to repair or diagnose your clock within the first hour. Before taking your clock, back to our workshop, we provide an estimate and credit the service call charge towards the final balance.

For more information about having your clock repaired or overhauled clock repair.

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5. Does TickTockTony repair clock cases?

Yes, we are experienced in all aspects of repairing cases. We have experience at color matching and are able to reproduce any missing or damaged parts. We only use traditional materials, such as shellac and hide glue, to repair clock cases.

To contact u about having your case repaired contact us.

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6. Does TickTockTony do house calls?

Yes, we come to your home and can often repair your clock within an hour. To contact us to schedule a house call contact us.

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7. What is a rebushing?

The inner workings of a clock's movement are held together by two brass plates. Clock gears are held in place by the two plates. Each clock gear has a steel pivot penetrating the brass plate. During normal operation the gear turns which creates a point of friction between the plate and the pivot. When oil is present, in the oil sink, friction is significantly reduced and wear on the brass plate is minimized. However, over time the oil dry's up and dirt gathers in the oil sink.

Without oil acting as a lubricant, the once round hole becomes oval. If this is allowed to continue the clock gears get out-of-sync, and the clock will stop working. To repair the clock, a rebushing is required to make the oval hole round again. When a rebushing is performed a bigger hole is drilled, in the clock plate, and a brass bushing is installed which reduces the hole to the original round diameter.

To the left is an example of
normal clock plate hole.

To the left is an example of a badly worn clock plate hole, caused by excessive wear. At this point a rebushing is required.

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General Clock Questions and Tutorials

1. What does the pendulum do and do all clocks need one?

A pendulum is comparable to your heart. It drives the clock by allowing power to be released at a precise rate. The potential energy, stored in the weights, is evenly converted into kinetic energy much like the beat of your heart circulates blood throughout your body. Longer pendulums swing slower than shorter pendulums.

Not all clocks require a pendulum to provide power; some clocks have a small wheel that oscillates against a spring. This is similar to how a watch works and is called the 'balance wheel' method.

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2. How do I adjust my clock?

Mechanical clocks are inherently inaccurate and therefore cannot be compared to electronic clocks. People have to keep in mind that antique clocks are often hundreds of years old. Each antique clock was made by hand, before electricity was discovered and without the aid of computerized machines.

Today, modern mechanical clocks are manufactured with machines that can cut gears with incredible precision. In contrast antique gears were cut using hand tools and often took many hours to make. With that being said an antique clock that is accurate to within a couple minutes per week really needs no adjusting. Unless you are an expert, accuracy greater than that is difficult to attain. However, I have clocks that gain or loose only a few seconds per week. If you want that kind of accuracy, I suggest you let us perform an overhaul. To find out more information about what a clock overhaul is clock repair.

Brief overview of how a clock works

Every time your clock pendulum makes a complete swing back and forth, two teeth on the escape wheel are released and the minute hand advances, ultimately one sixtieth of a minute. The faster the pendulum swings, the faster the minute hand will turn. A basic principle of physics is that the length of a pendulum will determine how fast it swings. A shorter pendulum swings faster than a longer pendulum. You can change the effective length of a pendulum by either rising, or lowering, the pendulum bob. The pendulum bob is located on the pendulum rod. If you raise the bob, the clock will run faster. Likewise, if you lower the bob, the clock will run slower. This is comparable to a dog's tail; shorter tails always wag faster than longer tails.

How to adjust your clock

First synchronize your clock with an accurate time source, like a digital clock. After twenty-four hours has past, record how many minutes your clock is off. Then adjust the bob up, or down, to change the pendulums effective length. If you clock is running fast, lower the bob. If your clock is running slow, raise the bob.

How much to adjust the bob depends upon both the error and the length of your pendulum. In general, a British grandfather clock can be changed one minute per day with one revolution of the nut.

After the adjustment, synchronize your clock and repeat the process. As your clock becomes more accurate, switch from recording every day to recording every week. Continue the process until the clock is accurate to within two minutes per week. Unless you are an expert, accuracy greater than that is difficult to attain. If you want that kind of accuracy, I suggest you let an expert perform an overhaul.

When you are satisfied with the accuracy of your clock, simply correct the time every time you wind your clock.

What to do when your clock strikes a different count to the hour hand indication?

A lot of the time the hour hand is simply pushed onto the hour post. It is free to rotate without a fixed gear locking it to the clocks internal hour counting mechanism. Therefore, it is possible for the hour hand to get out of sequence with the clock mechanism.

To fix this move the minute hand around until it is in the 12 o'clock position and the clock starts striking the hours. Count the numbers of hours struck and rotate the hour hand until it corresponds with the correct number of strikes. The clock hands are now in synch with the internal clockworks. Lastly, rotate the minute hand until the clock reads the correct time. If the hour hand does not move when light pressure is applied you should consult a clock expert.

My clock only runs for ten minutes then stops

Most times this happens because the clock is not in beat. A clock is in beat when the time between each tick/tock cycle is evenly spaced. To determine if your clock is out of beat, start the pendulum swinging and carefully listen to the tick and tock. If it the time between each tick/tock is uneven your clock will not run correctly. If the time between the ticks and the tocks is even your clock is in beat and you should have your clock looked at by an expert.

If your clock is not in beat, there are several things you can try, to correct the beat. If your clock is mounted on a wall, by a single point, move the bottom of the clock case left or right until the clock sounds in beat.

Professionals will set the case to be level on the wall and adjust the escapement until the clock is in beat. A Microset clock meter would be used to amplify the sound and provide a digital readout stating the beat percentage error.

The method used to adjust the escapement is different from clock to clock. Since we are experts in British grandfather clocks the following pertains to that type of clock.

Let the pendulum hang in its neutral position and place a piece of masking tape on the case just below the pendulum. Mark the neutral point on the masking tape. Move the pendulum to the left, marking the point where the clock ticks. Next, move the pendulum to the right, marking the point where the clock ticks.

As a rough estimate the two outer makes should be evenly spaced from the center point. If they are not even, you will need to adjust the escapement until they are even. The best way to do this is to twist the anchor pallet on its arbor. However, in most case, it will be difficult to do that because the anchor is often to tight. Instead, bend the pendulum crutch to achieve the same result.

check out our YouTube video under the TickTockTony channel.

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3. How do I remove the clock movement from the case?

This can be a dangerous operation, if not done properly, because the movement can fall with disastrous results. I advise you consult with a professional before attempting. However, if that's not possible I have outlined the process below.

First never attempt to remove the hood without at least one weight being in place. The hood of most British grandfather clocks is removed by sliding it forward. Before sliding the hood forward secure the glass door to prevent it from opening while removing the hood.

Next remove the time side (right) weight and then remove the pendulum from the crutch. Because the movement is held in place by the downward force of the weights, when you remove the strike side (left) weight the movement is susceptible to falling. While you unhook the last weight keep pressure on the weight cable then remove the movement.

Many clock cases do not fasten the seat-board to the case-cheeks. After the last weight is removed you can lift the movement, dial, and seat-board out of the clock.

Finally, with the clock movement secure, remove the hands and pull the four pins that fasten the dial to the front movement plate.

Please visit our YouTube channel video showing how to remove the movement from the case.

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4. What is a rack-strike mechanism?

The advantage of having a rack-strike mechanism is that the hands and striking mechanism stay synchronized. If you have ever owned a thirty-hour clock, you will appreciate the advantages of this mechanism.

Please refer to the diagram detailing the different parts and showing the mechanism. The following will detail how a rack-strike mechanism works.

Power, from the time train, is transferred from the minute arbor (N) to the hour wheel, (A) then subsequently transferring power to the minute wheel. (B) The minute wheel rotates, once per hour, and has a pin (D) that as it approaches the top of the hour lifts the lifting arm, (E) which raises the rack hook (F). After the rack hook is raised the rack is released (J) which drops to the left with the aid of the spring. (L) This process is known as the warning.

The amount the rack falls back is determined by the rack pin (M) which is attached to the rack tail (K). The rack tail pin (M) falls to the snail gear (C) which is fixed to the hour wheel (A) and rotates once every twelve hours. As you can see, the snail has twelve steps. The deeper the steps are cut, the more towards the center the rack tail will drop allowing the rack to drop more to the left. This process generates the one-to-twelve-count.

At the hour the lifting arm (E) drops off the pin (D) and the clock striking mechanism is released and allowed to strike. The striking is achieved by the gathering pallet (G) rotating thus moving the rack (J) one tooth, at a time, back to the reset position. Each rotation of the gathering pallet (G) corresponds to an hour strike. On the last tooth the striking is halted by the gathering pallet (G) being stopped by the rack pin. (H)

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5. Can I turn move the clock hands counter-clockwise?

The quick answer is no. However, there are hundreds of clock designs and some allow the clock hands to be turned counter-clockwise. Since we are experts in British grandfather clocks, let's talk about them. British bell strike clocks have two winding points and you can turn the minute hand backward, as long as you don't go past 12 o'clock.

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6. Why do some clocks have weights and others have springs?

Both weights and springs provide the power necessary to drive a clock. In general, weights provide an even pull throughout the entire period, whereas springs provide less power towards the end of its wind. To help compensate for the diminishing power a Fusee clock evens out the power, of a clock spring, throughout the entire period.

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7. I am moving, what is the best way to move my Antique Grandfather clock?

Because antique clocks are one-of-a-kind and can easily be damaged during transport we recommend you employ a professional. Because we ship clocks all over the world we have extensive experience at shipping clocks and know how to secure your clock for a safe transport to your new home. When the clock arrives at your new home we will be there to install it and ensure it runs correctly.

To contact us about having your clock moved contact us.

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8. How can I find out how much my clock is worth or how old it is?

For $60 we will research your British, or Scottish, clock providing you with both a price estimate and a date range of when it was made. Sometimes, we can provide literature detailing the history of your clock. Because we look at hundreds of clocks each week, we know how much clocks are worth. If you are interested in this service please provide us with detailed photos.

To contact us about this service contact us.

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