Are all clock winding keys the same?
With the exception of the smaller regulating arbour found on some clock faces all winding arbours or winding points on the clock face are the same size and one key will fit them all.
How do you wind an old clock with a key?
To wind the clock simply place the key, or crank, into the winding point and turn clockwise sixteen revolutions. When the clock is fully wound an internal mechanism will prevent you from winding any further.
How do you wind a grandfather clock without a key?
Gently hold the clock face steady with one hand, and use the other to gently turn the crank. Try turning in both directions, and see which one moves smoothly; each individual clock winds either clockwise or counterclockwise. One of the long weights lower down in the clock should rise as you turn.
How many times do you wind a clock?
Wind firmly to the point of resistance: the key will stop when the clock is fully wound. An eight-day clock should be wound once a week, as the mainspring loses power after seven days. A 30-hour clock should be wound daily; a good routine is to wind it every night before bedtime. The key should fit tightly.
How do you start an overwound clock?
Turn the key slowly and just a half turn at a time. Wind it up until it stops. Do not try to force it to wind any further. Even though it is impossible to over-wind your clock, it is also not necessary to wind it until the last possible click of the ratchet.
Is it possible to Overwind a clock?
It’s actually impossible to overwind a clock, whilst you can wind a clock until it cases internal damages and breakages, it’s impossible to continuously wind a clock.
How do you wind an old mantel clock?
Unjamming the strike mechanism is quite easy. Gently move the minute hand of your clock counterclockwise by a few minutes. You will likely hear the clock strike, and the mechanism has released. You can then proceed to wind and set your clock as your normally would.