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Clock pendulum components description
Altogether, this is a description of the clock pendulum parts and components. Please use this as a glossary for parts in a clock pendulum assembly.
Knowing the correct terms for the various pendulum parts is helpful when ordering replacements. We are quite adept at deciphering descriptions of parts however, knowing the name is always something we welcome.
The clock pendulum
First, a clock pendulum includes the bottom rating nut and threads, the pendulum bob, and top hook.
Additionally, these items are removable on wood stick pendulums only. Lyre metal clock pendulums do not have the ability to come apart.
Clock pendulum leader
Second, a leader is the part that the pendulum hangs onto when it is on the clock. It then in turn hooks to the suspension spring on the very top of the pendulum assembly.
Naturally, pendulum leaders vary depending on the manufacturer of the clock movement and they can also vary in length, as well as style. Sometimes there can be more than one type of leader for the same movement.
There are also instances where we custom make leaders for customers.
Suspension spring description
The clock pendulum suspension spring is the short spring steel part on the very top of the pendulum assembly. Its purpose is to suspend the leader and pendulum in the air. Generally speaking, its steel, spring like strips, flex to let the pendulum swing back and forth with ease and momentum.
Clock Pendulum Components Complete
In summary, the clock pendulum components include the pendulum hanging on the leader and the leader hanging on the suspension spring.
Put the complete pendulum assembly on the clock and it is ready to go. The next step is to put the clock in beat and run the clock to see how the time keeping is.
I have a King Arthur grandfather clock that I have thoroughly cleaned and oiled. Everything appears to be working well and smooth but the pendulum will not continue to swing. I started out at full motion with the clock leveled, so it will not tap either side and within 20 minutes the pendulum has slow down and start. I’m thinking maybe it needs a new suspension sprain or the lever that’s a pendulum. attaches to hands every stricter in it that moves the Paul that lets the clock move. I don’t know why that restrictor would be a problem it’s built-in. Should it swing freely with no restrictor?
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
Not off the paper work, not off the wooden case, but the movement stamp itself
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I need a leader for Howard Miller grandfather clock H451-050/94-H-L-47. It got lost in the move,
This is the old style leader for that
https://www.clockworks.com/product/hermle-clock-pendulum-leader-4-3-8-long
This is the new style leader
https://www.clockworks.com/product/hermle-clock-pendulum-leader-5-1-2-inch
Suspension spring is A3 if the bob is 6 1/2 inches or wider
https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-suspension-springs-assortment
Suspension spring A2 if the bob is less than 6 1/2 wide
https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-suspension-springs-assortment
Top hook for the wood stick pendulum if you need it, it is the 3/4 inch wide one
https://www.clockworks.com/product/hermle-clock-movement-top-hook
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thank you so much for your help!
How does the leader interact with the guide that is there?
Suspension spring stays on top, the leader hooks onto it, the pendulum hooks onto the leader. 3 parts.
Will need to put it into beat, as seen here
https://www.clockworks.com/posts/mechanical-clock-movement-beat-setting
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Need a replacement Suspension spring for Howard Miller 610 134 reg465 . The Esquire clock . Bought in 1978.
What are the numbers off of the back plate of the clock movement itself? If it is hard to get to, usually you can stick a cell phone up behind the movement and get a picture of the numbers. Or through the side access panel if there is one.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Very cool this helped me out with a lot of the specific terms for different component parts.