Why Your Clock Strikes the Wrong Hour (And How to Fix It)
A clock that strikes the wrong hour can be confusing and disruptive, especially when the hands show one time but the clock announces another. Fortunately, this is one of the most common—and most easily corrected—mechanical clock issues. In most cases, the clock is not broken; instead, the strike train and hour hand have simply fallen out of synchronization. This guide explains why incorrect hour strikes happen, how to determine what’s actually wrong, and how to safely restore proper alignment.
What Causes Incorrect Hour Strikes?
Mechanical clocks keep time and strike hours using separate but coordinated systems. When that coordination is disturbed, the clock may strike the wrong count even though it otherwise runs normally.
Common causes include:
Hour hand slipping on its friction-fit tube
Strike train advancing out of sequence after the clock stops
Loose cannon pinion allowing hand drift
Dirty or worn strike levers that fail to reset properly
Missed auto-correction cycle after interruption
Hands moved incorrectly during time setting
These issues often occur after moving a clock, resetting time too quickly, or restarting a clock that has stopped.
How to Fix a Misaligned Hour Strike
Step 1: Determine Whether the Strike or the Hands Are Wrong
Before making adjustments, identify which system is out of sync.
Listen carefully and count the number of strikes
Compare the strike count to the hour shown on the dial
If the clock strikes six times but the hands show ten, the hands are wrong, not the strike mechanism.
Step 2: Adjust the Hour Hand
The hour hand on most mechanical clocks is friction-fit and designed to be repositioned.
Gently pull the hour hand straight toward you
Rotate it to match the number of strikes you heard
Press it back on firmly, keeping it level and centered
This adjustment does not affect the internal gearing and is completely safe when done carefully.
Step 3: Advance the Minute Hand to the Next Hour
Move the minute hand forward only
Allow the clock to complete the full strike
Confirm that the strike count now matches the dial
If alignment is still slightly off, continue advancing through another full hour.
Step 4: Repeat if Necessary
Some clocks—especially those with rack-and-snail strike systems—may require two full strike cycles to fully resynchronize after a stoppage. Patience is key.
When Professional Help Is Needed
If manual hand adjustment does not solve the problem, the issue may be internal.
Professional service is recommended if the strike:
Locks up or fails mid-cycle
Skips teeth or repeats the same count
Runs slowly or drags
Falls out of sync repeatedly
Fails to correct itself after multiple cycles
These symptoms often indicate dried oil, worn bushings, bent levers, or strike-train wear that requires cleaning and mechanical correction.
For residents of Calhoun, GA, Time and Seasons Clock Repair provides expert strike-train diagnosis, synchronization, and full movement overhauls.
How to Prevent Future Hour-Strike Issues
To avoid recurring strike problems:
Always move the minute hand forward
Let strikes fully complete before advancing time
Keep the clock properly leveled
Avoid forcing hands that resist movement
Service mechanical clocks every 5–10 years
Correct handling prevents most strike misalignment issues entirely.
