Grandfather clocks have a rich 300-year history, evolving from early pendulum clocks into the tall, elegant longcase designs we treasure today. This guide explores their origins, decorative development, American innovations, and the story behind the name “grandfather clock,” revealing why these timeless pieces remain beloved heirlooms.

Power loss is one of the most common issues in mechanical clocks, causing weak pendulum swing, timing drift, chime failures, and random stopping. This guide explains the mechanical causes of power loss — from worn bushings to dried oil — and why professional cleaning and servicing restore reliable operation.

Mechanical clocks show early warning signs before they stop working completely. Random stopping, weak pendulum swing, misstriking, darkened oil, or persistent timing issues all indicate that the movement needs professional attention. This guide explains the top signs your clock needs service and why early repair prevents costly damage.

Pendulum length is the primary factor that determines a mechanical clock’s speed. Even tiny adjustments to the rating nut can shift timekeeping by seconds or minutes per day. This guide explains how pendulum length affects accuracy, how to adjust it safely, and when persistent timing issues mean the clock needs professional service.

Regular cleaning is essential for any mechanical clock. As oil ages, it thickens and mixes with dust, creating abrasive sludge that accelerates wear and causes stopping, drifting, and mechanical damage. This guide explains why clocks need servicing every 5–10 years, how dirty movements cause problems, and what a full professional overhaul includes.

Temperature and humidity changes can cause a clock to run fast, slow, or drift throughout the year. This guide explains how heat, cold, and moisture affect pendulums, mainsprings, lubrication, and wooden cases, and offers practical tips for improving accuracy in shifting environments—especially in humid regions like Calhoun, GA.

Choosing the right oil is essential for protecting a mechanical clock’s movement. This guide explains which oils are safe, which products can damage a clock, and how to apply lubrication correctly. Learn why synthetic clock oil is the modern standard, why over-oiling causes problems, and when a clock needs full cleaning instead of just oiling.

Oiling is essential for keeping a mechanical clock running smoothly, but most clocks need lubrication far less often than owners think. Over-oiling can cause damage, while neglect leads to wear, stopping, and poor timekeeping. This guide explains the correct oiling interval, warning signs to watch for, and why professional cleaning is the safest way to maintain your clock.

Some clock issues require expert attention. This guide explains the signs of deeper mechanical wear—including stopping problems, weak pendulum swing, chime errors, noisy movements, and old lubrication—and outlines what professional servicing involves. Know when DIY fixes aren’t enough and your clock needs expert care.

Quartz clocks are normally very accurate, so when one starts losing time, the cause is often a weak battery, corroded contacts, dust inside the movement, or a failing stepper motor. This expanded troubleshooting guide helps you identify the problem and decide whether a simple fix or a movement replacement is required.

A fully wound clock that won’t tick usually suffers from beat problems, leveling issues, worn suspension springs, or internal friction. This guide helps you pinpoint the cause and rule out simple fixes before deciding if your clock needs a full cleaning or repair from a trained technician.

A clock that gains time may need pendulum regulation, balance spring adjustment, or correction of leveling and beat issues. This expanded guide explains the causes of fast timekeeping in both pendulum and balance-wheel clocks and shows you how to safely slow the rate—or determine when professional service is needed.

An uneven “tick-tock” can make a clock run poorly or stop entirely. Learn how to identify beat problems and adjust your pendulum clock for an even rhythm, stronger swing, and reliable timekeeping. This step-by-step guide makes one of the most important DIY clock adjustments simple and approachable.

If your mechanical clock stops without warning, the cause is often beat misalignment, leveling issues, or friction inside the movement. This guide walks you through diagnosing the source of intermittent stopping and explains when deeper mechanical wear means it's time for a professional cleaning or repair.

Mechanical clocks require regular care to run accurately for generations. This guide explains essential maintenance practices including cleaning, oiling, beat adjustment, and leveling, along with the signs of wear that indicate it's time for professional servicing. Keep your mechanical clock running smoothly with proper long-term care.