Article provided by John Key, Hands of Time, Dovetail Antiques, 1925 Trinity Street, Liberty, Texas 77565.

Below are some good things to know about the care and maintenance of non-electric clocks. Don't let the number of tips discourage or scare you because these old clocks are very forgiving and can stand a lot of use and abuse, but will work better and longer if proper care is practiced.

Always remove the pendulum before moving a clock. It is a good idea to put tissue around the pendulum hanger to keep the clock from running while being moved. When replacing the pendulum, make sure it is properly hung before releasing it.

Wrap tissue around or among the gong wire or chime rods. This will keep them from hitting each other while being moved.

Always remove any weights before moving. Use a rubber band or string to keep the chains or cables from coming unwound or tangled. A small hook in the bottom of the case can be used to tie the cables or chains.

If any trim is removable from the case (i.e., top crown), remove it before moving the clock to prevent breakage.

If the clock is weight driven and is not key or crank wound, Always pick up the weight while puling the chain or cable to reduce stress on the movement.

If the clock is spring driven, always wind the springs until they get tight. This may sometimes require 15 or 20 turns. This will insure the clock runs the maximum length of time and will keep the chime in step with the clock.

Although some clocks have devices that allow you to turn the hands backward, most old ones do not. To set the time you must turn the hands clockwise. Always let the chime sequence complete before making the next move.

To regulate the time remember this simple rule: Screw the regulating nut up to speed up the clock; screw the nut down to slow it down. One turn will probably affect he time from 1 to 4 minutes a day. It can take a week to get the time regulated and plus or minus 5 minutes a week is about average, although you can do better.

I have found that if you do not put the key inside the clock case, you will not get a vibrating sound as the result of the key bouncing during the chime sequence.

Most clocks will run even when not sitting level, but accurate time is attained by making sure the clock is sitting very close to level. The interval between the "tic" and the "tock" should be the same as the interval between the tock and the tick. This is referred to as the "beat." This even beat can be attained by putting a penny under one end to raise it up; if the beat does not smooth out, try raising the other end..

Do not attempt to oil a clock movement with anything but clock oil as other will cause damage to the movement. WD40 is a killer to these clocks because it is a solvent and removes lubricants from key points.

If the clock chimes and you do not want it to, simply do not wind the chime side of the clock. Although some clocks have a silence mechanism, their use will sometimes get the chime out of step.

If your clock plays more than one chime tune and you wish to change it, shift to a different tune immediately after a chime sequence has completed.

If you have a weight driven clock and you will be away when it runs down, it is a good idea to stop the clock and remove the weights (if practical).

Good luck and remember that everybody should have a good, clean ticker!

From experience, Regie recommends John for your clock needs.