GENERAL CLOCK CARE
1. Wind all of the springs to the end. As you near the end of the spring, the spring will get tighter and harder to wind. This is normal so slow down as you complete the winding of the spring.
2. You cannot overwind a spring driven clock. This is misinformation that has been handed down through the generations.
3. If you wind a clock completely to the end and it does not work; something else such as wear, dirt, or old sticky oil is preventing the clock from running. It is not because you "over wound" or "wound the clock too tight".
4. The clock must have an even tick and tock in order for it to run properly. A good jolt the clock,moving the clock to another location or shifting a wall clock on the wall can take the clock out of beat and may stop the clock.
5. If you have an 8 day pendulum clock and will be away for more than a week. Stop the pendulum to "freeze" the movement. Nothing runs when the pendulum is stopped. Give the pendulum a gentle swing to restart the clock upon your return.
6. The safest way to set any clock is to move the minute hand forward, stopping at each interval where the clock chimes or strikes. After allowing the clock to finish its strike or chime sequence, proceed to the next interval and repeat until you reach the desired time. Some clocks can be set by moving the hands backwards. Don't try this unless you are sure your clock has this capability.
7. Chime levers and on/off strike levers should only be switched wintin 10 minutes after the chime or strike has occurred.
8. Have the clock movement cleaned and oiled every 2 years by a professional clockmaker. There are only certain ponts in the clock that require oil. NEVER SPRAY THE CLOCK MOVEMENT WITH WD 40 OR ANY OTHER SPRAY LUBRICANT. This will be a very, very , very expensive can of lubricant.