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# How do I replace a Clock Pendulum Leader?

*   [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com)
*   Clock Pendulum Leader Information

### Article sections

## Clock Pendulum Leaders

Mechanical pendulum clock [leaders](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) for post 1950 movements. These [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) will fit clock movements made in [Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany) after WW2. The first step to replace a lost [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is to visually match one to the old [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader). If the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) does not match up to any of the ones listed, please email us. A picture is always helpful. Look to see if the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) needs a double hook or a hole top in order for it to mount to the [suspension spring](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-pendulum-suspension-spring-hanger). Similarly, check the other end and notice that configuration as well. What is the required mount style for the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/german-mechanical-clock-pendulums.html) to hang on the clock? In the middle section, what one will engage with the swinging crutch on the back of the movement? These are all important factors to consider when replacing the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader).

### The length of the leader

If the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is missing, however, there are some more steps to figure out what the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) length should be. Not all [leaders](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) have variable lengths and the ones that do are for [Hermle](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) and Kieninger clock movements only. [Kieninger](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/kieninger-clock-movement.html) is easy. Those [leaders](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) only come in two lengths. Grandfather clocks by [Kieninger](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/kieninger-clock-movement.html) take the 7 inch [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader). Wall and mantle units take the shorter [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader). [Hermle](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) leaders are much more involved. Determining which [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is the correct length for a [Hermle](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) is a process. The next section will describe the ones available.

### Hermle leader lengths

A [Hermle](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) floor or wall clock will always take [leader D or G](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader). [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) E is for a low bridge to a high bridge conversion on a [Hermle](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) grandmother clock. Therefore, this can be eliminated from the choices if a conversion is not being done. The next choice is [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) F which is for mantle clocks. This one is also used to create custom pendulum lengths. Additionally, [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) F and [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) G are interchangeable. So if a custom [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) G is needed, a [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) F can be used in its place with an alternate length. Please email us with any questions about [Hermle](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) [leaders](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader).

### Leader F for Hermle mantle

Usually mantle clocks with a [Hermle](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement/hermle-clock-movement.html) clock movement will take [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) F. In a situation where the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is missing and the length is unknown, the following steps need to be taken. This will ensure that the correct [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) length is chosen. First, use the CM number off of the back of the movement. This CM length is the pendulum length from the top of the movement all the way down to the bottom of the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader). It is not the length of the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) itself. Often times this measurement can be confusing. It is important to measure this correctly. Failure to do so will result in the clock not keeping proper time.

Second step, is to take this CM length and divide it by 2.54 to get the inch equivalent. Then subtract the length of the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) and the suspension spring length from this measurement. The measurement that is left is the length needed for leader F. There are 1 1/2 inches of thread at the bottom of the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) for fine adjustment. Because there is so much room for adjustment, this measurement does not have to be exact. If there wasn't any extra length then it would need to be more precise. However this is not the case so close is good enough.

### If the leader is the wrong length

The timing of a clock is determined by the length of the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) and the weight of the pendulum bob. This can get a bit confusing for some people. The overall [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) length is stamped on the back plate of the [clock movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html) with a CM number. This CM stamp is the overall [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) length from the top of the [clock movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html) all the way down to the bottom of the [rating nut](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader). This is based on the smallest [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/mechanical-clock-pendulum-bob) diameter. Subsequently, a wider pendulum bob will require a longer [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader). Again, this can get a bit tricky. Please feel free to send an email with any questions. We will be glad to help.

Often enough a clock will either run too fast or too slow. If the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is too long, the clock will run slow. On the other hand, if the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is too short the clock will run too fast. In addition, the wrong [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) length will also create problems with accuracy. This may or may not be corrected by raising the [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/mechanical-clock-pendulum-bob) up or down. This is done by turning the rating nut below the bob. If all else fails, a different [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) length may need to be purchased. Before shortening a [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) it would be best to contact us to see if this is the best option. Cutting the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is the last resort.

### In Conclusion

As seen, this is not a cut and dry procedure. There are many factors that play into getting the correct combination so the clock will keep correct time. The correct [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) is just one part of the whole process. Sometimes all it takes is a [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) that is a bit longer or shorter to correct an issue. There are also times where we have custom made [leaders](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) for customers. Measuring is also important. No matter what situation it is we can surely find a solution. Don't ever hesitate to reach out and ask a question. Pictures are always good to send so we can see what exists now. Email is always the fastest way to contact us.

_The content of this website is copyright by [Clockworks](https://www.facebook.com/ClockworksUSA) and written by [James Stoudenmire](https://www.facebook.com/james.stoudenmire) in year 2020_

Last Updated: 2 months ago in

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