> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://clockworks.crisp.help/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # How do I time a Mechanical Pendulum Clock? * [Knowledge Base](https://www.clockworks.com) * Timing a Mechanical Pendulum Clock ### Article sections ## Timing a mechanical pendulum clock Timing a mechanical pendulum clock is all about the overall [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html) length. Rarely has anything to do with the [movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html) itself, unless the movement not geared to the proper length from the start. A mechanical clock is easy to time providing you have the correct [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html). When the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html) is correct for that particular movement it will hang on the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-leader) and keep approximate time. The fine timing can be done only with the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html) adjustment located at the very bottom. At the bottom of the bob is some adjustment [threads and a nut](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-rating-nut-and-threads). To turn the [nut](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-rating-nut-for-lyre-pendulums) one way raises the bob and the other lowers it. A shorter [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html) will make the clock run faster. A longer [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html) makes the clock run slower. ### Fine timing the clock If the clock is timing slow, raise the [pendulum bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/mechanical-clock-pendulum-bob) by turning the [nut](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-rating-nut-for-lyre-pendulums) at the bottom of the [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/mechanical-clock-pendulum-bob). If the clock is fast, do the same but raise the clock's pendulum bob instead. One full turn is somewhere around 1-2 minutes a day faster or slower. ### If there is no more adjustment If the [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-bob-for-a-wood-stick) is all the way up and its still too slow or fast, you can shorten either the pendulum or the leader it hangs on to correct. A [lyre pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/product/hermle-lyre-pendulum) that does not keep time with the [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-bob-for-a-wood-stick) all the way adjusted will need its length altered. It can be altered with the overall length by the [pendulum](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulums.html) itself or the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulum-parts.html) it hangs onto. The [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulum-parts.html) is about 5 to 7 inches long and engages with the crutch on back of the movement. The [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulum-parts.html) is the part that the [pendulum top hook](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-top-hooks-for-wood-stick) will mount to. It is possible to shorten or lengthen the pendulum [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulum-parts.html) to put the clock in time range with some solder if needed. 1 3/4 inches is a good measurement to make one of these longer or shorter as needed, as this is the length of the threads at the bottom of the [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-bob-for-a-wood-stick). So it will give a full timing adjustment range all over again and can go up or down as needed. ### German pendulum length CM stamp The pendulum length is overall and not just the pendulum itself. These German units measure there pendulum lengths from the top of the movement and all the way down. This will include the suspension spring, the [leader](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-parts/clock-pendulum-parts.html) and also the pendulum itself. This is based on a 4 1/2 inch [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-bob-for-a-wood-stick) diameter. Of course the larger the [bob](https://www.clockworks.com/product/clock-pendulum-bob-for-a-wood-stick), the longer it will be beyond that CM stamp measurement. ### Used to keep time, now does not If the clock kept time in the past but now does not, it means a worn gear. The escape wheel is worn and it is advancing more than one tooth at a time. The escape wheel alone would be hard to find, and hard to replace both. The entire movement would be disassembled to replace this worn escape wheel if there is another one found that will work. The cost of having this done would be the same price as a [new movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html). There is no such thing as having a repair on a clock movement being better than a [new movement](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-movement.html). The price would be about the same for a complete overhaul or a brand new one. First see if the clock movement is in production and available new. We do this by getting the numbers off of the back plate of the movement itself, right off of the brass. Please email and we will check the availability and quote for the new one. If the movement is not in production anymore, then a [movement restoration](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair/mechanical-clock-movement-restoration.html) is the only option. The movement can be shipped to [Clockworks](https://www.clockworks.com/) Attn [Repair department](https://www.clockworks.com/clock-repair/mechanical-clock-movement-restoration.html) for a beautiful restoration. ### Mechanical Pendulum Clock Timing Issues - Conclusion Fine timing of the clock is easy as you can see. If the clock kept time in the past and now too fast, its time for a new movement and has nothing to do with the pendulum. A worn escape wheel is most likely the cause and a new unit would be less cost then a repair. _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 ### Related Articles