Mantle clock positioning in Exeter
Professional mantle clock positioning services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
0.5-1 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Mantle clock positioned perfectly level and secure on your mantelpiece - looks right, sits stable, and runs accurately if it's a mechanical one.
It Needs To Be Level
That beautiful mantle clock you've just bought, inherited, or moved from another room - it needs to sit properly level to work right.
Mechanical clocks especially are fussy. The pendulum needs to swing evenly. If the clock's tilted even slightly, it'll run fast, slow, or not at all.
💡 Pro tip: If your mechanical clock keeps stopping, check if it's level before you take it to be repaired. Nine times out of ten, that's all it needs.
Why Position It Properly?
| ✅ Level & Secure | ❌ Just Plonked Down |
|---|---|
| Runs accurately | Gains or loses time |
| Looks professionally positioned | Obviously wonky |
| Stable and secure | Might tip or slide |
| Pendulum swings evenly | May stop completely |
What's Included
🔧 The Service
| What I Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Level the clock | Use spirit level front-to-back and side-to-side |
| Shim if needed | Compensate for unlevel mantelpiece |
| Secure position | Non-slip pads or mounting if needed |
| Check stability | Make sure it won't slide or tip |
📦 Result
- Clock sitting perfectly level
- Secure and stable
- Ready to run accurately
- Looks properly positioned
Typical Pricing
| Job | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Simple clock positioning | 10-15 mins | £60 |
| Antique/delicate clock with shimming | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Multiple clocks | 30-45 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Careful handling of valuable clocks included.
Get It Sorted If...
✅ Mechanical clock - must be level to run
✅ Antique or valuable - want it handled carefully
✅ Wonky mantelpiece - needs shimming to compensate
✅ Heavy clock - want it secure and stable
Why Choose Us for Mantle clock positioning in Exeter?
Positioned perfectly level
Secure and stable
Antique clocks handled carefully
Runs accurately when level
What to Expect
Step 1: Check The Surface
I'll see if your mantelpiece is level, and work out what's needed to get the clock sitting level on it.
Step 2: Position & Level
Use a spirit level to get the clock perfectly level front-to-back and side-to-side. Shim underneath if needed.
Step 3: Secure If Needed
Add non-slip pads, or secure it more permanently if it's heavy or in a busy area where it might get knocked.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to position it yourself? Here's how:
🔧 What you'll need
- Spirit level (small one is fine)
- Thin shims or felt pads
- Soft cloth (protect the finish)
Getting it level
- Place clock roughly where you want it
- Check level front-to-back
- Check level side-to-side
- If mantelpiece isn't level, shim under the low side
Shimming materials
- Felt furniture pads work well
- Thin cardboard (not pretty but effective)
- Proper wooden shims from hardware store
- Stack to get the right height
For mechanical clocks
- Must be level both directions
- Even a degree or two off affects accuracy
- Listen to the tick - should be even, not tick...tock with a pause
- Pendulum should swing freely without touching sides
Securing the clock
- Museum putty for valuable pieces (removable)
- Non-slip rubber mat underneath
- L-brackets behind if it's in an earthquake zone (or you have kids)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Only checking one direction (front-to-back OR side-to-side)
- Using visible shims that spoil the look
- Overtightening security fixings (damages antiques)
- Not checking if pendulum can swing freely
💡 Pro trick: For mechanical clocks with a pendulum, once it's level, listen to the tick. It should be perfectly even - TICK tock TICK tock. If it's TICK...tock...TICK...tock with pauses, it's still not quite level.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🕰️ Antique or valuable? Let me know when you book. I'll take extra care and make sure it's positioned without risking damage to the case or mechanism.
Wonky mantelpieces: Common in older Exeter houses. The mantelpiece might slope forward, or be tilted left/right. I can shim the clock to sit level even on an unlevel surface.
Security: If you've got kids or pets that might knock it, I can suggest discrete ways to secure it. Museum putty is removable and doesn't damage valuable pieces.
Wall mounting: Some mantle clocks can be wall-mounted instead if your mantelpiece is too small or unlevel. I can advise on that and mount it if you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a mantle clock need to be level?
Mechanical clocks need to be level to run accurately. If they're tilted, the pendulum doesn't swing evenly and the clock gains or loses time. Some won't run at all if they're not level.
Can you do this with antique clocks?
Yes - I'll handle it carefully. Antique clocks can be valuable and delicate, so I take extra care positioning them.
What if my mantelpiece isn't level?
Common in older houses. I can use small shims or felt pads to level the clock even if the mantelpiece is wonky. The clock will be level, even if the surface isn't.
Will you set up the pendulum too?
I can position the clock level and ensure it's secure, but actual clockwork setup (setting time, winding, regulating) is specialist work. I'll make sure it's level and stable for you to set it running.
What about battery/electric clocks?
These still look better when positioned level. I'll get it sitting perfectly, even if it doesn't technically need to be level to work.
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