Grandfather clock setup in Newton Abbot
Looking for professional grandfather clock setup help in Newton Abbot? Hembury Contracting provides reliable small jobs services across Newton Abbot and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Newton Abbot
Grandfather clock set up properly - levelled for accurate timekeeping, pendulum adjusted, weights hung correctly. I'll get it running and keeping good time.
### When Heirloom Clocks Won't Tick
Inherited a grandfather clock that's been standing silent for years? Moved house and it stopped working? These **beautiful old clocks are fussy** - they need everything just right or they won't keep time.
> 💡 **Pro tip:** Grandfather clocks hate being moved. Even moving them across the room can throw them out of level enough to stop them working. They need resetting after any move.
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### Quick Setup vs. Proper Levelling
Just hanging the weights and hoping isn't enough:
| ✅ Proper Setup | ❌ DIY Guesswork | |----------------|-----------------| | Levelled precisely with spirit level | "Looks straight enough" | | Pendulum length adjusted for accuracy | Just hangs where it is | | Weights positioned correctly | Hung on any old chain | | Chime timing set properly | Chimes at random times |
An hour to set it up right vs. weeks of it being an expensive ornament.
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### What You Get
**🔧 The Service**
| Step | What Happens | |------|--------------| | **Level** | Get the clock case perfectly vertical | | **Set Pendulum** | Hang and adjust pendulum for proper swing | | **Hang Weights** | Position weights correctly on their chains | | **Test & Adjust** | Run it for a bit, adjust timing and chimes |
**📦 You're Left With** - Clock running smoothly - Accurate timekeeping - Proper pendulum swing - Chimes at the right time
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### Pricing Guide
| Service | Estimated Time | You'll Pay | |---------|----------------|------------| | Basic setup & levelling | 45-60 mins | **£60** | | Setup + timing adjustment | 1-1.5 hrs | **£60-85** | | Setup after house move | 1-1.5 hrs | **£60-85** |
*£60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. If mechanism is broken, I'll recommend a clock specialist.*
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### Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ **Just moved house** - clock worked before, doesn't now
✅ **Inherited a clock** - never been set up properly
✅ **Stopped working** - used to tick, now silent
✅ **Losing time** - running fast or slow
Why Choose Us for Grandfather clock setup in Newton Abbot?
Clock levelled precisely for accurate timekeeping
Pendulum set to correct swing
Weights positioned properly
Chime timing adjusted
What to Expect
### Step 1: Check & Level Make sure all parts are there (pendulum, weights, key). Level the clock case perfectly - this is crucial for proper operation. ### Step 2: Set Up Mechanism Hang the pendulum and weights correctly. Start the pendulum swinging and make sure it's consistent. ### Step 3: Test & Adjust Let it run for a bit to check timekeeping. Adjust pendulum length if it's running fast or slow. Set chimes to correct time.
Our Newton Abbot Service Coverage
We cover Newton Abbot and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Newton Abbot or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> ⏰ **Accuracy:** Even a well-set-up grandfather clock might gain or lose a minute or two per week. They're mechanical, not quartz. If it's within 5 minutes a week, that's actually pretty good for an old clock. **Chimes out of sync?** There's usually a way to adjust the chime timing without affecting the clock hands. Varies by make - I'll show you how if yours allows it. **Exeter's old houses** have characterful wonky floors. Grandfather clocks don't love wonky floors. Sometimes shimming the feet or finding a more stable spot is needed. Stone floors are better than bouncy wooden ones.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grandfather clock setup in Newton Abbot
Why won't my grandfather clock keep time?
Usually it's because the clock isn't perfectly level. Grandfather clocks need to be spot-on vertical or the pendulum doesn't swing evenly. Even a few millimeters off and it'll gain or lose time. I'll level it properly and adjust the pendulum speed.
Do I need to provide anything?
Just make sure you've got the pendulum, weights, and key. If it's been moved and dismantled, having all the original parts helps. I can't make missing parts but can advise where to get them.
Can you fix grandfather clocks that don't work?
Basic setup, levelling, and adjustment yes. If the actual mechanism is broken - worn gears, broken springs - that needs a clock specialist. I'll be honest about what's needed when I see it.
How do you level a grandfather clock?
Spirit level on the case to check it's vertical in both directions, then adjust the feet or shim underneath until it's perfect. Then adjust pendulum length to fine-tune the timekeeping.
Will the chimes be right?
I'll set them so they chime at the right time. If the chime mechanism itself is broken (missing notes, not chiming at all), that's internal mechanism work beyond basic setup.
Get a Free Quote in Newton Abbot
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01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Newton Abbot
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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