Pendulum Mantel Clocks

This post aims to explain how to hang the leader in pendulum mantel clocks.  Pendulums are an important part of mechanical clocks because they help regulate the speed.  Yet, due to their size, pendulums are most often used in wall clocks and grandfather clocks.  Mantel clocks, instead, generally use a balance wheel, or platform escapement, to regulate the speed of the clock.  Yet there is still a place for pendulums in mantel clocks, especially with skeleton clocks, which, due to their compact design, can complement a pendulum.

The parts to a mechanical clock pendulum are basically the same as those found in a traditional wall clock or grandfather clock.  There is a shaft and bob, which are hung from the leader.  The leader is hung from the suspension spring.  The suspension spring is a very important piece to the pendulum assembly, as it allows the leader and the rest of the pendulum assembly to flex back and forth to aid in the speed regulation.

The leader can easily come off the suspension spring when hanging the pendulum in a skeleton clock.  Indeed, lightly pushing up on the leader when hanging the pendulum can cause the leader to slip off the suspension spring hooks.  If this happens, then the leader will fall down and rest on the center shaft and the pendulum will be unable to move back and forth.

To reattach the leader to the suspension spring, it will be easier to take the suspension spring off first so that both the leader and suspension spring can be attached as one unit at the same time.  Simply trying to lift the leader up to the suspension spring hooks is rather difficult.  The pictures that follow demonstrate how to attach them together.  The same process is used if the suspension spring were ever to break and need replacing.  Always make sure the leader slot is fitted on the escapement prong as well.