Fun fact: Although it was invented in 1860, the grandfather clock received its name in 1877, when American songwriter Henry Clay Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock” after a broken clock at the George Hotel in North Yorkshire.

Your own grandfather clock may not inspire a hit song, but it’s still a valuable possession — which can make it all the more frustrating when it stops working. Tic Toc Shop in Mason, OH, has offered grandfather clock repair and maintenance services to Greater Cincinnati since 1963. They’re here to share a few troubleshooting tips if your clock isn’t functioning the way it should.

How to Troubleshoot Your Grandfather Clock

The Pendulum

Make sure your pendulum is swinging freely by giving it a light push. It shouldn’t be making contact with the chime rods or weights. If you don’t hear an even ticking, the clock is out of beat.

Your next step should be to have the clock leveled. Try taking off the pendulum and moving the pendulum leader side to side until it begins moving on its own. The clock should continue moving after you rehang the pendulum.

The Time Train

If your clock suddenly stopped working, consult a local grandfather clock expert. Tic Toc Shop offers in-home grandfather clock repair and will stop by your home to fix the time train and provide any other troubleshooting your clock needs.

The Minute Hand

Move the minute hand 15 minutes at a time until the grandfather clock chimes the hour. Then, leaving the minute hand in this position, unscrew the nut that holds the hands in place. Remove and reposition the minute hand so that it is also pointing to the hour.

If all else fails, call the Tic Toc Shop. With more than 50 years of experience and in-home appointments, the clock repair shop specializes in everything from cuckoo and vintage wall clocks to in-home grandfather clock repair. To set up a house call or for more information on their grandfather clock repair services, call (513) 922-0315. You can also find more information on their website.