Howard Miller Clocks Instruction Guide

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HOWARD MILLER WALL CLOCKS AND HOWARD MILLER MANTEL CLOCKS INSTRUCTION GUIDE

HOWARD MILLER CLOCKS INSTRUCTION MANUAL

FOR MECHANICAL KEYWOUND WALL CLOCKS AND MANTLE CLOCKS

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO SET UP WALL AND MANTEL CLOCKS.

SETTING UP YOUR CLOCK

Located in the shipping carton with the clock will be a key to wind the clock. If provided on your model, the shipping carton may also include a pendulum and finial that are separately packed. Please keep all of the original packaging material.

WARNING: KEEP PLASTIC BAGS AND SMALL PARTS AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

Access to the clock movement and chimes is made through the back of the clock. Howard Miller uses a combination of rubber bands, foam, Styrofoam, metal, and cardboard to secure the movement and chimes during shipping.

Cut rubber bands with scissors and discard.

PULL TO REMOVE

Mechanical Movement Mechanism Parts – Figure 2

 

DO NOT PULL ON THE RUBBER BANDS TO BREAK.

Remove foam, Styrofoam, and cardboard from around the movement and chimes. When possible, pull in the direction shown to remove. (See figure 1 & 2)

For clocks with a pendulum, cut the rubber band or remove the metal spring clip from the back side of the movement by first pulling one end free. (See figure 2).

Open the front door and remove the white plastic insert holding the minute hand at the 3:00 location (this insert is not used on all models).

Follow the remaining instructions as they apply to your clock.

FOR CLOCKS THAT HAVE A PENDULUM -

Follow these instructions for hanging pendulum.

NOTE: To perform the following steps, Howard Miller suggests wearing cotton gloves or using a soft cloth when handling parts.

Some pendulums have a colored protective plastic film covering the pendulum disk. Carefully remove this film before hanging the pendulum.

To hang the pendulum, locate the pendulum guide through the front door or back access panel. While holding the pendulum guide with one hand, slip the pendulum through the front door with your other hand. Place the pendulum hook over the pin or through the slot on the end of the pendulum guide, and lower the pendulum until it is hanging securely on the pendulum guide. (See figure 2).

Weight Driven Pendulum Wall Clocks – Figure 3

FOR CLOCKS THAT HAVE HANGING WEIGHTS -

Follow these instructions for hanging weights.

Do not remove the Styrofoam blocks until after your clock has been operating for at least eight (8) hours.

Check the weights to ensure that they are tightly assembled. Check to make sure that the cable is in the cable pulley. Hang the weights on the pulley. (See figure 3).

VISIT WWW DOT HOWARD MILLER DOT COM TO SEE OUR ONLINE VIDEO MANUALS

FOR ALL CLOCKS – SETTING TIME (moving the hands)

To set the time, move ONLY THE MINUTE HAND counterclockwise (backwards) until the hour and minute hand are at the correct time. (See figure 4). DO NOT MOVE THE HOUR HAND WHEN SETTING THE TIME. The hour hand will move automatically when the minute hand is moved. By moving the minute hand counterclockwise it is not necessary to wait for the clock to chime as the minute hand passes each quarter hour.

Moving Clock Minute Hand – Figure 4

The movement has a self correcting feature which synchronizes the chimes with the time. If after setting the clock on time, it does not chime properly, permit it to operate 12 hours to correct itself.

FOR ALL CLOCKS – STARTING CLOCK

Clocks without a pendulum will start automatically if the clock is wound.

To start clocks with a pendulum, reach through the front door of the clock and place your hand on the side of the pendulum disk. Move the pendulum to the far left of center and release. Let the clock operate a few minutes until the pendulum settles into an even swinging motion. (See figure 5). If your clock gains or looses time after 24 hours, see General Information Section to regulate the time keeping of your clock.

GENERAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT INFORMATION LABEL

Clock Maintenance and Set-up Information – Figure 5

The product information label identifies the clock model number and serial number. The clock model number and serial number are essential for obtaining parts or service. The product information label is located either on the back or bottom of the clock. Refer to this label when contacting your dealer or Howard Miller. For easy reference in the future, take a moment to record these numbers in the space provided on page 5 of these instructions. Attach your sales receipt to this manual for future reference.

WINDING YOUR CLOCK

Insert the winding key into the holes located in the dial face. (See figure 6). Depending upon the model of your clock, there can be 1, 2, or 3 winding key holes. Turn the key clockwise until the spring becomes tight and will not turn further. For clocks with hanging weights, raise the weights using the crank. DO NOT lift the weights by hand while cranking. Wind your clock once a week.

REGULATING TIME KEEPING

Day One

1. Select a time of day that will allow you to check your clock at the same time for at least six days.

2. Record time selected ______

3. Check correct time.

4. Re-set the minute hand to the exact, correct time.

Day Two, Three, Four, Five, Six (If Necessary)

1. Check correct time.

2. Compare time shown on your clock with correct time. Is your clock fast or slow?

SEE KEY AND IN THIS ILLUSTRATION JUST BELOW 3 WINDING HOLES

Adjusting Mechanical Clocks with and without Pendulums – Figure 6

3. Adjust as detailed under “Clocks with Pendulum”or “Clocks without Pendulum”.

4. Check correct time.

5. Re-set the minute hand to exact, correct time.

Clocks with Pendulum

Changing the speed of time keeping is accomplished by moving the pendulum disk up or down. The pendulum disk is moved up or down by turning the adjustment nut. To slow the clock down, move the pendulum disk down by turning the adjustment nut to the left. To speed the clock up, move the pendulum disk up by turning the adjustment nut to the right. (See figure 7). Turn the adjustment nut one complete revolution for each half minute fast or slow per day. (24 hours).

Clocks without Pendulum

Changing the speed of time keeping is accomplished by moving the time adjustment lever. (See figure 1). To slow the clock, move the lever down towards the “-” (minus). To speed the clock up, move the lever up towards the “+” (plus).

CHIME SELECTION

Selecting the chime melody is accomplished by moving a lever on or next to the clock dial. Some models play only the Westminster chime, while others give you a selection of three melodies.

Adjusting Speed on Pendulum Clocks – Figure 7

If the dial states “WESTM-SILENT” (Westminster-Silent) or “STRIKE-SILENT”, your clock has only the Westminster chime. If your clock has a triple chime movement, the chime lever identifies the melody choices.

Never change the selection while the clock is chiming or positioned near the release points. See figure 8 for when it is safe to move the chime selection lever without damaging the movement.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Your clock requires little care and maintenance. Listed below are steps you can take to maintain the exceptional quality of your Howard Miller clock.

1. Wind your clock every seven days.

2. Wax and polish your clock cabinet as frequently as you do your other furniture. Use a non-silicone liquid or paste wax.

3. When cleaning glass, use a non-ammonia glass cleaner. Never spray the cleaner directly on the clock.

Chime Selection Lever – Safe and Unsafe Times, Figure 8

4. For clocks with hanging weights, check the weights occasionally to ensure that they are still tightly assembled.

5. Avoid exposing the clock to direct sunlight or high intensity lighting which may fade the finish. Protect from extreme temperatures and humidity changes which may cause the wood to split or crack.

6. It is recommended that your clock movement be oiled every two years from the date of purchase and thoroughly cleaned every five to ten years depending on climatic conditions. Extremely dry, humid or salty air, heat or cold may necessitate more frequent servicing. Howard Miller does not recommend that you service the clock movement yourself. Contact an authorized Howard Miller Service Center.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Ensure that all instructions provided with your Howard Miller product have been carefully followed. These instructions will provide detailed information to answer most questions. Contact the Howard Miller web site [www dot howardmiller dot com] for a list of frequently asked questions that may conveniently resolve your problem or answer your questions.

CLOCK DOES NOT CHIME AT PROPER TIME

If the clock chimes more than one minute before or after the proper time, the minute hand should be removed and adjusted.

CAUTION: When performing this operation be careful not to scratch the hand nut, hand or dial.

1. When the clock starts to chime, stop the pendulum and record the time.

2. Using pliers, carefully remove the small nut that holds the minute hand in place by turning

the nut counterclockwise while at the same time hold the minute hand with your fingers near the small nut.

3. Remove the hand from the hand shaft by grasping it with your fingers at the point where it attaches to the shaft. Pull the hand straight off. This hand is not screwed on and should come off easily. The minute hand has a small raised area on the back side directly around the shaft hole, this is the hand bushing. Using pliers, grip the bushing firmly by its sides so that it cannot slip in the pliers. With your other hand, turn the clock hand forward or backward the distance necessary to chime at the correct time. (See figure 9).

Clock Chime Adjustment – Figure 9

4. Re-attach the hand to the shaft and turn the hand nut finger tight. Make sure the hand points

to the correct location that you recorded in Step 1 plus any corrections you made in step 3.

If the hand does not point to the correct mark, repeat steps 2 and 3.

5. Snug up the hand nut with the pliers. Do not over tighten.

6. Start pendulum.

7. Re-set the time by moving ONLY THE MINUTE HAND backwards as described in the set-up operation.

EXAMPLE: Clock chimes at 1:10 but should chime at 1:15.

Step 1: When clock chimes at 1:10 stop the pendulum and record the time of 1:10. Step 2: Carefully remove the small nut. Step 3: Remove the minute hand. Grip the bushing by its sides and turn the hand forward 5 minutes. Step 4: Reattach the hand so it points to 1:15. Attach the hand nut finger tight. Step:5 Snug up the hand nut. Step 6: Start pendulum. Step 7: Reset clock to current time.

MOVE CHIME SELECTION LEVER ONLY WHEN MINUTE HAND IS IN SAFE TIME AREA

Move Chime Selection Lever ONLY When MINUTE HAND is in a Safe Time Area – Figure 8 AGAIN

CLOCK DOES NOT STRIKE THE CORRECT HOUR

Clock Not Striking Correct Hour – Figure 10

If after several hours of operation your clock does not strike the correct hour, grasp the HOUR HAND ONLY and move it forward or backward to line up with the correct hour on the dial indicated by the number of times the hour strikes. Rotating this hand independently will not damage the clock.

If the minute hand needs to be reset (to correct time), move the minute hand counterclockwise (backwards) as described in the “FOR ALL CLOCKS-SETTING TIME” section of these instructions.

CLOCK WILL NOT CHIME OR STRIKE

1. Make sure that the selection lever is not in the “silent” position or halfway between two chime melody positions?

2. Make sure that all the packing material is removed from the movement area.

3. Make sure that the clock is wound.

4. Check hammer adjustment and correct chime tone as necessary.

5. Lift all hammers approximately one inch and then let them return to their resting position.

CHIMES HAVE THE INCORRECT TONE

DO NOT ADJUST CHIME HAMMERS, unless the chime tone is incorrect. Chime tone may be affected by the hammers resting on the chime rods or striking the rods off center. Although the hammers were set at the factory, it is possible for them to get out of adjustment. For most clocks, it will not be necessary to adjust chime hammers. There are different types of chimes (rods, coils and bells).

Chime hammer arms are made of brass and can be safely bent. If necessary, adjust hammers so that they do not interfere with each other while moving or striking the chime rods, chime coil or chime bell. This is accomplished by bending the hammer arms slightly in the middle so that each hammer rests approximately 1/8″ from each rod or 1/8″ from the coil or bell. (See figure 10).

DO NOT bend the chime rods or chime coil. Chime volume cannot be adjusted.

CLOCK WILL NOT RUN

Although it is not recommended that you repair your own clock, you should check these items before contacting Howard Miller, your dealer, or an Authorized Service Center. Do not attempt any adjustment you do not feel confident in making.

1. Has all the packing material been removed from the movement area?

2. Did you wind the clock?

3. Is the clock level?

4. Do the hands operate without interference? Do not let the hour hand hit the second hand. If the second hand is rubbing the dial, pull it out slightly. If the hour hand is rubbing against the back of the minute hand, the hour hand should be pushed closer to the dial (put your thumb nails on the center portion of the hour hand and push).

5. Make sure the pendulum is hanging correctly in the pendulum guide.

LIMITED WARRANTY

This warranty is our promise and commitment that our products have been manufactured using the finest materials and have been thoroughly inspected prior to being shipped from our facilities.

Products are warranted to the original consumer or recipient to be free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, conditions and service from the date of purchase for a period of 1 Year.

This warranty does not include: damage to product or components resulting from abuse, accident, alteration, or climatic/environmental conditions; damage resulting from normal wear and tear, misuse, or unauthorized repair; natural variations in wood grain or changes in surface finishes due to aging or exposure to light. The company’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to repairing the product or component, or at its option, replacing it with a new product or component.

A copy of the sales receipt or other comparable proof of original purchase is required to obtain warranty service. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY. IMPLIED WARRANTIES ON THIS PRODUCT SHALL BE IN EFFECT ONLY FOR THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE AND THEREAFTER, THERE SHALL BE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, (INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE), ON THIS PRODUCT.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Before pursuing service, ensure that all instructions provided with your Howard Miller clock have been carefully followed. These instructions will provide detailed information to answer most questions. Contact the Howard Miller web site ( www dot howardmiller dot com ) for a list of frequently asked questions that may conveniently resolve your problem or answer your question. Most problems can be quickly resolved without returning the clock for service. Before calling, please have these instructions and the following information available:

Model Number:_ Serial Number:_ Date of Purchase:_ Where Purchased:_

The model and serial number can be found on the Product Information Label (see General Information). (A copy of the original bill of sale or proof of purchase or receipt date.)

Brief Description of Problem:_

PROCEDURES TO OBTAIN REPAIR SERVICE

1. In the unlikely event that your clock appears to be malfunctioning or require repair, IN NORTH AMERICA please call one of our Repair Technicians at (616) 772-9131. OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA please call your distributor or agent.

2. Have a copy of the original bill of sale or other proof of purchase or receipt date available.

3. Have the Howard Miller model number and serial number and a complete description of the problem available.

4. Return Authorization is required for all returns to Howard Miller. If you have been given authorization to return the clock to Howard Miller, you will be given a Return Authorization number (RGA#). Returns without prior authorization may be subject to additional charges and delays.

If a return is necessary, please package clock in the ORIGINAL packaging. Failure to properly pack the clock may cause damage that is not covered under warranty. You should obtain insurance for the return shipment. If ORIGINAL packaging is not available, you may find it convenient to take the clock to a professional packaging and shipping company (consumer expense). Otherwise, please follow the instructions below.

1. Package the clock into a stiff corrugated carton. This carton needs to be larger than the clock and should have at least 4″ (inches) of space between the clock and each carton wall, to allow for adequate cushion material.

Return Authorization #
Your Address here

2. Position the clock into the carton.

3. Wrap the item in a plastic bag.

Damaged Glass Note: Remove all broken glass before packing the clock for return.

Failure to do so may further damage the clock and would not be covered under warranty.

- Cover the bottom 4″ (inches) of the carton with cushioning material. Cushioning material may include foamed peanuts, tightly packed newspaper or other similar material.

- Place the clock in the center of the carton on top of the cushioning material.

- Enclose the following inside the carton with the clock: the reason for returning the product, the RGA#, and a copy of the original bill of sale or proof of purchase.

- Fill the remaining space around the clock, and use enough additional cushioning material so that the clock cannot move or shift in transit.

4. Seal the carton securely with packaging tape. DO NOT use masking or tape intended for gift wrapping.

5. Clearly mark the outside of the carton with the complete Howard Miller Company “ship to” address. Include your complete address. Please include the Return Authorization number (RGA#), above your name, on the address label.

6. Damage caused by poor packaging or freight handling is not covered under warranty.

NON-WARRANTY REPAIR SERVICE

Charges will result for repair services if a bill of sale or other proof of purchase date is not provided, if instructions were not followed, if the clock is beyond the Limited Warranty period or is otherwise outside the scope of the Limited Warranty.

MINOR ADJUSTMENTS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY

Repair service and/or parts to correct the following minor adjustments are at the consumer’s expense:

1. “Set-Up“. Set-Up instructions have been provided with your Howard Miller product.

2. Mechanical Movement Oiling and Cleaning. The movement in your clock is a mechanical mechanism and, therefore, requires periodic oiling and cleaning depending on climatic and environmental conditions. Under normal conditions a movement requires oiling with high quality clock oil approximately every two years from the date of purchase. Please contact a qualified clock repair person or authorized Howard Miller Service Center for this service.

3. Replacement of Suspension Spring. Please return broken suspension spring to Howard Miller for proper identification. Replacement suspension springs are available from Howard Miller.

4. Pendulum, Timing, and Chime/Strike Hammer Adjustments. Instructions for these adjustments have been provided in this publication.

FREIGHT DAMAGE

By accepting our product for shipment, the carrier acknowledges that the product is in First Class condition. By signing (or someone else signing on your behalf) to accept the shipment, you acknowledge that the product has been received in the same First Class condition as shipped. If the carton is crushed or otherwise damaged, instruct the driver to note the damage on the freight bill and file a claim immediately with the carrier. For your protection, we suggest that you inspect all merchandise at the time of delivery, before signing the Bill-of-Lading. When you or your representative signs without noting any damage, shortages or exceptions, you accept and own the merchandise, as delivered.

CONCEALED FREIGHT DAMAGE

Should damage be discovered after delivery, you (the consignee) are responsible for filing a written Concealed Damage Claim with the carrier, requesting the carrier to make an inspection and create a damage report. This must be done no later than 14 days after the delivery date. Filing this claim is your responsibility, however, we will help you with the process and act as your advocate in reaching a satisfactory resolution with the carrier.

HOWARD MILLER CLOCKS COMPANY, SPECIALIZING IN HOWARD MILLER GRANDFATHER CLOCKS, HOWARD MILLER FLOOR CLOCKS AND GRANDMOTHER CLOCKS, WALL CLOCKS AND MANTLE CLOCKS, and much more.

860 East Main Avenue Zeeland, Michigan 49464-1300 www dot howard miller dot com

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