How to wind a mantel clock correctly

Insert the key into each winding hole and turn it the direction it moves freely with a clicking sound, until it becomes firm; don't force it past that point. Wind every hole: with three holes the left is usually the strike, the middle the time and the right the chime; with two, one is time and one is strike. Wind an 8-day mantel clock once a week, on the same day.

Key facts

Step by step: winding a key-wound mantel clock

1. Find the right key. Clock keys are sized to the square winding arbor. A key that wobbles can round off the arbor; double-ended keys or numbered key sets help you find the snug size.
2. Hold the clock steady with one hand on the case. Don't lift or tilt a pendulum clock while winding.
3. Insert the key fully into a winding hole.
4. Turn gently in the direction that moves with a ratcheting click. Many modern movements (such as Hermle) wind clockwise on every hole; some older clocks wind one side the other way, so let the clicks guide you. The wrong way simply won't turn.
5. Use short half-turns, letting go and re-gripping, until the key gets firm. Count the turns: next week you'll know roughly how many it needs. Stop at firm resistance; overforcing can break a mainspring.
6. Repeat for every hole. If you wind only the time side, the clock will run but go silent.
7. Close the door or glass and check the time.

What each winding hole does

• One hole: time only, a non-striking clock.
• Two holes: time and the hourly strike ("bong" on the hour, often one strike on the half hour).
• Three holes: time, hourly strike and quarter-hour chime (such as Westminster). On most chiming clocks, facing the dial, left is strike, middle is time and right is chime, the same as a grandfather clock's weights.

How often to wind a mantel clock

Most mantel clocks have an 8-day movement: wind fully once a week, on the same day, before it runs down, and the springs stay at an even tension, which helps accuracy. Some older clocks are 30-hour (wind daily) or 15- or 31-day.

How to set the time

Move only the minute hand, clockwise, pausing at each quarter hour or hour to let it chime or strike. Don't move the hour hand on its own unless the strike doesn't match the hour, and never turn the hands while it is striking. Use our atomic clock for the exact time.

How to wind a mantel clock without a key

There is no good substitute for a key: pliers, screwdrivers and the wrong-sized key can round off the square arbor or slip and gouge the dial. Clock keys are inexpensive and sold in numbered sizes or as multi-size sets by clock shops and online. Measure the square across its flats, or take the clock (or a photo with a ruler) to a clock shop. Some mantel clocks are wound from the back, and some newer "mantel clocks" are actually quartz and run on a battery: look for a battery compartment before searching for a key.

Adjusting the speed

On a pendulum mantel clock, lower the pendulum bob (turn its nut left) to slow it and raise it (turn right) to speed it up, like a grandfather clock. Many French and spring-driven clocks have a small square arbor above the 12 marked A/R (avance/retard) or F/S (fast/slow) that adjusts the speed with a tiny key turn.

If your mantel clock won't run

• Make sure it's on a level surface and listen for an even "tick-tock" (in beat).
• Check that the pendulum is hooked on and swinging freely, and that any shipping clamp has been removed.
• If it's fully wound and still won't run, it probably needs cleaning and oiling by a clockmaker, typically every 5 to 10 years.

Sources

• Howard Miller wall and mantel clock instructions (PDF)
• Wikipedia: Mantel clock
• Wikipedia: Mainspring
• Wikipedia: Striking clock

Last updated October 18, 2026. Found an error? Tell us.

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