How to Add a Light to a Grandfather Clock
- 1). Determine where the LED lights will be placed. Examine the frame that surrounds the clock face. Most grandfather clocks have a clock face that is recessed within the upper casing, behind a glass-paneled frame. The LED lights will be mounted around the perimeter of the clock face.
- 2). Measure the perimeter of the clock face. Use a tape measure to determine the overall length of the four sides of the face. Write this measurement down.
- 3). Purchase the LED lights. This type of lighting is sold in flexible strips. Purchase an LED lighting strip close to the length of the clock face's perimeter. Also purchase an 8-foot lamp replacement cord with a two-pronged plug on one end and bare wire on the other end. Select one that has a built-in on-off switch. Pick up a bag of small wire nuts and some electricians tape as well.
- 4
Use masking tape to hold the strip in place.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Position the LED lighting. Place one end of the flexible LED light strip on the bottom inside lip of the clock face's frame. Use masking tape to hold it in place. Bend the light strip at a 90-degree angle where it meets the corner of the case. Place a few pieces of masking tape on the strip and frame to hold it in place. Repeat this process until the light strip is running along the entire inner frame. The bare wire end of the strip should be in one of the corners. - 5). Glue the LED light strip in place. Use two-part epoxy glue formulated for wood and plastic adhesion. Mix the epoxy following the manufacturer's instructions. Place a few drops of epoxy every 3 inches into the gap between the lighting strip and the frame. Allow six hours of drying time.
- 6). Drill a hole in the corner of clock face frame. Use an electric drill to bore a ¼-inch hole in the corner where the strips two bare wires sit. Run the replacement lamp cord through the hole so the cord's bare wires are sticking out toward the clock face.
- 7). Wire the lighting. Locate the bare ends of the wires leading from the LED lighting strip. Take one bare wire from the lamp replacement cord and twist it around one of the bare wires coming out from the lighting strip. Place a wire nut on top of the twisted wire. Turn it clockwise until it complete covers the bare wiring. Wrap a 2-inch piece of electricians tape around the nut and wire. Repeat the process for the remaining wire leading from the lighting strip.
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