Today’s puzzle centers on the workings of a traditional longcase timepiece. The grid resolves into five mechanical elements, with a single spangram that ties them together.

Answer What it refers to
PENDULUM The oscillating arm that regulates timekeeping
GEARS Interlocking cogs that transmit motion through the movement
CHIMES The striking mechanism that sounds the hours (and often quarters)
WINDER The key or tool used to wind the clock’s mechanism
WEIGHTS Suspended masses that power the movement over time
Spangram GRANDFATHER CLOCK — spans the grid and encapsulates the theme

Note: Some outlets posted conflicting lists earlier in the day; the set above reflects the widely corroborated mechanical theme for September 26.

Theme overview: a mechanical clock in pieces

This grid reads like a schematic. The pendulum and weights anchor the timekeeping and power systems, gears translate that energy, a winder restores it, and chimes output an audible signal on schedule. The spangram locks the concept in place by spanning the board with “GRANDFATHER CLOCK.”

Strands frequently leans on concrete categories or component sets. When a puzzle feels like “parts of a system,” map the domain: power source, regulator, transmission, interface. That framework helps surface candidates even before you spot letter paths.

How Strands works (the puzzle basics)

  • Each day features a theme that connects all answers in the grid.
  • Words are hidden across linked letters in any direction, including diagonals, and can turn corners.
  • Every letter belongs to a solution or the spangram; nothing is left unused.
  • Most puzzles contain about six to eight theme words, plus one spangram that sums up the theme and spans the grid.

Strategy tips to solve Strands faster

  • Start with the obvious: scan for terms that clearly fit the day’s domain.
  • Don’t ignore diagonals; angled paths are common and often connect short segments.
  • Build outward: once a word clears, reevaluate the new letter boundaries it creates.
  • Bank hints steadily by spotting legitimate filler words, but spend them deliberately when progress stalls.
  • Think laterally: themes may use broader synonyms or related subsystems, not just literal names.

Play today’s Strands and come back tomorrow

If you want to jump into the daily puzzle or check the archive, play Strands on the New York Times Games site at nytimes.com/games/strands. Today’s board rewards a systems-first mindset — and tomorrow’s will likely shift domains entirely, so reset your expectations with each grid.