Oiling an old clock

[Eric CoxParticipant @ericcox50497]

I have an old (1940's) mantle clock that has given up the ghost. What cleaning material should I use and what type of oil to lubricate it.

[Eric CoxParticipant @ericcox50497]

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Clock oil to lubricate. Really should be dismantled to be cleaned properly. Could try washing the pivots with lighter fuel applied with a small paint brush ( But not really recommended )

Roy

[Old SchoolParticipant @oldschool]

A bodge used in the antique trade immerse and wash the movement in petrol dry oil with clock oil.

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

If doing the immersion trick, white sprit is a lot safer than petrol.

Robert G8RPI.

[Russell EberhardtParticipant @russelleberhardt48058]

Do dismantle it for cleaning. You won't get the dirt out of the pivot holes otherwise. If you're not familiar with clocks take photos at stages so that you can see how it goes back together and remember to let the springs down carefully by releasing the ratchet while controlling the spring with the winding key. Don't try removing the springs from their barrels unless you are sure of what you're doing. There is a lot of energy stored in them.

Use clock cleaning fluid and clock oil from a supplier such as Meadows and Passemore or Cousins. The proper cleaning fluid will not only remove old oil and dirt but also the tarnish on brass. Finish cleaning the pivot holes with fine wooden pegs.

Russell

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