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Can I oil my clock myself?

7/5/2016

8 Comments

 
Yes, you can.   However, the process is somewhat complicated, and involves removing the clock movement from the case, as well as using  specially formulated oil.   Because of this, many people prefer to have their clock oiled professionally.  

​Here are some tips for oiling your clock yourself:
  • Use the right oil.  Most clock manufacturers use Etsyntha 859 oil, which is available through Timesavers.  Cheaper oils are available, but not recommended.
  • In order to apply the oil, you will need a syringe, such as you can find at the local drug store.  Be careful to grind off the tip!  Syringes are sharp.  Alternately, you may purchase an oiler.
  • Never use WD-40 or other penetrating oils.  These oils contain solvents that evaporate quickly, leaving a sticky residue behind.  Never use spray-on oils.

  • Do not oil wheel teeth (except those on the escape wheel), plates, or most levers.  Oil attracts dirt, and dirt acts as a grinding compound that accelerates wear.  Oil also becomes sticky over time.  Sticky levers often cause chiming and striking problems to develop in clocks. 
  • You will need to remove the clock movement to oil the pivot holes on both the front and back plates.  Be sure to remove the clock's hands before trying to remove the movement! This sounds obvious, but it is very easy to forget.
  • Oil sparingly.  Use only a tiny drop of oil on the pivot holes of the front and back plates. Also put a very thin film of oil on the acting surface of every other tooth of the escape wheel.  (The escape wheel is the wheel with the sharp teeth that pushes the pendulum back and forth.)
  • Lastly, take your time.  It is surprisingly easy to drop or damage either the clock case or the movement while you are trying to oil the clock.
8 Comments
Hazel Owens link
9/11/2017 06:28:47 pm

My grandfather clock just went out and I have not found the money to fix it by a professional. I found the tip to oil sparingly important as many websites that I have read have said the opposite. It does make sense to not use excess oil and preserve the life of the clock even longer. I look forward to my clock working again!

Reply
Mike at Wise Owl link
3/10/2018 11:14:11 pm

I hope it works for you. Oil can help prevent wear, but it can't repair wear that has already taken place, so do save up to have your clock professionally serviced when you can.

Best regards,
Mike

Reply
David kreitner
12/29/2019 02:57:16 pm

My Howard Miller mantel clock runs fast on day one but by day six it is two minutes fast. Any thoughts? I always oil my clocks with the 859 oil

Reply
David kreitner
12/29/2019 03:29:31 pm

Ref last question,I should have said my Howard Miller clock runs fast on day one but two minutes SLOW on day six. Hope someone knows about this,thanks for your input.

Reply
js
11/22/2022 06:02:18 pm

I expect the mantel clock is spring driven - not battery powered. This six day cycle indicates one gear - of several other gears, or wheels - runs a full cycle every six days. There is likely a flaw in some of the "teeth" in the gear, or it's shaft is slightly bent. This would cause it to bog.down a little every 6 days. These are likely microscopic flaws and difficult to track down. Whatever the problem is, buying a new clock mechanism should.fix it, although somewhat expensive.

Eli Richardson link
2/11/2021 06:18:32 am

I'm glad you mentioned oiling a clock is a difficult job, and it needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging it. My dad recently purchased a clock, but he found it on a garage sale, so he isn't sure about the proper care of it. I think he should take it with a professional to avoid any costly repair in the future. I'm sure he'll find this information very useful. Thanks for the tips about how to oil your clock.

Reply
Rob Taran
6/21/2021 05:01:03 am

Oops, I made the mistake of spraying some supertech lubricant (basically wd-40) on my 50 yr. non working Howard Miller grandfather clock. The clock is working fine right now (sprayed it 2 months ago) but I guess I ruined it. Any advise on how to remove the lubricant that I sprayed?

Reply
Beaumont Appliance Repairs link
8/26/2022 12:05:00 am

Thankks for this

Reply



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    Mike Sarchet

    I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks.  In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock.

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