Otis Singleton
Clock maintenance is an important part of keeping your timepiece in good condition. Clock movements are a series of gears, cogs, levers, and chimes that work together to keep time, and they need to be oiled regularly to ensure smooth functioning and prevent wear and tear. Oiling your clock movement can greatly extend the life of your clock, whether it's old or new, traditional or modern. It is recommended that clock owners use synthetic oil due to its resistance to breakdown and aging, and there are also specific types of oil for different clocks, such as turret clock oil. Clock oils also contain rust inhibitors to protect the clock. This guide will take you through the steps of oiling your electric clock movement, from preparing the clock to the actual oiling process, so that you can keep your timepiece running smoothly for years to come.
Characteristics and Values Table for Oiling an Electric Clock Movement
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of oiling | Every 3-4 years |
| Type of oil | Synthetic oil |
| Oil placement | Pivot holes in the brass backplate, pallets of the escapement |
| Oil application method | Pocket-sized clock oiler, steel pin |
| Oil quantity | Avoid over-oiling |
| Clock orientation | Face down |
| Cleaning solution | Alcohol, electrical contact cleaner, petrol, or kerosene |
| Cleaning tools | Small brush, toothpicks, cotton swabs |
| Precautions | Avoid using 3-in-One or WD40, release tension on springs |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of regular oiling
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Smooth Operation: Clock movements, especially mechanical ones, consist of numerous gears, pivots, and arbors that work together to measure and display time accurately. Over time, these metal parts can experience friction and wear, leading to increased resistance and imprecise timekeeping. Regular oiling with a suitable clock oil lubricates these critical areas, reducing friction and ensuring smooth operation. This lubrication allows the components to move with minimal resistance, maintaining the accuracy of the clock.
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Protection from Wear and Tear: Clock oil acts as a protective barrier between metal surfaces, reducing direct metal-on-metal contact. This barrier helps prevent wear and tear on the clock's internal components, minimizing the risk of damage or breakage. By regularly oiling the movement, you effectively lower the chances of excessive wear, ensuring the longevity of your clock's intricate mechanisms.
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Precise Timekeeping: Proper lubrication plays a crucial role in maintaining the precision of your electric clock. When the gears and pivots are well-oiled, they experience less friction, resulting in more consistent and accurate time measurement. This is especially important for collectors or enthusiasts who value the accuracy of their timepieces. Regular oiling helps to eliminate drag or sticking movements that can cause timekeeping errors.
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Extended Lifespan: Electric clock movements can last for many years when properly maintained. By regularly oiling the movement, you significantly reduce the strain on the clock's internal mechanisms, lowering the likelihood of premature failure. This simple maintenance routine can extend the lifespan of your clock, allowing you to enjoy its beauty and functionality for generations.
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Maintenance Tips: It is recommended to oil your electric clock movement at regular intervals, typically once a year or as needed. Always use a high-quality clock oil designed specifically for lubricating clock movements. Apply a small amount of oil to key areas, following the manufacturer's instructions or a trusted guide. Be careful not to over-oil, as excess oil can attract dust and debris, potentially causing more harm than good.
In conclusion, regular oiling is an essential aspect of caring for your electric clock movement. It ensures smooth operation, protects the clock's internal components, enhances accuracy, and extends the lifespan of your cherished timepiece. By incorporating this simple maintenance task into your routine, you can keep your clock in optimal condition, preserving its beauty, functionality, and longevity.
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Choosing the right oil
Clock oils have changed over the years, so it is important to know what type of clock you have and what oil is suitable. Modern clocks have a baked-on lacquer finish that can be damaged by petroleum-based products, so it is important to use a synthetic oil that will not break down over time.
Synthetic clock oils are now widely available and are recommended by manufacturers. These oils are designed to resist breakdown and aging, keeping your clock movement in good condition. They also contain rust inhibitors to protect the clock. You can purchase synthetic clock oil with an easy-to-use applicator from companies such as Emperor Clock.
If you have an older clock, you may want to use a traditional clock oil. One option is turret clock oil, which is heavier than standard clock oil. Another option is graphite oil, which lubricates and then dries to form a protective, dry lubricant layer.
For very small clock mechanisms, you can use a specialist tool such as the A&F oiler, which resembles a hypodermic syringe and can reach small areas without contaminating other parts.
It is important to avoid using the wrong type of oil, such as 3-in-One or WD40, as these can impair the clock's ability to function properly.
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Dismantling the clock
Oiling your clock regularly is one of the first steps to help keep it running smoothly. Proper maintenance can extend the life of the clock, especially if it's a family heirloom or a piece that you love.
Before oiling your clock, you must dismantle it carefully. Here is a step-by-step guide to dismantling the clock:
Step 1: Understand the Clock Mechanism
If this is your first time dismantling a clock, take the time to understand how it works. Take notes, draw sketches, or take close-up photographs to help you during reassembly. Knowing how the different parts work together will make it easier to put everything back correctly.
Step 2: Release Tension on Springs
Always make it a priority to release the tension on all the clock springs. If you are dealing with open springs, not enclosed in barrels, use metal mainspring clamps to restrict their movement. Alternatively, you can use tie wire or large black cable ties to hold them in place.
Step 3: Remove Clock Hands and Mounting Screws
To access the movement, you'll need to remove the clock hands and any mounting screws at the back or under the baseboard. Lift out the movement carefully.
Step 4: Separate the Clock Face
In some cases, the clock face may still be attached to the movement by pillars and tapered pins. Gently pull out these pins to separate the face from the movement.
Step 5: Clean the Movement (Optional)
Before oiling, you may want to clean the movement, especially if it appears dusty or greasy. Use a cleaning solution like petrol or kerosene, but remember to dry kerosene with compressed air afterward. Use a small brush or toothpicks to remove dirt and grease from around the gears and pivots. Tick the clock through its motion to expose hidden parts of the teeth and ensure they are clean.
Now that you have safely dismantled the clock, you can proceed with oiling the movement. Remember to use a suitable clock oil and apply it sparingly to the correct areas, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Cleaning the clock
Firstly, take out the movement from the clock case. This can be done by removing the clock hands and unscrewing the mounting screws at the back or under the baseboard. Sometimes, the face will still be mounted to the movement by pillars and tapered pins, which you can gently pull out to remove the face.
Now that the movement is separate, you can decide to clean it, especially if it appears dusty or greasy. Before proceeding, ensure that you release the spring tension on all the clock springs. Then, place the movement in a cleaning solution. Petrol or kerosene can be used, but kerosene needs to be dried out with compressed air afterward, while petrol will evaporate on its own.
Next, use a small brush, about 12mm wide with its bristles cut short, to remove dirt and grease from the pinion teeth and around the pivots. Tick the clock through its motion to access hidden parts of the teeth and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Toothpicks can also be used to complete the cleaning process.
Finally, use a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the clock without harming the lacquer finish. This step ensures that your clock is free of any remaining dirt or grease and is ready for the oiling process.
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Applying the oil
Clock maintenance can extend the life of the clock and is a simple process. It is recommended that clock movements are oiled every three to four years. This can be done at home, but it is important to use the correct type of oil and to know where to apply it.
To apply the oil, first, remove the clock movement from the clock case. This is usually done by removing the clock hands and unscrewing the mounting screws at the back or under the baseboard. Sometimes the face will still be mounted to the movement by pillars and tapered pins, which should be pulled out to fully remove the face. Before going any further, it is important to release the tension on all the clock springs.
Next, you will need to apply the oil. Use a small amount of clock oil on a clean, steel pin and apply it to the pivot holes in the brass backplate. These holes are usually cupped to provide a 'well' that will retain the oil. Alternatively, you can use a pocket-sized clock oiler, which resembles a hypodermic syringe and can reach the parts of the clock where oil is needed without contaminating other parts.
Only a small amount of oil is needed, so be careful not to overdo it. If too much oil is applied, it can drain off and, due to osmosis, slowly draw all the oil out with it, leaving the clock almost dry. In addition to the pivot holes, a spot of oil can be applied to the pallets of the escapement to allow the teeth of the escape wheel to slip through with minimal friction. Do not oil the teeth of the wheels or the pinions.
Finally, repeat the process for the front plate, removing the hands and dial to expose the pivot holes.
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Frequently asked questions
Clock movements should be oiled every 3 to 5 years.
Modern clock movements have a baked-on lacquer finish, so it is recommended to use a synthetic oil that won't break down over time.
Apply the oil to the pivot holes in the brass backplate. You can also apply some oil to the pallets of the escapement.
Before oiling, it is important to clean the clock movement using an alcohol or electrical contact cleaner. You can also use petrol or kerosene, but make sure to dry it out with compressed air afterward.
