Otis Singleton
Noisy clocks can be a nuisance, especially when you're trying to sleep or work. While some people may not mind the ticking of a clock, others may find it distracting or irritating. Luckily, there are several ways to quiet a noisy electric clock. Some methods include adding mass to the back of the clock, using glass or foam insulation, lubricating the gears, or even replacing the clock with a quieter model. The chosen method will depend on the type of clock, the source of the noise, and how much time and money one is willing to invest in the project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Glass case, laminated glass, acoustic dampening foam |
| Clock replacement | Bramwell Brown clocks |
| Clock lubrication | Clock oil, superlube, grease |
| Clock mechanism replacement | |
| Add mass to the back of the clock | Quilting, tape |
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What You'll Learn
Use a glass case to insulate the clock
If you have a noisy clock, one way to reduce the sound is to use a glass case to insulate the clock. Glass is a fairly effective acoustic barrier, and placing a glass case over the clock can help to dull the ticking sound while still allowing you to read the time.
When choosing the type of glass to use, consider laminated glass. This type of glass can dampen noise more effectively than tempered glass. Additionally, if the laminated glass case falls or slips, it will shatter into one piece, making it safer than tempered glass, which may break into multiple pieces.
When installing the glass case, proceed with caution to avoid any accidents or damage to the clock. You can find glass cases for clocks online or at specialty stores.
If you're looking for an alternative solution, you can also try using acoustic dampening foam, similar to the kind used in recording studios. This option will obscure the clock, so it may be better suited for times when you don't need to frequently check the time, such as when studying or working.
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Lubricate the gears inside the clock
If your electric clock is noisy, you may need to lubricate the gears inside. Before you begin, check if your clock has a manual, as this may diagram the maintenance required to keep your clock in good working shape.
To lubricate the gears inside your clock, you will need to open it up. Use appropriate clock oil for the gears, as substitute oils like WD-40 can ruin the gears. If your clock is a vintage timepiece, you may want to use a heavier oil, like turret clock oil.
Around each pivot on the outside of both side plates is a countersink, or oil well. Place a drop of oil in each one, but be careful not to use too much, as it may run down the side plate and pull out the lubrication. You can also lubricate the winding spring shafts passing through the plates, click springs, ratchets for winding springs, and any moving shafts operating bells or chimes. Grease may be more suitable for these parts as it will stay in place and not dry out over time.
If your clock is a Sankyo electric clock, you may need to take a different approach. One method is to grind a small slit in the corner of the rotor's case with a Dremel tool and inject around 0.5 cc of lightweight oil using a hypodermic needle. You can also heat up the rotor to help distribute the oil.
Once you have added oil, let the clock sit for at least 15 minutes to ensure it is running correctly. Add more oil as needed, but be mindful that more is not necessarily better.
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Add mass to the back of the clock
If you want to quieten a noisy electric clock, one option is to add mass to the back of the clock. This works in the same way as insulating a stud wall, as the extra mass will absorb some of the ticking noise, dampening it slightly.
To do this, you can use a dense and heavy fabric like a thick quilt. Place the cloth over the ticking mechanism so that it is completely covered. Then, use packing tape to seal the quilt's edges tightly.
It is worth noting that this method may not block all the noise, as some sound may still escape through the clock's face. Additionally, this method may not be practical if you need to change the clock's batteries frequently, as you will need to remove the tape and quilt each time.
Another option is to wrap the entire clock in a soundproofing material like Dynamat or mass-loaded vinyl. This will be more effective at blocking the noise but may be more fiddly to execute.
If you are able to open up your clock, you could also try lubricating the gears with a suitable clock oil to help them run more seamlessly and quietly.
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Replace the clock mechanism
If your electric clock is noisy, one option to consider is replacing the clock mechanism. This can be done cheaply, quickly, and relatively easily. You can keep the clock hands and the clock face, and simply swap out the mechanism itself.
If you are attached to your clock and do not want to replace the entire mechanism, you could try to replace the motor. The motor is a sealed part, but it can be removed and potentially replaced with a modern alternative. However, this may be challenging, as it is not a unique part, and there may not be a direct replacement available.
Before replacing the mechanism, you could try lubricating the gears. This can be done with a lightweight oil, such as clock oil, or even a grease such as Superlube. It is important to use the correct lubricant, as some substitutes, like WD-40, can damage the gears. You can also try flushing the motor with alcohol before adding oil. However, be careful not to use too much oil, as this can reduce torque and cause the clock to run slowly.
If you are able to open your clock, you can access the gears and add lubrication. You can also refer to the clock manual, which may provide instructions on maintaining the clock and keeping it running quietly.
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Buy a new, quieter clock
If you are tired of your noisy clock, it may be time to get a new one. There are many clocks on the market that are designed to run smoothly and quietly. If you are attached to your current clock, you could try insulating it with glass or foam, or lubricating the gears, but these methods may affect the clock's appearance or functionality.
A new, quieter clock could be a better investment in the long run. For example, Bramwell Brown's clocks display the weather with whimsical art and run noiselessly. They only slightly rumble and burble while the little theatre of moving clouds starts to move as a result of atmospheric pressure changes.
If you are looking for an alarm clock, there are many options available that are completely silent, such as the Lemnos Riki, which has a timeless analog design. The DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock is another silent option, with a large numerical display and two USB ports.
Some other features you may want to consider when buying a new clock include adjustable lights that simulate sunrise, speakers that play soothing sounds or guided meditations, and accompanying apps that let you choose from various alarm sounds. You can also find clocks that charge your phone overnight or project the time onto your wall.
Before purchasing a new clock, think about your priorities and what features are most important to you. Do you want a clock with a large display, one that charges your devices, or one that has soothing sounds to help you sleep? With so many options available, you're sure to find a quieter clock that meets your needs.
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