How to clean a clock?
There are different methods for cleaning a clock, depending on the type, age, and condition of the clock. Generally, you will need to disassemble the clock movement and clean the parts with a suitable solvent, such as ammonia or alcohol. You will also need to oil the pivots, bushings, and gears with a special clock oil to reduce friction and wear. Here are some steps to follow for cleaning a clock:
Remove the clock hands, dial, and face carefully. You may need a screwdriver or a pair of pliers to do this.
Take out the clock movement from the case and place it on a soft cloth or paper towel. Be careful not to damage or lose any parts.
Use a soft brush or toothbrush to remove any dust or dirt from the movement. You can also use compressed air or a hair dryer to blow away any loose debris.
Put the compatible parts of the movement in a tray filled with cleaning fluid. You can use a commercial clock cleaning solution or make your own by mixing one part ammonia with six parts water. Do not immerse any parts that are made of wood, leather, or paper, as they may be damaged by the fluid.
Let the parts soak for about 15 minutes, then take them out and rinse them with clean water. Dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Inspect the parts for any signs of wear or damage, such as bent or broken teeth, worn pivots, or cracked plates. You may need to replace or repair some parts if they are beyond cleaning.
Reassemble the movement.
Apply a small amount of clock oil to each pivot hole and a few escape teeth using an oiler or a needle. Do not over-oil the parts, as this may cause them to attract more dirt or pull all the oil out amd down the plate thus slowing down the movement. Use only high-quality synthetic clock oil that is designed for clocks.
Test it for accuracy and functionality. You may need to adjust the beat, pendulum, or escapement to ensure proper timekeeping.
Reattach the dial, face, and hands to the movement and put it back in the case. Clean the exterior of the clock with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner. Polish the glass and metal parts with a soft cloth.
You have successfully cleaned your clock! You should repeat this process every few years to keep your clock in good condition.
Or call an expert to do all that work.
Remove the clock hands, dial, and face carefully. You may need a screwdriver or a pair of pliers to do this.
Take out the clock movement from the case and place it on a soft cloth or paper towel. Be careful not to damage or lose any parts.
Use a soft brush or toothbrush to remove any dust or dirt from the movement. You can also use compressed air or a hair dryer to blow away any loose debris.
Put the compatible parts of the movement in a tray filled with cleaning fluid. You can use a commercial clock cleaning solution or make your own by mixing one part ammonia with six parts water. Do not immerse any parts that are made of wood, leather, or paper, as they may be damaged by the fluid.
Let the parts soak for about 15 minutes, then take them out and rinse them with clean water. Dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Inspect the parts for any signs of wear or damage, such as bent or broken teeth, worn pivots, or cracked plates. You may need to replace or repair some parts if they are beyond cleaning.
Reassemble the movement.
Apply a small amount of clock oil to each pivot hole and a few escape teeth using an oiler or a needle. Do not over-oil the parts, as this may cause them to attract more dirt or pull all the oil out amd down the plate thus slowing down the movement. Use only high-quality synthetic clock oil that is designed for clocks.
Test it for accuracy and functionality. You may need to adjust the beat, pendulum, or escapement to ensure proper timekeeping.
Reattach the dial, face, and hands to the movement and put it back in the case. Clean the exterior of the clock with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner. Polish the glass and metal parts with a soft cloth.
You have successfully cleaned your clock! You should repeat this process every few years to keep your clock in good condition.
Or call an expert to do all that work.
How long does it take to repair a clock?
Times vary based on a lot of variables. Most mechanical clocks requires a week of just testing to make sure all problems are solved. Most mechanical clocks take 3 to 6 weeks to work on a repair. Depending of repair work required it can be longer and parts that may need to be ordered.
Quartz clocks take about a day to two weeks if the movement part is not on hand and needs to be ordered.
Quartz clocks take about a day to two weeks if the movement part is not on hand and needs to be ordered.
Do you repair clock movements or replace?
All mechanical clocks will be repaired if possible in some circumstances. In the rare chance that a movement is modern (1960's or newer) and badly worn a new movement may be recommended if still made. The reason being that the costs to repair can easily exceed the cost to replace.
Quartz clocks typically will have the battery movement replaced if not working. As acid damage from battery leakage damages the chip or plastics inside become brittle after a few decades.
Quartz clocks typically will have the battery movement replaced if not working. As acid damage from battery leakage damages the chip or plastics inside become brittle after a few decades.
Can i overwind a clock?
No, it is near impossible to over wind a clock. Mainsprings can break unexpectedly as they are metal but typically if fully wound and not working it needs cleaning, oiling, and possibly repair.
The reason being that the spring are stuck together do to dried up mainspring grease that becomes sticky.
The reason being that the spring are stuck together do to dried up mainspring grease that becomes sticky.
ANy clocks you do not work on?
At this time I work on nearly every kind of clock but currently don't repair Atmos clocks. Also, do not have the machinery to make gears.
Do you warrant your work?
Typically yes. Most cleaning and repair work is warranted for 6 months. New movements are warranted from the manufacturers for 1 year on quartz and 3 years for most mechanical movements.
Adjustments, springs, and oiling are not warranted. Springs are made of metal and can break at any time inspecting them can sometimes find flaws but not always.
Adjustments, springs, and oiling are not warranted. Springs are made of metal and can break at any time inspecting them can sometimes find flaws but not always.
What kind of Maintenance do clocks need?
Mechanical clocks need to have just the oil wells and escape oiled every two to five years. This is to keep it lubricated without running dry. Similar to adding oil to a car engine.
Every ten to twelve years it is recommended to fully service and clean a clock movement. This is to remove old oils and polish worn parts and inspect and repair damage.
Quartz clocks need new batteries every six to twelve months for preventative acid leaks from batteries.
Every ten to twelve years it is recommended to fully service and clean a clock movement. This is to remove old oils and polish worn parts and inspect and repair damage.
Quartz clocks need new batteries every six to twelve months for preventative acid leaks from batteries.
How long can my clocks movement last?
If well maintained it could last a life time or longer. For most modern clocks movements made after the 1960's they are not designed to last and are instead made to be replace after about 20-30 years with little to no maintenance.