Clock Question

[SpringJim]

Re: Clock Question

Thanks all....good answers at a great price.

[gjbingham]

Re: Clock Question

David's the clockmeister. Now my turn - I've got a pendulum clock that quit chiming - no visible name. I think it may be German. It's got a lever that turns on/off the chimes, or more specifically, stops the hammers from hitting the rods/bars chime when turned off. Now, the entire set of hammers rise and drop, but stop about 3 mm short of hitting the bars in both settings. The clock's about 20 years old, but spent most of its life in a box or hanging quietly on a wall. I think it last worked in Italy, about 10 years ago.

On the good side, I used to hide my rent money in there years ago. Recently, my wife found 400,000 Lire in there. On the bad side, you have to go to a Banco di Italia to exchange it for Euros.

Sound like I'm missing something easy with the clock, or should it go to a pro?


I know, I know. I got so tired of answering dental questions at the supermarket that I hid if I saw someone I knew. Thanks dmun. No requirement to answer.

[mannextdoor]

Re: Clock Question

You should never use anything but clock oil on a clock. It is very expensive and you don’t use much. I ruined a good clock trying to do it myself. Have it cleaned and oiled by a professional. Much cheaper in the long run.

[BrianShaw]

Re: Clock Question

If it runs fine, let it be. (snip) Half measures are worse than useless. (snip)

I totally agree. Two additional thoughts:

1. When it does start running erratically, send to an experienced repairman. Will cost a bit of money but should repay you in years of reliable service.

2. Often some of the holes in which the gear axles (pivots) rotate will need re-bushing to restore a round shape, and in many cases restore their position relative to the mating gear. This is something that requires professional equipment and experience; This is something that is often required to restore both good timekeeping and reliability to an old mechanical clock.

[dmun]

Re: Clock Question

If it runs fine, let it be. Most mechanical clocks will, first, show degraded performance, like weird timekeeping or slow striking, then stop entirely.

Any attempt at lubrication to a dirty clock, will mix lubricant with dirt, and form an abrasive paste that will speed up wear. When the clock stops, someone will need to dismantle it, replace or reface worn bearing surfaces, clean, lubricate and adjust it. Half measures are worse than useless.

Modern oils last for years, unlike the old animal based lubricants. It's not unusual for a clock to run ten years or more between overhauls.

[SpringJim]

David, I've got an old wind up clock, time and chimes winds. It runs fine and keeps time well and all I do is wind it up.

My question is what kind on maintenance should I do for it? any kind of lubrication? or just let it be since it runs fine?

don't know much about clocks.....
jim