Clock

[DaveHerns]

My clock was losing time so I took it out and sprayed the works with brake cleaner and then it didn't work at all. A spraying with WD40 and it's now working on the bench coupled to a booster pack so I can see if it needs regulating .Has anyone got any ideas about more suitable lubrication?

 

[Demetris]

You should treat it as an old clockwork alarm clock, because this is what it really is in essence.

So any thin machine oil, i think sometimes it's called watch oil, will do. Just apply it sparingly (use a toothpick for example to apply a small droplet) at the right places, bearings etc.

 

[ghce]

Sewing machine oil and as Demetris says applied only to the area you need to lubricate ie bearings with either a pin, tooth pick or thin scriber tip.
I used to use CRC226 applied in the same manner to good effect, I would never recomend spraying it with brake clean

Graeme

 

[colnerov]

Hi, I was once told diesel is a suitable light oil to use in clocks.

Colin

 

[Brian-Northampton]

Hi,

You need to be careful with lubricating the clock. If you just spray it like you suggested, then you are going to coat the hairspring with oil. This makes the spring 'sticky' and the spiral rings of the spring will stick to each other. The result is that the spring will act like it is shorter resulting in a much faster oscillation and therefore your clock will run much faster and also erratic so you will not be able to regulate it (ask me how I know!). Keep the spring dry at all times.

Like everyone says, oil the bearings/pivots with a cocktail stick or very very fine artists brush.

Cheers,
Bri.

 

[DaveHerns]

Has anyone done a guide to taking the clock apart ? When the points close it doesn't seem to kick into life but it does if I unplug it and reconnect it .Is there a condensor somewhere ? I'm a bit unwilling to undo the main bolts and have all the wheels spring out