How to fix an antique mantel clock. Service & lubricating an overwound movement. DIY Ansonia repairs
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- Here's some basic clock repair advice to enable you to get most old mantel clocks up and running again for many years. Most clocks end up stopping due to lack of maintenance and the fact that the old oil dries and gums up the movement. They are actually pretty easy to get going! Go on - I'm sure you can do it.. 😊👍
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I got a Linden mantle clock from my sister 45 years ago, and it quit working. We have been estranged lately because we have different political views. Breaks my heart.
I watched your video and bought some clock oil. Today I followed the steps you recommended, and it is now ticking away, AND my sister contacted me to meet for lunch. How wonderful that both happened today! Thank you!
That is awesome Pat!! When you put out good vibes, the universe rewards you!! Thanks for commenting, you've made my day now! 😊😊
lets go brandon!
So glad things worked out for you. Reconciliation is a beautiful thing.
very uplifting story‼️®™️
Just what they want
I've been repairing clocks for 30 years, and although I take some completely apart, more often than not I will clean them and oil them as a unit like you did here. That way I can have a happy customer and not charge an arm and a leg to make a $50 clock operate for many more decades. I get the same result and the clock snobs will disagree, but they're part of the reason people don't have their clocks fixed. Good video.
Thanks Marty, I really appreciate this comment! When I posted this I was expecting some negative comments about not being a proper repair job from the "proper" clock repair guys - but it didn't really happen thankfully! The bottom line is that it is an effective and economic way to save a clock's life... and I really wanted to stop people spraying the movement in gallons of WD40! 😱🤣
In my personal opinion WD-40 should NEVER be around clocks... after a few months the liquid solution becomes Gummy solution and main reason why most clocks stop working...
Sound advise.
Exactly my thoughts, i take a bucket fill it with gasoline 4%oil and blow Air on the whole thing with my Compressor Air gun, that way it will create alot of pressure and bubbles when the bubbles burst it blows the dirt away, just like ultrasonic just remember, no smoking, wear gloves and gas mask and do it outside 😃👍🏻
Hello, my mantle clock has three key holes/ wind up holes at the front the first one will not move when you put the key in, the other two work fine I can hear them when winding them, I have taken the clock apart and cleaned and oiled it, but it still will not chime the hour, it will chime every 15 minutes, but not on the hour, ie two tolls for two Of O Clock ec cetera, can you give me some advise please.
I have been collecting fine clocks and hoping that someday I could get them working again...............Without you tube this would be near impossible , as I am 71 and the art of watchmaking is long gone.....as an Automotive Machinist I am loving this new endeavor......I am lucky to find this basic honest wealth of knowledge, and I thank this channel.............
Thank you Thomas! Good luck with your clock repairs - it is very satisfying! 😊👍
Agree 100 percent my friend... less and less of us work with our hands anymore... hope this finds you in decent health buddy...🏴👍
Good video . This works for most larger clocks . A little tip .... when the solvent has dried . Put the end of the straw of a soray car carburetor ckeaner can hard agaist where the pivots come through the backplate and spray . This will remove any remaining gunk from the pivot holes . Then oil the pivots . I find a tiny amount of oil on the pallets also helps . Purists hate this way of fixing clocks but it doss work and keeps them running fir years . Regards from the uk .
Thanks mate! Yeah, I get numerous comments from the purists! But they can never answer how else to save a cheap clock economically! Thanks for the tips! Cheers from Oz!
15/8/2023.. Watched your video 2 days ago and followed it to letter on a Perivale clock that has been in our family for over 70 years. It hasn't been running for about 15 years but after putting it through this process it is happily ticking away....thank you...🍻
That's awesome Adrian! Great work 👍😃🍻
Thank you for posting this. I've inherited my grandfather's collection and am trying to learn the basics. You wouldn't believe how many clocks he had. I've sold a bunch and still have over 60 left.
Wow Troy, sounds like you'll be a busy boy! Good luck with it and thanks for watching! 😊
I bought a beautiful old HAC clock. probably circa 1900ish.
It had the enclosed (barrel) mainspring and chime spring.
One was obviously broken.
I did send it for professional repair/cleaning etc. Ended up costing $500cdn.. I have no doubt this clock will run for another hundred yrs.
If the springs had not been enclosed, I would have done what you did.
your vid was so easy to understand. tyvm from canada
Thanks Gord! Yes, enclosed springs make things a little more complicated! Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy your clock! 😊👍
Oh I’ve got my hopes up now, once I got a free weekend I’m stealing my late grandmothers clock from my moms house. It’s been ‘overwound’ for a few years now & not working. Need to take a peak inside & hopefully surprise my mom with a working clock.
Hopefully you have some success Cara! If the clock has been used a lot during it's life there's a chance it will be too worn to operate properly, but it's worth a try. This method is certainly not going to harm anything as long as the clock is re-oiled. Good luck! 😊
I was about to throw my Garrard mantel clock after two expensive services not lasting very long. I had nothing to loose.. I’ve done exactly what you’ve suggested and yey! It’s working. Thank you. Now I have to yet put it back together 😬😬😬
Awesome Phil, hope it went back together ok! 😊👍
Who ‘serviced’ that clock lol
I am so happy to see what makes the tick even and I am guilty of all you said NOT to do. Hence, I go to make my 1941 Mantle back to the 'Heartbeat' of the house, happy cheers, stuntgirl
Thanks stuntgirl, now you can correct all the things you shouldn't do! 🤣
My grandfather passed away on 7/11/23 and I received his wall hung clock that hasnt worked in a few years. The issue seems pretty similar to what you have here. Thanks for giving me the hope that I can get it working.
That would be nice to get your grandfather's clock going again Scott! Happy to help and I wish you success 👍😊
Beautiful!! I think that clock likes you. It's so nice to watch and listen to somebody who knows what they're talking about! Thank you!
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I need to do some more clock vids! 😊
This probably the best clockwork maintenance video I’ve seen
Wow, many thanks for that awesome feedback! 👍😊
Amazing! Thank you! My old 1890 clock is now working. I’ve looked for years for diy clock repairs and yours is the best!!! Thanks mate!
Fantastic John!! That's the kind of feedback I love to hear! 😊
Absolutely great video. I 100% agree with you
Beautifully explained. You seem to have covered everything for the amateur repairer. Well done.
Many thanks! 😊
@@TheUltimateRecycler 14:24
EXCELLENT !! This made perfect sense to me. I'm by NO MEANS rich enough to have our clock professionally restored. I'm a wood worker and a retired jet engine mechanic and feel that after watching your video I have the confidence to "restore" my wife's Dad's OLD clock that has been handed down through the generations, but sadly VERY neglected for the last 70 or so years. Has not run for about the same amount of time. I did manage to get it to run a little bit so I know it's willing and able !! Going to see if we can get the ole girl talking again !! Thank you so much for a common sense approach to getting 'er ticking again !! GOD BLESS YOU for your help !!
Thanks Art.. it's great to read comments like this! Hope you have success! If it's trying to go - you should be fine 👍😊 Let me know..
This was exactly what i needed to see, i have an old pendulum clock that's not running and didn't want to spend all sorts of money on specialty cleaner . I have sewing machine oil but don't have the spring release tool , so that might be a necessary purchase . Thx, you've saved me money not having to but 60. cleaner 🙂
Excellent! Good luck with your repair! 👍😊
an excellent video - well done and thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Marko! 👍😊
It is good for the layman to learn this cheap way of lubricating and you yourself have admitted,that is great. Believe me the satisfaction that a mechanic derives after servicing the clock is greater than the money he makes. Thanks.All the best.
Yes, it is very rewarding! Thank you! 😊
Hi there, while I was trying to unwind the main spring on a similar clock holding the key when I released the pawl the body of the clock spun around & the key sliced 3 fingers so be careful folks . Great video thanks
Yes, exactly Eric, much caution should be exercised! Those springs really pack a punch!
Sessions clocks have a reputation for weak ratchet pawls/click springs that when attempting to wind, the key will suddenly spin in your hand.
I nearly lost a thumbnail while winding a Sessions tambour clock.
Those springs pack a tremendous amount of power...(!)
Where have you been my whole life!!! I am a beginning horologist enthusiast and was given many clocks and parts by a retired professional… I have so many books on how to take down the movements but still get super confused when trying to put everything back without resorting to the videos I have of myself taken them down and the many many pictures I have of it as well.. sometimes books are just not enough and having someone to show you is a game changer… you kind sit are a game changer. I have literally been agonizing over what to do with my collection since I knew with accurate certainty I may only get 1-3 clocks ever completely disengaged in their entirety for a good cleaning and inspection of parts. This will at least help me decide which ones are worthy of doing. As you said, it is labour intensive and while I am learning I wouldn’t feel comfortable pulling apart the very nice ones by myself but at least I can try this on some of the ansonia so have!! Thank you so much for this video!!!! You have made me so excited to try this and no doubt will get plenty of my collection running. Thank you very much!!!
Thanks for watching and your awesome comment!! I'm very pleased to have been some help to you!😀
Excellent video, thankyou very much. I now feel able to have a go at an old Smiths clock I've retrieved from my parent's house.
Thanks Paul, glad it was helpful! Good luck with your project 👍😊
Thank you so much for taking your time to pass on your knowledge. You inspire me sir!
Thank you Sandra! 😊
I,am just starting to repair this was just what i needed. Thank you for your time.
Excellent! Thanks for watching. I Hope your repair goes well 👍😊
Brilliant. Youve just gave me more confidence to start repairing clocks. Great video.
That's great to hear Graham 😊
Many thanks for taking time to share. Breathing life into an old clock. Thank you AAA+++
Thanks for watching Richard! 👍😊
Excellent, excellent, excellent! You have inspired me to do mine. I'm going to do exactly what you did. Plus, i'm going to pour the gas into the lawn mower after the soaking is done.
What an excellent video. It's so practical and down to earth!
I'm sure you will mow your lawns in record time Bryan! 😉🤣
Thanks mate 😊
@@TheUltimateRecycler Ha ha! What I didn't mention is that there may be a "bit" of oil everywhere in my previous attempts to get the clock working. This oil will be good for the lawn mower engine. I may have sprayed down the entire mechanism with WD-40.
Question: This is actually a 45 year old cuckoo clock. But, this approach should still work (maybe easier because this clock has no main springs). It's just that it looks so hard to get the mechanism out because of all the levers. I can see oil hanging off the music mechanism. ha ha
Thank you so much Sir, I have one clock also, I did not expect that this is the only way to fix it, so excited to got home from my work today..
Thanks for watching! It's not the only way and not the best way - but it's probably the easiest and it does work!
Really terrific video! Very well done, great lighting, no jarring camera movement, and your explanation was so well done. Please keep posting these videos. My friend has an antique grandfather clock that needs the same type cleaning and I'm tempted to try doing to it, with what you did with this mantle clock. Thanks again!
Thanks Rob, that's great feedback! I'll be sprinkling my channel with all sorts of repair videos from time to time! I actually have two grandfather clocks to do at some stage!
We have a lovely old smiths chiming mantle clock that belonged to my partners grandfather, it hasnt worked for years , after watching this im confident to give it a clean and oil and see what happens. Thank you.
Awesome Steve! Let me know how you go.. 😊👍
I brought home an old antique clock, similar to yours, last night. It has been sitting in my parents basement for the past 60 years, on a shelf, completely untouched. Of course it did not work and it was a bit dirty with dust. I cleaned it off, polished the brass, cleaned the wood work and I was just going to put it on a shelf somewhere as a stationary ornament when I came across your video. My gong mechanism also worked, and the pendulum had at least some movement. Right now the mechanism is soaking in an old ice cream tub filled with gasoline (or petro as you called it...). I'm about to go outside again and give it a brush down. I will be using 3 in 1 oil for the oiling. It says it is good for sewing machines. I will post back on how it goes. Thanks for the tips!
Awesome John! Sewing machine oil should be fine, just don't use too much. Yes, definitely let me know how you go! 👍😊
Your video was very helpful, thanks a lot for the tips and for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks Ovdiem, I appreciate you watching! 😊
Thank you for making this video, demystifies service & lubrication. I have a quite a number of clocks, Ansonia, Seth Thomas, and more. I have relied on my clock man who is fantastic, for repairs and servicing of all my clocks over the years. But, being retired and having so many clocks the expense is getting to be a bit much, plus my wife is on me all the time to "quit buying clocks and get rid of some"! Well, I do have a few that are sitting on shelves as they need movement repairs, pivots worn, etc., and that is where the $$ show up having clock movements repaired or rebuilt. Over the years I paid to have minor & major repairs made to rare clocks I picked up and it was well worth it. But those days are over, and I am done getting more clocks, but I would like to service my running clocks as needed & try to repair the ones that are sitting. I realize a full bench of tools is expensive and I hope to find more dyi tools like you used for the mainspring and more videos on how to repair various parts of a movement.
Thanks for your comment Stephen. Yeah specialist clock stuff is very expensive! I haven't done any clock repair vids for awhile - I'll have to get onto some!
Morning, Stephen -
Just wondering if you've picked up any new clocks since commenting this, lol.
It's rather an addictive hobby, this collecting old clocks!
@@davestelling Hi, thank you for getting in touch. It is an addictive hobby for sure, my wife keeps telling me I need help..even though I keep telling her I don't drink or smoke..haha. Although I have enough clocks, keeping them serviced or repaired when something happens does have a cost to it. My Seth Thomas #66 ships clock, which is the big one just went in for repairs. I have had it for 15 yrs. and was spot on perfect for keeping time and striking the watch bells. Recently it started running slow and no matter how I adjusted it couldn't get it on the correct time, then it went the other way and wouldn't slow down. I obviously suspected something was wrong when it was striking the 9:30 bell watch and it wouldn't stop until after 15 strikes. I knew something was wrong for sure and took it in, sure enough some issues causing problems. I had the clock serviced regularly, but it is from the 1920's and you don't know what was and was not done to it over the years, and things wear out and break over time. So, getting an estimate on it now. But, I need to learn to do some basics, at least properly oil my clocks which would save me some money. I am a hands-on person and a perfectionist by nature, so the intricate workings of a clock would not be intimidating to me. The guys at the Clockmakers Gallery here in Eugene, Oregon who service & repair my clocks are great, esp. Wes, and they give me a bit of a break on all the work I have done. But as you probably know, when pivots or bushings need replacing, the bill goes up. My most recent buy is "Neptune", a French clock from 1855 with a Vincenti movement and was designed by G. Rouillard. It was displayed at the Paris Exhibition in 1855. It is 94cm high and very heavy, the original finish has suffered overy the years but the clock itself has no damage. Got it on Live Auctioneers for $250, no one else was bidding on it which sometimes happens, esp. if the clock is in an auction that has nothing to do with clocks. Anyway, it was from Florida and when I got it looked like it had been in an attic for decades, really dusty. Took it in crossing my fingers the movement was okay, was running but that doesn't mean anything. Turns out there was rust on the movement and pivots etc. So needed to be taken apart and cleaned, pivots polished, etc. which resulted in a $900 repair job. So, you never know what you are getting at an auction. But, it is a very cool clock & I like figural clocks immensely. I have a pedestal for it that I have to make a bit larger platform that will fit the 14" base. The link below is of Neptune with 2 garnitures which I think may be the clock that was at the Exhibition. It is the only other Neptune I could locate, and I spent a great deal of time searching for it. It is in spectacular condition for sure. Anyway, thanks for being in touch!
www.carters.com.au/index.cfm/item/494441-an-impressive-neptune-clock-garniture-in-bronzed-silvered-and-gi/
Thank you I learned so much!
Thanks David, I'm pleased! 😊
God bless you for the video, I took my clock to shop 3yrs ago for clean and oil ran fine then stooped again, he said it's probably something more serious. My dad gave me clock it's a cheap Korea wind up but means a lot to me its 45yrs old. I thought I'd order some oil and try myself so took apart and the guy put to much oil it was nasty so cleaned real good and he never oiled main springs at all, anyways oiled like you showed and thank God it's running again. I missed hearing it tic tok and chime, no more clock shops for me unless something actually breaks.
Fantastic - and well done to you for having a go! 👍😊
Excellent, great presentation
Thanks for watching! 👍😊
Thanks I will try that with my grandparents clock from 1936 that just stopped working in my fathers tenure about 20 years ago.
Fingers crossed.
Thanks again
Good luck with your project Liam! 👍😊
Hi,
I done as you recommended, I let the three springs down and gave it a petrol wash.
Almost instantly the striker and the chimes began to move into life.
The movement however did not show any sign of life,so I rewound it up to see if it would make a difference.
But unfortunately it did not.
I’m beginning to think there is a problem with that main spring and think I will have to remove it, it’s concealed within a small drum.
Thanks
Liam.
Love your videos very concise and informative.
@@liamo9823 The petrol wash method isn't really suitable for enclosed mainsprings unfortunately. The only real way to free them up and re-lube them properly is to dismantle the movement and remove the spring from the barrel which is MUCH more involved than just a petrol wash. Some movements allow you to remove the barrel & spring without separating the main plates, but still removing the spring and reassembling can be tricky and a little dangerous as the springs can pack a real punch!
@@TheUltimateRecycler
Hi Thanks,
Really appreciate your detailed description.
I think I will get it looked at by a professional.
Thanks again.
Liam
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and how to’s of making a clock come back to life with the simplicity of common sense and a little care and maintenance! I have learned more in this video than from so many books that I read. I am a subscriber!! Thanks again!
Many thanks Terry, that's wonderful feedback! 👍😁 Welcome to the channel! 😊
I was stupid and thought "i can unwind the springs w/o gloves" my thumb is torn up... ty for the videos. with the exception of the pain i love restoring this clock
It's amazing how much power those springs can pack Mikey! Hope your thumb heals quickly 😊 Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks for the lesson 🕰
Thanks for watching! 👍😊
Just dunked my clock mechanism in petrol. It's now going like a train. Will follow your instructions on the oiling. Many thanks; you've saved a (not very valuable) clock from the scrapheap
Excellent, I'm happy saving anything from the scrapheap! 😀👍
Great video, thanks for taking the time to make it. I really enjoyed it
That's great! Thanks for watching 👍😊
Great video, love your work!
Thanks Colin! 😊
Wonderful information. Off to try it. Thank you.
Thanks Dolores, hope you are successful! 😊👍
Your video has inspired me I'm going to try this tommorrow!
Ps thank you sir
That's great, good luck with your project 😊👍
Apart from teaching us the "clock works", which was extremely helpful and informative, an excellent presented and produced video. Everything is clear, good shots, good commentary and just super. Thanks Chris. Also wanted to see how one adjusts the uneven ticking as well, but as you say, not the purpose of this video. Well done and thanks! Do you perhaps have a video on that? Best wishes!
Many thanks Kobus for the great feedback!😊
I'll try and address adjusting the beat in a future video! 👍
Every insight is helpful, but shortcuts can be super helpful :) I particularly like the ideas of a petrol bath left overnight, and a reminder to use one only drop of oil: the logic being that the oils surface tension will hold it in place whereas more than a single droplet and it just tears and sucks all the oil away from bearings :) again thank you for posting. I'm already subscribed to your exceptional channel :)
Many thanks John, I'm glad you are enjoying the content! 😃👍
Thanks for making the video. It was very helpful. I’ve got an old mantle clock that needs cleaned and oiled.
Excellent, glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your project 😊👍
Excellent.
Thanks Johnny! 👍👍
Thanks mate - just what I needed.
Awesome! Thanks! 😁👍
Thank you for this wonderful video !! I have three old clocks that use to work when I was a child. The were my grandmothers. I am 68 so the are old! I am going to try my hand on cleaning one and will let you know how it goes!
Wonderful! Best of luck and yes - let me know 👍😊
Great video!!!
Thanks! 😊👍
Thank you 👍🏻
Bought an old Sessions Kitchen clock and your advice for cleaning and oiling put it back to running with an escapement adjustment runs fine, thanks!
That's awesome Johnny, I'm glad it was helpful 😊👍
I like to see such an high roller able to afford SO MUCH PETROL😉Nice work.
Haha, hang the expense I say!! 😆😆
Thank you for your video. Very pleasant to listen to and now I'm ready for my next step in trying to get my step-mother's mantle clock running again.
Awesome! Thanks Doug! Good luck with the job 😊👍
So helpful. Thank you so much. I have an old clock with Winchester chimes, (beautiful sound), but when I bought it, he told me it was 'over-wound'. :-) I got it at a great price because of that. Now I can't wait to get it running. Thanks again for your clear advice.
Thanks Danny, glad you found this helpful! I hope your repair job goes well 👍😊
Thank you for this wonderful video. I have a number of clocks that need service. Now, how about bedside alarm clocks. Are they difficult to repair?
Every clock is different in its repair requirements John. Small alarm clocks can be very fiddly, but may clean up and re-oil more easily than a larger clock. Many have excessive wear and require a complete dismantle and re-bushing which is much more complicated! Thanks for watching 😊👍
Very nice video. I shall be trying this on a beautiful old mantle clock I picked up.at the flea market. The works are very dirty.
Excellent JJ, best of luck with your project 👍
Great video, Thank you
Thanks Marty! 😊
The video I was hoping to find! I just bought an old mantle clock (missing hands, weird obviously not authentic pendulum) for $20, and was curious how hard it would be to work. Looks way easier than repairing a cell phone (being designed for repair definitely helps) and I've done that before.
May have to wait for the spring though considering the degreaser. 😂
Great Das, thanks for watching and I hope your repair job is successful 👍💪
Just found your page. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching! 👍😊
This was very useful for me, I have 2 old clocks thar are not running... many thanks
Glad it helped Andy, good luck with your projects! 👍😊
Thanks Chris. Might give my Dads old mantle clock a shot.
Go for it Glen! 👍👍
I have an almost identical Ansonia clock. The case is slightly different. I bought it at a flea market for next to nothing and a work colleague's father-in-law who was a clock repairer restored it for me for a very reasonable price. I thought the case was made from some kind of red wood but it turned out to be golden oak. Sadly, my clock is not working either and it had a bit of an accident so the dial is hanging off and the glass hinge will probably also need to be resoldered. When it was working, it kept really good time. Going to bring it down from the loft and have a go at cleaning it and repairing the case. Thank you for this informative video.
Thanks Pythonaria, I appreciate the comment. Good on you for having a go - I'm sure you can do it! 👍😊
Excellent video !!!
Many thanks Jesse! 👍😊
That’s helped me a lot thank you 👍
Thanks Derek! 👍😊
Great video. It really makes me want to go out and buy a clock and do this. Definitely motivating.
Awesome! Go on - buy a clock! 😁
Thank you!
Thanks for watching Tami 😊👍
Thanks, Good Info. I'm gonna try it!
Excellent Robert, good luck with your project! 👍😊
Great video, with some excellent advice! 9:44, for a moment I thought the bug was on my screen. :) I've inherited an old barometer/thermometer/clock/hygrometer from my parents. I don't recall the clock ever running, so it probably last ran in the 1960s, but I would like to get it going. Maybe it just needs a good clean and lubrication, and I need to get a key made somewhere. Would a synthetic engine oil be better, maybe a 0W-30, which is quite thin for cold climates; or even a shaver oil?
Thanks! 😊 Yes, if the clock has spent most of its life idle - there's a pretty good chance a clean and re-lube will get it going! Many clock repairers now recommend a synthetic oil 👍😊
Ty,Ive got identical ansonia.patent date 1882..will try your vid as chime striker doesn’t last long when fully wound,regards jamie,uk
Good luck with it Jamie! Thanks for watching 👍😊
Just fantastic. I've gotten into this by wanting to safely collect and store radium for geiger coiunter check and lab experiments (nothing for sale; just kept in the family and labeled with warnings, handled with repiratory gear etc., etc.). While radium burned out all the phosphors over time it can be isolated and re-mixed with fresh phosphors but kept visible in a cross-shaped vial behind thick, radioactivity-shielding glass and lead tape, as well as periodically relieved of radon gas. Anyway, I didn't have the heart to damage running clocks at first, so I got broken ones... then I didn't have the heart to throw away broken clocks I got. So I decided to re-paint them as best I can (without radium) and fix them. Then I realized I had a cuckoo clock from Mum in the laundry room. I always hoped I could do a quick fix like this, like has worked wonders for sewing machines.
Thanks for the detailed comment Jeff! Interesting! I don't plan on dabbling in anything radioactive!! 😱
Great stuff 👍
Thank you! Cheers! 👍
Hi, thanks for this :-). Any tips to re-grease main springs if they are enclosed?
There's really no way to clean them out and re-oil them effectively without complete dismantle unfortunately. Thanks for watching 😊
Thanks very helpful and yes I am trying to get my old family clock going. Its a three spring job and I reckon from your video mine will come good as well. I'll follow your video however the main springs are housed ggrrrr so not sure how to get some oil in there. I'll work something out.
Enclosed springs are much more of a problem Barry! Don't allow them to soak up solvents as it's generally a much bigger job to remove, clean & reoil them! Hopefully they are ok and just cleaning the rest of the mechanism, and re-oiling the pivots will get the clock going again. If not, a more major service is required.
Thanks so much, this is extremely helpful. Looking at a couple of the comments I can see what you mean about clock snobs, jeez. Why even watch a video like this if you're already such a genius 😑 anyhoo my first old clock has arrived from eBay, and I can't wait to have a tinker! I'm a bit nervous about petrol, but maybe all solvents are flammable I guess...I've not done anything like that before, I'll just have to be careful 😅
Good on you for having a go Rosalind - yep, just be careful and make sure you have good ventilation! 👍😊
Wonderful video and very informative! My wife picked up an 1890 mantel clock from an antique shop a few months ago. It does not run, but appears to be in working condition. I wanted to get it serviced, but the cost just to have it looked at locally is $250! I had some people tell me that they had had success with spraying it with WD40. I wasn't to excited about doing that but gave it a try anyway. The clock did start running, kinda, but quickly stopped and I am not going to spray it with anything else. I found this video and now feel very comfortable removing the movement to clean it and reoil it. Hopefully I can give it a shot in a few days.
Fantastic Nick!! Let me know how it goes! 😊👍
I will see this clock in my shop in about a year!
.. and what would you charge in your shop to repair this clock Markus had I brought it to you in the first place?
You over lubricated the movement. Never lubricate the gear teeth or meshing trundles. The excess oil attracts dust and will eventually stop the clock. You do very nice work and I only saw that one little mistake. I’ve been repairing for 40 years and still learn new steps and processes every day. I might have come across as to critical with not enough explanation. I apologize. Like I said You do good work !
@@markuswatson2123 Thanks for your concerns, but I am wondering how closely you watched this video. At no time did I oil the gear teeth and I even explained exactly what you just said about attracting dust. You are correct in saying we never stop learning though, and I do welcome constructive comments from experienced clock repairers 😊👍
thanks so much for these fabulous videos, very helpful... one question if you have the time sir... do these clocks use magnets at all, to keep the pendulum moving? my girlfriend just brough one home, not antique, but home made and the pendulum wasn't moving, so i opened it up and it had a kids toy stuck in there as well as 2 magnets that were behind where the pendulum swings... it looks like it has glue on the back of one, and was wondering if that sounds right?....thanks again!
Thanks very much! 😊 Definitely no magnets required for the pendulum in a proper clock mechanical movement. They usually use magnets when the pendulum is only a pretend feature and not involved with regulating the speed of a clock. The movement in this case is usually a cheap quartz one requiring a battery.
I "tinker" with old clocks, usually gettin a small amount of oil onto the pivots. And pallet faces will restore operation... I avoid dissaembly, getting everything back together with proper gear timing can be a real challenge... Having a running movement "in beat" is important, too
Yes Bob, it's a big step for the inexperienced to consider disassembly! And it certainly adds a lot of time to the job even for the experienced! As long as there is minimal wear, no damage and the movement is not overly dirty, a careful re-oil can work wonders! 👍😊
This is just what I was looking for! Thanks so much. I love having my Westminster chiming clock but the springs won’t unwind very much after the clock’s been running. I’m going to get a better clock, a wall clock that is serviced, and pay more than the £30 I paid for this clock. Then I might have a go at cleaning this one. I’m subscribing 😁, cheers!
Thanks Jazz Man.. definitely give it a go! 👍😊
I'd love to see the rest of the work that needs to be done on this clock. (Hinge, glass, etc)
I'm doing the case of another clock at the moment Zoe.. 👍😊
This is a good video thanks
Many thanks Gary! 😀👍
Great informative video, thanks for sharing this. Take care.
Thanks AL, appreciate you watching and commenting 👍 Take care yourself 😊
Brilliant! I love the breakdown of exactly how to do it. That reminds me, I better get round to bringing that modern white pallet clock back to life! I feel it needs some e-waste decoration first though 😄
Thanks ES, glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍
Thanks for sharing, I was just winding my old clock, and suddenly something broke and fell inside, and it became a very loose with no gears clicking. Any thoughts what that may be?
Yep, sounds like a broken spring unfortunately!
Grt instructions
Thanks mate! 😊😊
Great vidA
Thank you 😊
Great video, I’m the current custodian of my Grandfather’s clock and there are now two more generations in line after me.
I think it will be cool for the youngest to be able to say “That’s my great, great, grandfather’s clock.
Lately It runs for several days then then out of the blue it just stops. I give it a nudge and off it goes again. I’ll do the clean and oil thing although I might not have the guts to use petrol.
One question though, I notice the minute hand on your clock is about 3 minutes past the hour when the chime goes.
Mine is about 2 minutes out so I just set it fast so the chime is on time.
Is there a way to fix this?
Thanks
David
Thanks David. The stopping could be that the clock is slightly out of beat. Maybe try adjusting the level either way just a little (with a thin piece of card under one side of the clock). Try both sides over a few days and see if it makes any difference. As for the minute hand - there's no easy adjustment I don't think. It has to do with a trigger lever inside and it may have to be slightly bent to adjust the trigger position. If the hands are a thin type, you could possibly bend the base of the hand just a whisker to allow the tip to point a bit further back (or forward).
@@TheUltimateRecycler
The levelling card is a good idea. I also have a machinist level that will show how level it is. I had the clock serviced a few years ago by a professional clock maker and it was less than impressive as it didn’t really solve this problem. They told me about a small lever on the mechanism I could use to adjust it to get it to tick evenly just like you did by bending that piece slightly. Do you think I can see that lever now 🤠.
I’ll check the levels and experiment a little. If I can’t sort it out I’ll remove the mechanism and spray the pivot points with something like carb cleaner, let it dry and oil just like you did. I’m not game to release the spring without further research. I think I’ll let it wind right down then remove the pendulum and let that go as long as it can. It’s a seven day clock so it will be a bit of a wait. Thanks again for a great video. You have given me confidence to have a go at fixing Grandpa”s Clock 🤠
Nice job Chris 👍
Thanks mate, I do enjoy fixing mechanical things! 😊
Thank you for your video. I just fixed a clock using your technic. I was ready to throw the clock away, and now I have a happy wife.
That's awesome AJL! Happy wife - happy life! 😊👍
I have done this too. I've also used engine degreaser, because you can wash it off with water afterwards an d leave no petrol smell. Clearly you must be able to allow the clock to dry completely, and my hot South African sun makes that possible. As long, that is, as the springs are not contained within barrels. I would not do that with an enclosed spring, which, in any case, one can't lubricate without getting access to the spring itself. But the one clock I did with petrol retained the unpleasant smell of an engine that had been cleaned with petrol. How did you get rid of that after-smell? Very nice explanatory video - thank you. I have subscribed and an going to look for your other videos!
Thanks Dave. Yep, definitely not a method for enclosed mainsprings! The petrol smell faded pretty quickly but I did leave it about a week before reassembly. I guess you could rinse with IPA to reduce any smell. Thanks for the sub! I have some more clocks to do soon 😊👍
@@TheUltimateRecycler Looking forward to those other clocks, as I am not a horologist by any means, but enjoy trying to restore the clock and the bodywork..
great vid
Thanks Rick! 😊
I love your video.
I have a couple cuckoo clocks that stops after a short period of time. Would this cleaning procedure be ok on them , and do you think it might help them? Thank you very much.
I haven't done much work on Cuckoo clocks John, but if the movement is gummed up with old oil this method would probably work 👍
Thanks for that...great video. Can the sewing machine oil be substituted for "WD40 silicone" or the oil supplied with hair clippers?
Thanks for watching. Yeah, the hair clippers oil may be ok but I wouldn't use a spray lubricant of any kind.
@@TheUltimateRecycler Thank you
I loved this. Seems way simpler than what is on other channels. Where are you located? Do you run lessons?
Thanks Michelle! I like to keep things as simple as possible so that most can have a go at DIY repairs - on all sorts of things. I'm in Victoria, Australia. My lessons are my videos 😊
At the risk of sounding like one of those clock "snobs",might I suggest that while you have the movement out of the case,use an old small paintbrush and some Pledge or other cheap furniture polish to clean up the case.Just get the brush wet,and dab away the dust.Using a soft cloth wipe up the excess and stand back and admire your work.I learned this trick many years ago to remove dust and dirt from carved cuckoo clock cases.Wipe the inside of the case as well for best results.Doesnt make the clock run any better,but the owner will probably appreciate your efforts giving them a clock that smells fresh when you open the door to wind or set it.also,be sure to do the glass with Windex too.Careful,on the inside,dome have decals (striping or maybe the word "regulator")
Thanks Tim - that's really great advice! Not a "clock snob" comment at all! 👍😊
I have done this before, but i got an ebay clock that was so gummed up even after i seperated the plates and used an ultrasonic cleaner for over 2 hours i still had to clean every wheel pivot and bush by hand. Not sure what they oiled it with but it wasca green black gummy mess that dried and hardened. Somehow the clock did not need any bushings. It was probably still not running after they lubed it and put away.
Now if i wasn't the last to service i will do complete disassembly and cleaning. But it is VERY time consuming.
Yep, complete dismantle & clean jobs take a lot of time and for many people, a lot of courage!!
@@TheUltimateRecycler yep and i learned the hard way. Some chime clocks have to be timed properly and not having the procedure you put together try it. Oops thats not right. Then try to figure out how it works. Move some of the gears, snail and try again. Close, take apart again ok now i got it. But next time you will pay attention to these details.
Thanks for this. I have the exact clock. I soaked it in petrol but it still didn’t work. The springs are too tight. How do I make the key remover thingy. I note about not using the key.
I’ve admitted defeat and reassembled it but the bit that holds the pendulum won’t stay in place. How does it attach on?
Many thanks. Great video.
Thanks Monica. I just made let down tool from an old key (removed the wind part and riveted the drive part to the end of an old screwdriver). You can buy spring let-down tools online pretty cheaply, but I guess if you only have a one-time use for it, that's not really viable. You really do need to let the springs down to take the pressure off all the parts and allow a successful rinse. Also the springs may need a complete dismantle as they may be totally stuck with old oil - and that's going to be a lot more complicated than this fix. Not sure which part you are referring to - it it's the arm that the pendulum hangs off, you may have a broken suspension spring. You can buy them cheaply online if need be. Thanks for watching 😊
Use a length of dowel rod or a piece of broomstick, drill a hole in the end slightly larger than the diameter of the clock key shaft, cut a slot across the hole that is the same as the thickness of the wings on the key. Insert the key in the slot and use this as the let down tool. The dowel can be held firm but be allowed to slip slowly in the palm of the hand. Crude, but effective and safe. Used that method for a couple of decades before I could afford a let down tool.
@@dperry428 An excellent suggestion, many thanks! 👍😊
I just got an Apprenticeship at a clock shop.
I've been told that you can just soak the whole mechanism in ammonia from the store, like just plain lemon scented cleaning ammonia.
Will this work, or will it damage the steel components?
Thanks!
Well done on getting an apprenticeship mate! I'm not sure about an ammonia soak! It may cause some issues with the brass as well as steel.. 🙄
@@TheUltimateRecycler Thank you so much for your quick reply even on such an old video!
The man that I got the apprenticeship under instructed me to use ammonia, so I have currently have the movement soaking in ammonia despite my second thoughts, as I am going to do what he told me to do and if it messes anything up, then it will be because of his faulty instructions Haha
I will let you know if it works!
Thank you again so much.