The First Rant Video of 2020 (see - that means things are going well) STOP OILING YOUR NuTone DOOR CHIME - It's not much to ask - Just STOP - Really - Chris
Thank you so very much for making that video! It was helpful beyond helpful! I love the fact that you repeated do not oil so many times to drive the point home! I don’t think my husband will oil any parts of the doorbell after watching!
Thank you for this video, you saved my doorbell. My old house came with a "Barcelona" 4 chime with a stuck plunger, and I literally had a can of WD 40 in my hand as I went searching here for "how to oil nutone." Cleaning the grime and dust out instead, its perfect now.
Oh well! Would have been nice to see this video before I finished ruining our doorbell. I sprayed canned garage door oil and it improved 100% from the sticking plungers, then days later the plungers hardly moved. The old one 1967-2023 It had a good run.
Hi abear: It's not to late - You can disassemble the Power Unit (don't lose any parts!!!) and clean everything with lighter fluid - You could also send it to me if you don't want to tackle the job yourself - Chris
Hi anthony: Here's a link to our Video that shows how you can make replacement Springs - from the Springs that we have available to buy - ruclips.net/video/0qc-QK5VSWQ/видео.html Chris
Hi mitcho: NuTone made 2-Note Long Tube Door Chimes between 1936 and around 2005 (about 70 years) There are many, many different Models, with many, many different types of covers - If you search diligently on eBay, eventually you'll find a Model that you like - Make sure it is complete (Cover - Tubes - Chime Base) Sometimes, there will be a 3rd Tube (in the center) this is strictly cosmetic (makes it look fancier) - Chris
Hey Chris, I've corresponded with you via email about my old Nu-tone before, but I thought I'd ask you here since it started acting up. How often should these units have to be cleaned like this? I did not oil it, but the plunger is not hitting the other side again. Does just normal humidity draw oils to the plunger? Thanks.
Hi nick: There's no regular schedule as to when a Chime may need to be cleaned - It needs to be cleaned when it begins to work incorrectly - Environmental conditions cause the plunger to become 'sticky', things like smoking - cooking - fireplace smoke etc. would be things that cause problems. You also need to take into account the age of the Chime and possible 'wear & tear' issues - Chris
I have an old door chime similar to the one you described with the hanging tubes. The plungers are lightly pitted and rough. Doesn’t allow smooth travel. What would you recommend to fix this? Is it too far gone?
Hi GammaZed: I have never had any Chime that the Plungers were "too far gone" - Simply put the Plunger in the chuck of a cordless drill - use some 1000 grit wet / dry sandpaper and hone the surface clean - If there are some small pits in the surface of the Plunger, it doesn't really matter, These are not a "close tollerence" item. After cleaning, use some lighter fluid on the Plunger to act as a lubricant (do not use anything else!!!!!). After cleaning the Plungers, you also need to clean the insides of the Brass Solenoid Bores - Use the same 1000 grit sandpaper - cuting into small rectangles (about 2" x 1-1/2") - wrap the sandpaper arourd a #2 pencil - Insert into into the solenoid bore and hone it clean - It shoudl be Shiny Brass when you're done - again use some lighter fluid (nothing else!!!!!) to clean out the inside of the bore with a soft piece of cloth - Chris
My NuTone looks just like that 3 chimer, but specifically says “clean plungers with a NON-flammable cleaning fluid” and repeats “do not use flammable type liquids…”. (No positive example cleaners). Any suggestions?
Hi fisheye42: I have never seen a label on a NuTone Chime like that. As far as I know, beginning back in the 1930's, lighter fluid has been the recommended cleaner for the solenoids and plungers in NuTone Chimes. It's what I have been using for 35+ years - Chris
Anyone have an idea where I can find a NuTone Model K26 replacement? Doing some home repair and I'm not so confident on measuring the push pull solenoid's size and ordering any ole replacement. Would love to find something identical :) Thanks!
Hi George: The Power Unit in your K26 is unique to NuTone Chimes made in that time. Finding a complete Power Unit is unlikely due to its age. What is wrong with your Power Unit? These typically don't actually fail, they often just need some servicing to have them work again - Chris
So if it’s sluggish, clean it. Check. You did my daughters intercom. When we talked about that I told you I have a LD49. You asked for a video and I’ll get one soon. It’s down. When we moved to a smaller place my wife said no to me putting it back up.
What size are the screws for the wire connection? When we bought our house it came with a K20 913 two note chime that didn't have wires or screws connected.
Coming here after putting WD40 in my door chime and wondering why it doesn't work at all... Ugh. In fairness to me, my chime (a 1950s Rittenhouse) has absolutely no instructions on it, so I had no idea. Time to go buy some lighter fluid...
@@northsideservicecompany3567 lol. I actually found an old KA-10 at a garage sale. Do you know what voltage it runs on? There is a similar looking one in my house (built in 1980) and it seems to run on 24.
@@Tmudd1029 Yes, have a rag ready to catch it when it runs out of the other end - Then activate the Chime several times - repeat until it works well - Chris
@@northsideservicecompany3567 works great now!!! Thank you for your video!! Can you replace the fabric on the housing? Previous owners got paint on it.
@@Tmudd1029 Even when the Chime was new - you could not have gotten the Fabric as a replacement part. Perhaps there was a time that the entire cover was available - but those days are long gone. You could find some fabric that suits your décor and swap it out - Chris
Hi Vicki: So, Hers' what needs to be done - 1. Disconnect the wires from the Power Unit (label them so you know where to put them back) 2. Remove the Power unit from the Chime 3. Get some lighter fluid: Zippo - Ronson, the kind you use in a lighter (not BBQ fluid or anything else). 4. Over a shop towel flush out the oil from the solenoid with the lighter fluid - The put you finger over 1 end of the solenoid tube (to block it closed) fill the tube 1/2 was with lighter fluid - cover the top of the tube with your other finger and shake it back-and-forth many times - empty and repeat until your certain the oil is gone. 5 reassemble the Chime and give it a try. So what was the original problem that made you oil it?? - Chris
People are very stupid/determined :-( I have never seen a door chime like that, a nice simple design. Brush the dust off every month, and oil it ha ha :-D just winding you up lol.
The First Rant Video of 2020 (see - that means things are going well) STOP OILING YOUR NuTone DOOR CHIME - It's not much to ask - Just STOP - Really - Chris
Thank you so very much for making that video! It was helpful beyond helpful! I love the fact that you repeated do not oil so many times to drive the point home! I don’t think my husband will oil any parts of the doorbell after watching!
Hi debpray: Then my job is done here - Thanks - Chris
I never even thought about oiling a door chime. Now I have this nagging thought to oil my door chime. Keep it up!
Hi nsbioy: Fight the urge - Chris
Thank you for this video, you saved my doorbell. My old house came with a "Barcelona" 4 chime with a stuck plunger, and I literally had a can of WD 40 in my hand as I went searching here for "how to oil nutone." Cleaning the grime and dust out instead, its perfect now.
Hi z2550: Perfect - Glad the Video help save your Chime for the dreaded WD40 - Yikes!! - Chris
Great video! Great advice! Read the darn instructions!!
Hi jddeefo1022: Yes, always a good idea - Chris
Oh well! Would have been nice to see this video before I finished ruining our doorbell. I sprayed canned garage door oil and it improved 100% from the sticking plungers, then days later the plungers hardly moved. The old one 1967-2023 It had a good run.
Hi abear: It's not to late - You can disassemble the Power Unit (don't lose any parts!!!) and clean everything with lighter fluid - You could also send it to me if you don't want to tackle the job yourself - Chris
One of the funniest videos on youTube!! Thanks for this, now I know how to recover from somebody else's F-up!!
Hi Michael: I hope the point gets across to everyone. . . - Chris
Sadly someone lost the spring from inside and I can't find a replacement
Hi anthony: Here's a link to our Video that shows how you can make replacement Springs - from the Springs that we have available to buy - ruclips.net/video/0qc-QK5VSWQ/видео.html
Chris
@@northsideservicecompany3567 thank you!!! I can't find the link to the springs though
You can contact us directly about the Springs - Chris nscompany@msn.com
@@anthonymorales1178
Hello, do you know where I can purchase a replacement door chime just like the one in this video?
Hi mitcho: NuTone made 2-Note Long Tube Door Chimes between 1936 and around 2005 (about 70 years) There are many, many different Models, with many, many different types of covers - If you search diligently on eBay, eventually you'll find a Model that you like - Make sure it is complete (Cover - Tubes - Chime Base) Sometimes, there will be a 3rd Tube (in the center) this is strictly cosmetic (makes it look fancier) - Chris
Husband oiled it because he wanted to get rid of it.
Hi WESTEL Audio: Possibly - Chris
@Neal Wang Thanks, same to you! - Many happy returns - Chris
Hey Chris, I've corresponded with you via email about my old Nu-tone before, but I thought I'd ask you here since it started acting up. How often should these units have to be cleaned like this? I did not oil it, but the plunger is not hitting the other side again. Does just normal humidity draw oils to the plunger? Thanks.
Hi nick: There's no regular schedule as to when a Chime may need to be cleaned - It needs to be cleaned when it begins to work incorrectly - Environmental conditions cause the plunger to become 'sticky', things like smoking - cooking - fireplace smoke etc. would be things that cause problems. You also need to take into account the age of the Chime and possible 'wear & tear' issues - Chris
I have an old door chime similar to the one you described with the hanging tubes. The plungers are lightly pitted and rough. Doesn’t allow smooth travel. What would you recommend to fix this? Is it too far gone?
Hi GammaZed: I have never had any Chime that the Plungers were "too far gone" - Simply put the Plunger in the chuck of a cordless drill - use some 1000 grit wet / dry sandpaper and hone the surface clean - If there are some small pits in the surface of the Plunger, it doesn't really matter, These are not a "close tollerence" item.
After cleaning, use some lighter fluid on the Plunger to act as a lubricant (do not use anything else!!!!!). After cleaning the Plungers, you also need to clean the insides of the Brass Solenoid Bores - Use the same 1000 grit sandpaper - cuting into small rectangles (about 2" x 1-1/2") - wrap the sandpaper arourd a #2 pencil - Insert into into the solenoid bore and hone it clean - It shoudl be Shiny Brass when you're done - again use some lighter fluid (nothing else!!!!!) to clean out the inside of the bore with a soft piece of cloth - Chris
Thanks, I did clean out the bores and it seems like someone definitely oiled it before me. It’s working much better now.
You tell 'em!!!
Hey Jim: I did - didn't I :) - Chris
Great Video, looks like your seat could use some oil though.
Hi Randall: True enough - gotta hate the squeaky chair - Chris
My NuTone looks just like that 3 chimer, but specifically says “clean plungers with a NON-flammable cleaning fluid” and repeats “do not use flammable type liquids…”. (No positive example cleaners). Any suggestions?
Hi fisheye42: I have never seen a label on a NuTone Chime like that. As far as I know, beginning back in the 1930's, lighter fluid has been the recommended cleaner for the solenoids and plungers in NuTone Chimes. It's what I have been using for 35+ years - Chris
Anyone have an idea where I can find a NuTone Model K26 replacement? Doing some home repair and I'm not so confident on measuring the push pull solenoid's size and ordering any ole replacement. Would love to find something identical :) Thanks!
Hi George: The Power Unit in your K26 is unique to NuTone Chimes made in that time. Finding a complete Power Unit is unlikely due to its age. What is wrong with your Power Unit? These typically don't actually fail, they often just need some servicing to have them work again - Chris
So if it’s sluggish, clean it. Check. You did my daughters intercom. When we talked about that I told you I have a LD49. You asked for a video and I’ll get one soon. It’s down. When we moved to a smaller place my wife said no to me putting it back up.
Hi Christopher: Yes - Cleaning is always the first step. Use lighter fluid as recommended by NuTone - Chris
What size are the screws for the wire connection? When we bought our house it came with a K20 913 two note chime that didn't have wires or screws connected.
HI Scott - I do not know what size the screws are, except very small. . . They are a fine thread machine screw - Chris
@@northsideservicecompany3567 thank you for getting back to me so fast. The guy at Lowes was able to figure it out for us. It's #4-40 machine.
*Hmm, I wonder what "DO NOT OIL" means?*
Hi Baltimore: And I though I was fairly clear about this. . . - Chris
Real lol….
LoL ... thank you, now I know NOT TO OIL my door chime. 😅 I was about to ef things up 🤣 😂
Hi PrettyWicked1: Good thing that you found the Video - just in the nick-of-time - Chris
So are you saying to oil it or not to oil it
Hi Vicki: I'm fairly sure that I said not to oil it. . . - Chris
lmao
Coming here after putting WD40 in my door chime and wondering why it doesn't work at all... Ugh.
In fairness to me, my chime (a 1950s Rittenhouse) has absolutely no instructions on it, so I had no idea. Time to go buy some lighter fluid...
Hi DarkWolf: Absolutely the right thing to do - Chris
Soooo what you’re saying is
I’m not supposed to oil it……..
LOL
Hi droberts: Exactly - Chris
Oh boy time to go oil my nUtONE door chime! Of course its a good idea! It practically says DO NOT OIL right on it!
Alright Timmy - put down the oil can and step back. . .- Chris
@@northsideservicecompany3567 lol. I actually found an old KA-10 at a garage sale. Do you know what voltage it runs on? There is a similar looking one in my house (built in 1980) and it seems to run on 24.
@@audiodood I would think that a 16 Volt AC Transformer with between 15-30 Watts would best - Chris
@@audiodood16VA
I love you when your mad!!😄
Hi Jason: Some things arr just sooooo frustrating :) - Chris
What brand of lighter fluid do you recommend? Zippo?
Hi Thomas: The 2 most common brands seem to be either Zippo or Ronson. I have used both and they both work fine - Chris
@@northsideservicecompany3567 can you put a couple drops in that tube without removing it from the wall?
@@Tmudd1029 Yes, have a rag ready to catch it when it runs out of the other end - Then activate the Chime several times - repeat until it works well - Chris
@@northsideservicecompany3567 works great now!!! Thank you for your video!! Can you replace the fabric on the housing? Previous owners got paint on it.
@@Tmudd1029 Even when the Chime was new - you could not have gotten the Fabric as a replacement part. Perhaps there was a time that the entire cover was available - but those days are long gone. You could find some fabric that suits your décor and swap it out - Chris
Is it OK to oil my chime?
Hi james: Ah - No - Chris
I just got done oiling mine now what
Hi Vicki: So, Hers' what needs to be done - 1. Disconnect the wires from the Power Unit (label them so you know where to put them back) 2. Remove the Power unit from the Chime 3. Get some lighter fluid: Zippo - Ronson, the kind you use in a lighter (not BBQ fluid or anything else). 4. Over a shop towel flush out the oil from the solenoid with the lighter fluid - The put you finger over 1 end of the solenoid tube (to block it closed) fill the tube 1/2 was with lighter fluid - cover the top of the tube with your other finger and shake it back-and-forth many times - empty and repeat until your certain the oil is gone. 5 reassemble the Chime and give it a try.
So what was the original problem that made you oil it?? - Chris
nice hands ! thats all I saw :(
Hi Wasseem: True enough - But, did you actually learn anything?? - Chris
People are very stupid/determined :-(
I have never seen a door chime like that, a nice simple design.
Brush the dust off every month, and oil it ha ha :-D just winding you up lol.
Hi zx8401ztv: yah - yah - yah :) - Chris