Grandfather clocks are not only magnificent pieces of machinery, but they are also complex mechanical systems that need to be properly taken care of and serviced. Oiling and fixing a grandfather clock‘s movement is an essential part of maintenance. The longevity and smooth movement of the clock are guaranteed by routine oiling.
No further worries, though it’s quite challenging but not an impossible task. We’ll walk you through the detailed procedure for how to oil a grandfather clock in six easy-to-follow steps.
Tools You Need:
Before you start, below are the tools you will need to gather to lubricate your grandfather clock
- High-quality clock oil (made especially for Grandfather clocks)
- Tissues or soft cloth
- A precise lubricating pen or pliers
How to Oil a Grandfather Clock: Step-by-Step
- Rest the pendulum movement
- Finding Oil Points (Rotors, bearings, and arbors)
- Apply the Oil
- Distributing the Oil
- Wipe out Extra oil
- Start the clock again
Step 1: Rest the pendulum movement
Check that the pendulum is at rest and the clock has stopped. This is important to prevent any errors or harm to the clock’s internal parts. Make sure your work surface is neat and clean and has sufficient lighting.
Step 2:Finding Oil Points
Every single grandfather clock varies from one to another. Follow the clock’s manual guide, if available. If not, identify the oiling points by closely monitoring the clock’s movement. Rotors, bearings, and arbors are common parts that need to be lubricated.
Step 3: Apply the Oil
Apply a small amount of clock oil to the tip of your pliers or precision oiling pen. A small drop of oil is all that is required; be careful not to overfill it. One by one, lubricate the particular points of rotation with oil. It is essential to use high-quality grandfather clock oil.
Step 4: Distributing the Oil
Turn the hands of the clock carefully to help the oil spread. By doing this, the unnecessary buildup of oil is avoided, and the oil is sure to reach all of the crucial parts. Wait patiently for the oil to find its way into the movement.
Step 5: Wipe out Extra oil
Use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe out extra oil after applying. This keeps the clock clean and helps prevent dust from sticking to the movement.
Step 6: Start the clock again.
Restart the clock gently after oiling all the necessary components and wiping out extra oil. Confirm that everything is working properly and that the chimes are sounding as they should.
Our Best Picks oil for Grandfather clock
How to Clean and oil a Howard miller grandfather clock
Before starting to clean and oil the Howard Miller grandfather clock, you need a few supplies
- Soft towel
- Cleaning solution
- Lubricant specially for Grandfather oil
- Tweezer or oiling pen
How to clean Howard miller grandfather clock
- Make sure the swinging pendulum is at rest and the clock is silent.
- Clean the exterior of the clock with a soft cloth. Avoid using too much pressure, as it may damage the clock.
- Clean the clock’s glass using a clock cleaning solution (made specifically for clocks).
- Avoid spraying any harsh chemicals onto the clock’s wooden surfaces, as this could damage the surface.
- If your Howard Miller clock contains brass accents, clean and polish the components with an authorized brass cleaner.
- Now it’s time to reassemble your Howard Miller grandfather clock again and make sure the chimes are working as they should.
Servicing Schedule
Every two to three years, you should oil your grandfather clock for smooth functioning. However, it might be necessary to perform a regular checkup and oiling if you observe any irregularities in timekeeping or if the chimes of the clock start to sound erratically.
A grandfather clock needs to be well-oiled, which takes time and accuracy. Your treasured timepiece will last forever with regular maintenance, keeping time for many generations to come. If you are worried about doing this on your own, hire an expert clock repairer to maintain your clock.