Old Pendulum Clock that stop

Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 9:00 am     Post subject: Old Pendulum Clock that stop

Hi,

I have an old pendulum clock that stopped recently. I think it is time to do some cleaning and lubricating on the clock.

Just wondering, is Lithium white grease good for long term lubrication? What liquid shall I use for cleaning the gears? Lighter fluid? What shall I look out for?

Somehow, the above mentioned grease is more readily available in hardware store as compare to the clock oil.

Please advise.

Thanks.

Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 12:28 pm     Post subject:

Please advise. Thanks.

Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:29 pm     Post subject:

you can use lighter fuel to clean ina ventilated area.

Grease will just attract the dust quicker and you will have to clean again every so often. Clock oil applied correctly will run the clock for years. Sometimes grease is used on the strike lifting hammer arbor ptece.

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:46 am     Post subject:

Thanks for the advice.

Just another query, how about using SINGER ALL-PURPOSE OIL (for sewing machine) on the clock? how is it compared with clock oil and with the grease?

Regards.

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:18 pm     Post subject:

I would only use clock oil, as it is a different viscosity, and designed for clocks. Klockit sells a kit to oil your clock.

http://www.klockit.com/products/product.aspx?sku=99127

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 10:42 pm     Post subject:

I think amrad has a definite point here. I am not going to put 2 cycle lawnmower engine oil in my car. This would not promote proper lubrication and longevity. Sure it may do the trick for a short while, but eventually (sooner than not) it may lead to problems with my vehicle.

Using the proper (recommended) lubricant for my car is going to assure that my car will keep running for a long time to come (coupled with proper and routine maintenance, of course). The same holds true for a mechanical movement. Investing in the clock oil is the best recommendation - as it is the right product for the job.

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 1:37 pm     Post subject:

Point Taken. As my clock is an old clock, Diamond Brand, I am not sure what type of lubricant should I used. The clock oil is not so easily available in Singapore, at least not to my knowledge. Therefore, I am thinking of using White Grease, or the sewing machine oil, which is more readily available in normal hardware store.

I will try to see if it is due to the issue of my wall, but come to think about it, the clock may need some servicing after running continuously for around 6-7 years.

Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 8:01 pm     Post subject:

found these places on google.

King Wah Watch & Pen Store
Address: 111 North Bridge Rd #01-06 Peninsula Plaza Singapore 179098
Telephone: (65)-63379412
Fax: (65)-63387376

"Thinkers Novelty", #02-09/10 Park Mall
"Movement Antique", #02-01 Tanglin Shop. Center

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:10 am     Post subject:

Thanks for the help. Will try to find some time to go down to these shops for the oil.

However, I discovered something strange. I moved the clock to the other part of the house. It is running fine for the last 24 hours. But when I placed the clock back to the same mounting, it will stop soon. I have placed the clock in that location for the past 6-7 years and it is running fine. I am not sure if my neighbour fixed anything on that wall, causing strong magnetic field and obstruct the movement of the clock. The clock has been checked to be level.