A mechanical clock, whether a grandfather clock, mantel clock or other mechanical clock, comprises mainsprings and levers to keep the clock operating and keep the correct time. There are particular parts of the clock which need oil every two to three years to continue working properly. If the clock doesn’t become oiled, or if it is oiled improperly, the clock may stop working properly. It may even stop working. You can oil a clock in only a couple of minutes, with a synthetic clock oil kit.
Eliminate the hood of this clock by sliding it forward or lifting it off of the clock foundation to reveal the internal workings of the clock.
Eliminate the time weight (typically on the right) only from the chain (not the strike pounds) if you are working with a clock which uses weights. Separate the pendulum from the pendulum crutch. Hold the fat cable to keep pressure on the movement and take out the strike weight. Eliminate the movement from the circumstance. Slide the hands off of the movement. Loosen the retaining pins and pull the movement plate.
Put the clock movement face down on a table. Put one drop of synthetic clock oil from a clock oil syringe to every oil tap on the clock movement. Turn the movement over and place a drop of oil to each of the petroleum sinks on the other clock plate in addition to the weight pulleys and the front plate posts.
Inspect the clock’s gears and pinions, particularly behind any mounts or levers, for concealed pivot points. Put a drop of oil on any pivot points, gears or pinions in which you find two or more operating mechanical components which are not gravity-driven.
Clean up any oil that may have dripped about the movement, usng a dry cloth. Reattach the movement plate and then hands, then slip the movement to the circumstance. Attach the strike weight, pendulum clutch and time weight before sliding the clock hood back into position.