How To Oil Your Clock Movement

Every mechanical clock needs a good oiling periodically, otherwise the pivot holes will begin to wear out. Maintenance for your clock should be performed roughly every three to five years. In this video, we’ll show you how to properly oil your clock’s movement so you can avoid damage and prolong its working lifespan. Please note, this is general maintenance for clocks in good working condition. If your clock is not running correctly, a simple oiling may not fix it. Consult a professional if your clock continues to run poorly.

The first step is to remove the movement from the case. This will vary from clock to clock, and is a topic for another day. Do not attempt to oil the movement while it is still mounted in the case. You won’t be able to access the front of the movement until it is removed. Once you have it out, it’s time to apply the oil. We recommend 859 clock oil, available at EmperorClock.com. This is a synthetic oil. It’s is VERY important to use synthetic oil. Don’t go trying to use WD-40, cooking oil or any other lubrication. Some of these will eat away the finish and cause all kinds of mayhem with the inner workings of the movement.

Now hold up, don’t just go dumping that oil randomly. On the front and back plates, you will see the pivot points where the arbors poke out. Apply one small drop of oil onto each of these points. Don’t rush the process, or you may miss some of the points. Some of them are hidden behind other pieces. Please note that you do not need to oil any of the gears. Only the pivot points require it. Add a small drop of oil to the pallet anchor as well. Be careful not to over-oil any of the points on your movement. If allow the oil to gather in pools, this can attract dirt and dust, creating a grimy build-up that will cause issues. Our goal here is to fix an issue without accidentally creating a new one.

The final step is putting the movement back inside the case. Once that’s done, your clock is all set for the next three to five years! 

Purchase Clock Oil: here.