Clock Oil

benjamming · Nov 28, 2008

My out-laws have a Sligh grandfather clock. What oil should be used to oil the clock. The clock peddler they bought it from wants to sell them a vial of clock oil for $15. Educate me on clock oil in general. What are the typical components? Would 3-in-1 oil work? Why not?

I wasn't really sure where this should be posted.

XS650 · Nov 28, 2008

A friend across the street is a long time clockmaker/repairman. He said 3 in one would work and to be sure and lube both sides of the mechanism. He thinks you will need about a 4 inch needle to reach everything on a Sligh. The main thing about clock oil is that it's the right viscosity and clings to the surfaces better than run of the mill oils.

Basically, no harm done with 3 in one, but you will need to use it more often and probably end up needing to clean the clock sooner.

It's not a substitute for a proper cleaning and lube but better than nothing.

moribundman · Nov 28, 2008

Originally Posted By: benjamming
My out-laws have a Sligh grandfather clock. What oil should be used to oil the clock.

The proper oil costs about $7 to $20 for a bottle (lifetime supply). Check your PMs.

benjamming · Nov 28, 2008

Thanks guys! Very impressed with the information & timeliness.

jmac · Nov 28, 2008

I was thinking sewing machine oil would work, which is basically light mineral oil with a bit of tackifier I would guess.

moribundman · Nov 28, 2008

Originally Posted By: jmac
I was thinking sewing machine oil would work, which is basically light mineral oil with a bit of tackifier I would guess.

A clock has very slow and some faster moving parts. Different lubricants may be required for different parts. Clock oils resist gumming up better compared to other oils. Clock oil is designed to stay in place and not to disperse. This is an issue with all mechanical clocks and watches, even if the proper oil is used. If the movement isn't used, the oil tends to migrate, which is a serious problem.

In the end it depends on the particular movement which oil or oils are suitable. Some simple clocks may well run okay with pretty much any oil. The more refined the movement, the more damage you can do with the wrong oil.

oilboy123 · Nov 28, 2008

I was thinking three in one off the top of my head.......

mechtech2 · Nov 28, 2008

Over the years, I have torn apart many clocks of all types to fix or lube them.
It seems that everything evaporates - somehow goes away.
Anything premium lube that you would use for gun lubrication will be OK.

moribundman · Nov 28, 2008

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Over the years, I have torn apart many clocks of all types to fix or lube them.
It seems that everything evaporates - somehow goes away.
Anything premium lube that you would use for gun lubrication will be OK.

Philistine, use the proper oils.

Papa Bear · Nov 28, 2008

Try Glock oil ....

moribundman · Nov 28, 2008

I'll clean your Glock!

tom slick · Nov 28, 2008

Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
Try Glock oil ....

does it work on Gatches and Goo Goo Glocks also?

andyd · Nov 28, 2008

isnt clock oil made from whales or something?

alreadygone · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted By: andyd
isnt clock oil made from whales or something?

More than likely, the something.

Bob

Papa Bear · Nov 30, 2008

Made from a whale's "something".

mechtech2 · Nov 30, 2008

True whale sperm oil[for lubrication] does not go rancid, or dry out. Great stuff, with a tell tale scent.
Try finding it locally, anymore!

Tempest · Dec 1, 2008

I would think that just about any quality syn motor oil should work fine. Maybe a heavier grade if drainage is a problem. This should last much longer than simple 3in1 which is just a naphthenic prone to oxidation.

If drainage is still a problem, add in a small amount of grease or just find an 00 or 000 grease.

JHZR2 · Dec 1, 2008

Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
Try Glock oil ....

you mean copper antisieze?

moribundman · Dec 1, 2008

Originally Posted By: Tempest
I would think that just about any quality syn motor oil should work fine. Maybe a heavier grade if drainage is a problem. This should last much longer than simple 3in1 which is just a naphthenic prone to oxidation.

If drainage is still a problem, add in a small amount of grease or just find an 00 or 000 grease.

The stubbornness with which which some propagate the use of unsuitable lubricants, despite the availability of the correct oils, astonishes me. Lubricating a clock is not akin to lubricating a door lock, a door hinge, or your goat.

Tempest · Dec 1, 2008

Originally Posted By: moribundman
Originally Posted By: Tempest
I would think that just about any quality syn motor oil should work fine. Maybe a heavier grade if drainage is a problem. This should last much longer than simple 3in1 which is just a naphthenic prone to oxidation.

If drainage is still a problem, add in a small amount of grease or just find an 00 or 000 grease.

The stubbornness with which which some propagate the use of unsuitable lubricants, despite the availability of the correct oils, astonishes me. Lubricating a clock is not akin to lubricating a door lock, a door hinge, or your goat.

In your previous post you talk about oil running out and migrating. My post deals with this.

What is in "clock oil" that makes it so special? How is it different from other, more commonly available oils? You seem to know much about the matter.

Good article here:
http://www.abbeyclock.com/oil.html

Clock Oil

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