Expert: William J Perkins - 3/2/2010

Question
Have grandfather clock, mechanincal gears.  If I blow dust off workings, what type of spray product might I use to lubricate or clean, or should I?  Thank you

Answer
Spraying a lubricant on a clocks movements always results in heavy over lubrication, which inevitably leads to serious damage.  To properly clean a clock it must be taken totally apart.  All pivots and pivot holes must be cleaned and polished.  Lubrication occurs after assembly.  ONE DROP of lubricant is sufficient for all pivots.  If you wish to attempt a cleaning job yourself, I suggest you obtain Philip E Balcombs book, "The Clock Repair Primer".  Given your interest in working on your clock I would suggest this book would serve you well.  I will tell you, right up front, there is great pleasure to be earned through your own successes.  Regards WJP