Expert: William J Perkins - 4/10/2010

Question
I've heard that placing a rag or cap of some substance can lubricate a mechanical clock, is there any truth in that, if so what sort of substance should/could be used. I think I heard either kerosine or eucalyptus oil, not sure which or if they were in fact the ones to be used.

Answer
There is indeed an old YANKEE method for pulling dirt from a dirty clock movement.  It is quite simple, but no substitute for proper cleaning and lubricating.  Our forefathers resorted to this simply because there were no clock repair persons available.  Nobody could make a living by it during our early history.  What it amounts to is to place a leak proof vessel, partially fill it with coal oil, (kerosene), place a piece of cotton or other absorbent material in the vessel to act as a wick.  Don't saturate the cotton just assure that it is moist.  Put the vessel in the bottom of the clock and close it up.  The fumes from the coaloil will permeate the clock, causing the dirt to loosen and fall with the fumes back into the container.  If it is working properly you will note the cotton becomes dirty, this is the dirt being ejected from the movement.  This process does smell and should never be allowed to continue for an extended period.  Does it work?  You bet it does.  Does it do harm?  You bet it does.  Prolonged use softens the finish and glue, causing the case to eventually fall apart.  Does it stink?  You bet it does.  You can control the smell be minimizing the amount of coaloil used.  Both my grandfathers used this technique on all their clocks for many years,  There simply was no alternative.  Regards WJP