Repairing Guides

how to repair an antique clock

by Jessica Howell Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Remove old lacquer; polish, buff and apply new seals
  • Refinish tarnished brass; restore or re-plate nickel, chrome, gold or bronze finishes
  • Re-silver dial; refinish hands
  • Refinish and restore wood base
  • Reverse paint on glass; install custom glass

Full Answer

How to clean old clocks?

  • Introduction
  • Setting up the clock
  • Changing Suspensions
  • Putting it "In Beat"
  • Cleaning the Movement
  • Reassembling the works

How to fix old clocks?

Myths & Clocks

  1. You must not overwind the clock. Winding a clock spring all the way does not damage it! ...
  2. Mechanical clocks are very accurate. While most weight- and spring-driven mechanical clocks keep time within a minute or two a day, don’t expect split-second accuracy as you would get ...
  3. Buy only American. ...
  4. Just give it some WD-40. ...

How to unlock an antique?

Method 3: Using an Allen Wrench

  1. Insert the first Allen wrench at the top of the keyhole to push the lever If you need to open a deadbolt skeleton lock, you will need an ...
  2. Insert the second Allen wrench inside the keyhole. After you have positioned the first Allen wrench, insert the second one inside the keyhole of the lock. ...
  3. Turn the second Allen wrench clockwise.

How to repair dead wall clocks?

  • Power Source
  • Model Name/Number
  • Usage/Application
  • Service Provided
  • Work Provided
  • Usage/Application. Decorative designer wall clock. Remaining in tandem with the guidelines laid in the industry, we are engrossed in providing a wide range of Wall Clock.

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How do you fix an overwound antique clock?

Fixing An Overwound ClockClean The Clock. Sometimes cleaning your clock will get it working again. ... Lubricate The Mechanism. Like cars, all mechanical clocks need regular oiling. ... Replace The Springs. ... Find A Professional.

How do you restore an old clock?

1:585:53DIY Antique Clock Restoration - 1920s Ingraham Mantel Clock Case RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can also use an all or something similar i picked black lacquer spray paint for this as youMoreBut you can also use an all or something similar i picked black lacquer spray paint for this as you can see on this part i would spray it later let it dry sand it smooth. And then spray it again.

How much does it cost to restore an old clock?

Different clocks and their repair costsTypePriceClock with an hour strike$320 to $400Clock with an hour strike and tune$380 to $500Anniversary clock$145 to $200Cuckoo clock$150 to $4005 more rows

Is it worth repairing a clock?

It depends on why you want your clock fixed. Antique clocks often have sentimental value attached, and if the cost of the repair is worth being able to hear your Great Aunt's mantel clock ticking once again, then, of course, it is worth fixing (even if a replacement would be cheaper).

What kind of oil do you use on a clock?

Synthetic clock oilSynthetic clock oil is not cheap because it is specifically formulated for the metals used in clocks. Brass and steel are used in clocks because when properly lubricated with the right oil it forms a perfect bearing. Brass is a soft metal which is why you won't find it in car engines.

How do you service a clock?

2:0025:02How to fix an antique mantel clock. Service & lubricating an overwound ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pendulum shouldn't really be on there if you transport a clock always take the pendulum off itMoreThe pendulum shouldn't really be on there if you transport a clock always take the pendulum off it just saves any damage happening it can damage this suspension spring.

How much does it cost to get a clock cleaned?

The cost of servicing a grandfather clock can vary between $100 and $2,500, depending on what services are necessary. Normal servicing is not too costly while repairing and replacing parts can quickly add up. Major factors that impact the cost include: The type of clock and internal mechanisms.

How often should a clock be cleaned?

Wall & Mantel clocks should be cleaned & oiled every 3-5 Years. Floor clocks should be cleaned & oiled every 3-5 Years. Again, the conditions & environment the clock is subject to may vary, but on the average, these maintenance practices should keep your clock running for years to come.

Is it worth restoring a grandfather clock?

Aside from stylish appearance, antique grandfather clocks are worth fixing simply because they can run for a very long time. They do not rely on batteries or electrical power, which can subsequently save a lot of money.

How do you fix a clock that keeps stopping?

5:247:41"My Clock Keeps Stopping"- How to set the beat. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just gently push and Bend very very very slightly and then release.MoreAnd just gently push and Bend very very very slightly and then release.

What causes a pendulum to slow down and stop swinging?

When the swing is raised and released, it will move freely back and forth due to the force of gravity on it. The swing continues moving back and forth without any extra outside help until friction (between the air and the swing and between the chains and the attachment points) slows it down and eventually stops it.

What keeps the pendulum swinging in a clock?

What is a pendulum? A pendulum is a rod hanging vertically from its top end (or a weight called a bob hanging from a string) that swings from side to side due to the force of gravity.

How do you clean a clock without taking it apart?

2:1326:32How to Clean a Grandfather Clock part 2b of 4 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this one you can really jet. Really jet to cleaner down in and around those pivot points thatMoreAnd this one you can really jet. Really jet to cleaner down in and around those pivot points that way you know if you can do all that in a solution you don't have to then disassemble.

What is clock cleaning fluid made of?

Commercial Clock Cleaning Solution The solution is a chemical blend of 5 percent oleic acid, 4 percent ammonium hydroxide, 1 percent methocel and 1 percent pine oil that is combined with water. The solution effectively cleans a clock's parts of dust and residue.

How do you clean an old brass clock?

0:441:50How to Clean Antique Brass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 3 boil linseed oil and apply to a clean cloth wipe. The brass again to remove lingering dirt orMoreStep 3 boil linseed oil and apply to a clean cloth wipe. The brass again to remove lingering dirt or oils that have built up on the surface. And buff it dry.

How do you clean a dirty clock case?

There is no point in applying wax or any other finishing coat until the case is free of years of dirt and grime. Grease-cutting dish soap is certainly one option but my go-to cleaner is Murphys Soap. Use it either full strength or diluted with water depending on how deep and stubborn the dirt is on the finish.

How to make a clock show the correct time?

How can I make it show the correct time? If your clock has a "silent lever", activate it and then move the minute hand clockwise until the clock reads the correct time. If you do not have a "silent lever", move the hands clockwise, pausing every chime or strike cycle, until the correct time is reached.

How to wind a clock?

For a tutorial explaining see how to wind your clock. Make sure the clock hands are not touching the glass. A clock minute hand that touches the glass will stop your clock. To repair, bend the minute hand towards the dial and away from the glass. Advance the clock twelve hours to make sure the minute hand does not catch on the hour hand.

What does it mean when a clock is in beat?

A clock is "in beat" when the tick and the tock are evenly spaced. A clock that is "in beat" sounds like tick...tock ...tick...tock. A clock that is "out of beat" sounds like tick..tock.................tick..tock. When you hear an even, balanced beat, secure the clock to your wall with a bracket, or shim your clock feet.

Why does my clock stop swinging?

Have you recently moved your clock? The reason a clock pendulum often stops swinging, after being moved, is because the clock case now leans at a slightly different angle then it did at its former location. Don't worry about making your clock absolutely level with the floor and don't use a level. Simply start your pendulum swinging, then listen carefully to the tick-tock sound. Move the case slightly left or right until the tick-tock sound seems more balanced. A clock is "in beat" when the tick and the tock are evenly spaced.

How to stop a clock from swinging?

Look at the hour and minute hands closely. If they are touching the "time train" may be jammed which prevents the pendulum from swinging.

How to determine the correct number of days from the last new moon?

Applying a small amount of pressure to the moon dial, move it clockwise to indicate a new moon. Now move the dial clockwise one clock per day for the correct number of elapsed days from the new moon to today.

How to make a clock sound balanced?

Don't worry about making your clock absolutely level with the floor and don't use a level. Simply start your pendulum swinging, then listen carefully to the tick-tock sound. Move the case slightly left or right until the tick-tock sound seems more balanced.

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