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How often should my clock be cleaned and maintained?
Clocks should be cleaned every five to ten years, depending on how dusty the environment is where they are running. Clocks are lubricated with oil which will accumulate dust and grit over time. The oil/grit combination creates an abrasive paste that will chew into the bearing surfaces of the clock. Good periodic service prevents this wear, which is costly to repair.
Do you sell clocks?
I do sell some clocks, as shown under the For Sale tab of this website. These clocks have all been serviced by me and carry a one year warranty from date of service.
How often do I need to wind my clock?
There are four general categories of clocks when considering winding intervals. Some are 30 hour, designed to be wound every day. Some are eight day, designed to be wound weekly. 35 day clocks should be wound monthly, and 400 day (or anniversary) clocks can run an entire year between winding. The winding interval should be one of the top considerations when deciding on what clock to buy.
How long will it take to repair my clock?
Repairs vary from an hour to up to two days. Once repaired, the clock will be run in the shop for at least a week to confirm that everything is running smoothly.
How do estimates work?
I can come to you (much easier for tall clocks) or you can bring your clock to me. If I come to you, I'll charge you $100 to evaluate the situation. That payment will be applied toward any work that you have me do as a result of the housecall. If you bring the clock to me, I'll evaluate it in my shop for free.
Can I clean my own clock?
You will need special tools, equipment and solvents to properly clean a clock, at an investment of many hundreds of dollars. The grit that builds up over time is in the area between the pivot (the end of the axle or arbor carrying the wheel, or gear) and the plates that hold the movement together. The plates must be separated, and every arbor cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner with special solvents, to clean off this grit.Some clock owners think spraying the clock with some WD40 or 3 in 1 oil will help their clock - that's one of the worst things you can do.