10/26/2026
We LOVE education…so here goes…
The dirty truth about OIL
1) Too much oil in a clock: Excess oil can attract and retain dust and other contaminants. That contamination can contribute to abrasive wear, particularly around the pivots and bushings where precise contact matters. More oil does not mean better lubrication or even overall function.
2)Too little oil — or oil that has deteriorated: Over time, lubricants can oxidize, migrate, become contaminated, or lose their intended properties. Depending on the lubricant and conditions, residue and deposits can develop around moving parts. These deposits and contaminants can interfere with movement, increase friction, and contribute to a clock eventually stopping.
A clock may continue operating while this deterioration is taking place. By the time it stops, wear may already have progressed beyond what routine maintenance could have addressed.
3) Why Can't We Just Add a Little Oil and Call It Done?
As a clock runs 24/7 it wears down, its pivots and bushings can deteriorate. The clock might continue ticking while its internal geometry and performance are compromised. Adding oil doesn't repair worn bushings, restore a damaged pivot, or correct improper gear engagement.
In some cases, introducing fresh lubricant into a dirty or severely worn movement can complicate matters rather than solve them. If the underlying problem is mechanical wear, adding oil cannot reverse it.
4) One risk of self maintenance is using the wrong lubricant or placing oil where it doesn’t belong.
All oils are formulated for particular lubrication requirements. Even clock oils can have different applications within the same clock.
A lubricant that is too thick can create excessive resistance in a mechanism that needs a lighter oil. An unsuitable product may also leave deposits or create compatibility problems with existing lubricant and materials.
Oddly, we have seen people reach for whatever happens to be available in their household: WD-40, motor oil, or a general-purpose household lubricant.
The same caution applies to mixing oils. Synthetic and mineral oils are not automatically incompatible, but can cause issues when combined within the same clock. A well-intentioned attempt to save money can sometimes make a future repairs more expensive.
5) As always, feel free to ask about the oils we use. We love to explain how these can help certain clocks and where we do add oil to clocks in for maintenance.
6) This week, stop into the shop and ask about
“The History of Whale Oil”🐳
One free gift with purchase to the first 10 people who say this key phrase.
(Free gift limits applied, no cash value, one per customer, must pick up in store, subject to change, etc)
