A Guide to Cleaning Your Clock Movement (The Right Way)
Refurbishing an aged clock mechanism - Ron's Technique
Listen up, folks, because it's time to clear up a common misconception: the "Dunkin Swish" method. Don't get excited, duncan fans, we ain't discussing donuts. This term refers to quickly tossing an assembled clock movement into a cleaning solution or ultrasonic cleaner without properly disassembling it. That's about the worst way to clean a clock movement you could possibly do, and especially for the mainsprings within their spring barrels.
You may be tempted to take the lazy route, but trust us, disassembling the movement is the only correct method for a proper and thorough clean. When you disassemble the movement, you can inspect parts, polish pivots, peg holes, and remove dirt and grime that accumulates in the small crevices of a movement-buildup that will only accelerate wear over time.
There's only one right method to properly clean a clock movement, and that's completely disassembling it, which includes removing mainsprings from their barrels/arbours.
Here's our step-by-step approach:
Disassembly
First things first, completely disassemble the movement. You want to remove every piece you can to give each part the attention it deserves. From there, clean any stubborn stains, wipe off excess oil from the parts- trust us, an ultrasonic cleaner isn't a magic solution-tough stains don't always come off easily- and pre-clean everything beforehand. This step also extends the life of the cleaning solution and saves you from using it unnecessarily.
The Ultrasonic Cleaner
Once you've handled the pre-cleaning, it's time to put the movement parts into the ultrasonic cleaner, using a high-quality ultrasonic cleaning machine with a commercial-grade build, warranty, and a reputation for reliability. Some popular options include the L&R Q140 with heater, but you can choose a cleaner that's the right size for your needs.
Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Ultrasonic cleaners use cavitation to clean objects made of non-absorbent materials. Ultrasonic cleaning effectively removes dirt, grease, and other contaminants from delicate components without causing damage. Just remember to avoid mixing metals beyond brass and steel in the cleaner as they may react unfavorably. Additionally, some modern clock movements with plastic or nylon gears and parts should be cleaned separately.
Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
While there are several options for cleaning solutions, we advise against using flammable substances like alcohol, gasoline, or other volatile liquids. Opt for a solution specifically designed for an ultrasonic cleaner instead. Among acceptable cleaners is Polychem Deox 007, an environmentally friendly and non-ammoniated concentrate cleaner designed to remove oils, grease, tarnish, stains, corrosion, and oxidation from brass, bronze, copper, gold, and silver.
The Ultrasonic Session
After filling the tank with the cleaning solution, pre-heat it by pouring in the solution, turning on the heater, and allowing the ultrasonic to come up to temperature. It takes about 10 minutes. Run the ultrasonic for 20-30 minutes, but remember that each job is unique, so adjust the time as needed.
Once the ultrasonic cleaning is complete, dry each part immediately to prevent rusting. The speed at which you dry is key to prevent rusting on steel parts, so grab some shop towels, a hair dryer, or if you're in a pinch, use the cool-down phase of your wife's oven (if she's baking, of course).
After Ultrasonic Cleaning
After the cleaning process, inspect all parts, inspect, and polish pivots or replace components as necessary before reassembly. Afterward, reassemble the movement carefully, apply appropriate clock lubricants to pivots and other friction points, and test the clock movement outside the case for consistent operation before reinstalling it into the case and conducting further testing and regulation to ensure proper running. And that, my friends, is how to properly clean a clock movement.
Do you have a different technique or additional steps that you include in your process? We'd love to hear about them.
- For those with antique or vintage wall clocks, it's essential to handle clock repair with care, as disassembling the movement is necessary for a thorough clean, just like you'd do for modern clock movements.
- If you have a collection of antique clocks, smart-home-devices, gadgets, or even vintage wall clocks, using technology, such as an ultrasonic cleaner, can help maintain the quality of their clock movements by removing dirt and grime effectively.
- In the process of cleaning the clock movement, pay attention to parts like springs within spring barrels, as they can be delicate and require special care. This step is crucial for all types of clocks, not only antique or vintage ones.
- Incorporating technology in your routine, like using an ultrasonic cleaner, may make your clock repair and general maintenance tasks more efficient, especially when dealing with intricate parts such as clock movements inside wall clocks, gadgets, or smart-home-devices.
