Dad's Westminster Chime Clock

[Cobbler]

nahh its a windup

Where did that one "spring" up from

 

[the snooper]

Where did that one "spring" up from

another jewel

 

[ChrisJ]

thanks for all the input lads, I will try the least non destructive cleaning first and go from there, thank you

 

[the snooper]

thanks for all the input lads, I will try the least non destructive cleaning first and go from there, thank you

get a dropper and try a few drips on the shafts see what comes out

 

[ChrisJ]

something like this for the correct clock oil? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JD-Windle...929330?hash=item5660c855b2:g:WvcAAOxy4jxSIjVb

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Given the sentimental value of the clock, I'd get it professionally cleaned and checked over, not worth mucking it up for the sake of a few [relatively] quid.

 

[Cobbler]

That should be ok. Just don't use 3in1, clock oil shouldn't dry out over time. Don't over oil, just a drop, if you put too much on it tends to run off, leaving less oil in the bearing.

Edit, as Slim says above, if you can afford it, take it to a clockmaker. It will come back as good as new, maybe even better.

 

[ChrisJ]

Given the sentimental value of the clock, I'd get it professionally cleaned and checked over, not worth mucking it up for the sake of a few [relatively] quid.

Very true, I will locate the nearest clock maker to my location

 

[magnet]

My Dad used to put a lump of cotton wool soaked in meths in the back of a clock to un gum it, just put it in close the case and let it evaoprate. it worked for him pretty well saves taking things apart before you need

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I'm sure I read years ago that leaving a small container with a little paraffin in it in the bottom of a clock helped it run smoothly

 

[winchman]

We have avery good clock and watch repair man not far from me, he wasn't the cheapest quote but the watch we gave him came back like new and keeps perfect time, a few other places told me it couldn't be repaired.
http://www.fixingtime.co.uk

 

[CKJDJK]

I washed all my clock parts in a ultrasonic bath with dilute white vinegar (not a fancy polished clock but high sentimental value). Died off all the spindles with kitchen role and a little oil then reassembled. Added a small amount of oil in the dimples where the spindles fit in the end plates. End result is a working clock. Sorry I don't know correct terms. I had already paid an expert to fix it a few years earlier but it never worked, over £100. Now I hear it chime very quarter hour and think "I fixed that". Worth a try. Sounds to me as if your clock may be worth the effort as not been abused so gears should be sound.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I once took a clock [a cheap travelling thing] to bits and when re-assembled I had a couple of bits left over.

It did work but only gave an approximation of the day, never heed the time.......

Never attempted that again.......

 

[pedrobedro]

We have a Westminster like that. It can gain as much as 15 minutes in an hour then lose it again. I'm sure the big hand freewheels when it gets on the downward stroke

 

[the snooper]

We have a Westminster like that. It can gain as much as 15 minutes in an hour then lose it again. I'm sure the big hand freewheels when it gets on the downward stroke

Must need a clean and fresh oil

 

[ChrisJ]

Been to town, (yes three times now this year!, people will think I have won the lottery), got a bottle of meths from the pound shop, it was only 99p, have put a soaked ball of cotton wool of it in a tiny jar cap, we will see if this easy non invasive fix works,

 

[the snooper]

Been to town, (yes three times now this year!, people will think I have won the lottery), got a bottle of meths from the pound shop, it was only 99p, have put a soaked ball of cotton wool of it in a tiny jar cap, we will see if this easy non invasive fix works,

you have to apply it to the relevant parts of the clock as well

 

[the snooper]

 

[CKJDJK]

Meths will take the old oil out (I used spray brake cleaner) but you will need to replace it using a needle or very small syringe to place a tiny drop in the dimple at each pivot. The dimple is a reservoir and if over filled the oil will leak away. Remember to do both sides of the clock mechanism. In my case the spindles had rusted so stripping the mech was required then light polishing with scotchbrite. Reassembled and oiled. Not such a bad job although releasing the main and chime springs was difficult. Too much oil will cause dust to stick so tiny amounts.

 

[ChrisJ]

[Update] so far so good the clock has been running all last evening all night and is ticking and chiming away merrily, thanks to all for their input