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Cleaning and Repair Process
To ensure proper function and a multi-generational lifespan, clock movements should be inspected and oiled annually and cleaned every five years, or more frequently depending on the outcome of the inspections. The inspection and oiling process requires that the movement be removed from the case for access to all sides of the movement.
When cleaning or repairs are required, the process becomes more involved and the clock movement is completely disassembled and inspected more closely. Obviously, a clock that ceases to function is likely in need of adjustment or repair, but excessive wear is also an indication that a repair is required. On the other hand, some simple adjustments to restore a clock to an accurate operational state may not require the movement be removed or disassembled, but in those cases investigation of how or why it was out of adjustment is warranted.
When cleaning, repairs or adjustments have been made, testing over the full power cycle (winding or weight lifting) should be conducted to verify accurate timekeeping and chime and strike operation when so equipped.
The cleaning or repair process follows the same sequence with the only difference being the required repair step when parts need to be repaired. The steps below are followed to ensure the best results.
- Overall Visual Inspection and Research
- This step is used to identify the clock, its age, general condition, understand how the movement works and note any case restoration requirements.
- Operational Inspection
- This step is is used to identify whether the clock is functioning properly and assess the scope of work required (oil, clean, or repair)
- Movement Removal
- If oiling, cleaning or repair is required, the movement must be removed from the case.
- Compressed Air Dust Clean
- Often, clocks collect a lot of dust and this should be removed.
- Detailed Visual and Operational Inspection
- With the movement removed, the case and movement can be studied more closely as each treated independently.
- Documentation
- Before any disassembly is commenced, the parts or fully documented to ensure correct reassembly can be completed.
- Disassembly
- The movement or case is carefully disassembled.
- PreClean
- Parts are gently cleaned with cloth, brush or special tools.
- Rust / Tarnish Removal (as necessary)
- Rust and tarnish needs to be treated separately from general cleaning.
- Movement Details
- Ultrasonic Clean
- Clock movement parts have a lot of nooks and crannies and ultrasonic cleaning ensures that all areas are completely cleaned.
- Fresh Water Rinse
- After the ultrasonic cleaning is completed, the parts are rinsed in fresh water to remove traces of the cleaning solution.
- Compressed Air Dry
- Compress air removes most of the water rinse.
- Hot Air Dry
- Even though there may be no signs of water on the surface, all moisture must be removed from the parts.
- Detailed Parts Inspection
- Once the parts are clean, each piece is carefully examined in detail for wear or damage.
- Parts Repair (as necessary)
- Any wear or damage discovered must be treated.
- Reassembly
- The movement is reassembled, synchronized and checked for smooth operation.
- Oil
- Test / Adjust
- The movement is tested and adjusted on a stand.
- Case Details
- Stripping (as necessary)
- If the finish is beyond repair, it is stripped.
- Patching or Parts Recreation (as necessary)
- If there are missing pieces, these are patched or recreated.
- Finishing
- The finish a applied or restored depending upon its condition.
- Reassembly
- The case parts are reassembled.
- Movement Replacement
- After passing the testing and adjustment step, the movement can be reunited with the case.
- Test / Adjust
- A final testing is conducted to ensure the movement is installed properly.
- Final Approval
- Once the clock is tested, it is ready for service.
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