Clock Chain Cleaning Made Simple

[@bradb4075]

Excellent Jim! After seeing this I really wouldn't use any other method. It's nice to know that if you are trying to retain some patina, you can go the soap/ammonia route with less scrubbing.

[@bradb4075]

Thanks Jim! I finally used this method today, and the rusty regula chains came out looking great. Not pewter like yours, more copper/light brass. Ordered some T-9, and will coat them when it arrives.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

German Black Forest Coocoo clock, older than I am. Chains probably never been cleaned, were brownish with a little bit of green developing. I kept the chains on the clock, used a disposable cup, 1 inch of CLR, and a bottle brush from the sink. Two minutes of spinning the brush to roll the three chains in the CLR, and a second cup of water to rinse them, and now my 36+ yo clock has brand new looking chains, and I hate it. 😅 But the green is gone, so it works! 🍻 .

[@TheBlackForestClockShop]

Hi and thanks for your comment! Yes it's a balance between restoration and keeping things original. My thoughts on the brass chains, they are an interracial part of the movement, dirty they ware down the sprockets of the chain wheel and even fowl up function. Glad it was useful for you. PS, might be time for some oil on the pivots too.😉

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

@@TheBlackForestClockShop Thanks for the insight. I did pull the clock down and oiled everything that spun, pivoted, or slid, and now it cuckoos much faster too. I agree the chains needed to be cleaned. I used a thin oil to help free them up and keep the tarnish at bay. 👍

[@janiceforrest3505]

Thanks so much for the chain cleaning tips. My sister-in-law just gave me a box full of cuckoo clocks that need a good cleaning, especially the chains. Just got the clock oil I ordered but wasn’t sure how to clean the chains.

[@TheBlackForestClockShop]

Janice you are welcome, this method hasn’t failed me to date. Good luck on all your clock restorations.

[@rudolfjooste8833]

Thanks Jim Very helpful ideas till the next vidio

[@TheBlackForestClockShop]

Welcome Rudolf, glad you found this useful.

[@munnerlyn3]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@justmike57]

Thanks. I just might have to try this one out.

[@Anonymous-wf3oy]

outstanding video sir! Thank you

[@TheBlackForestClockShop]

Thanks J. Cheers😉

[@johnbrodehl9743]

With the understanding that alot of chains are steel, with a brass plating, I think this method would result in the failure of the plating.

[@TheBlackForestClockShop]

Thanks for your comment John. It’s true this could further damage plated chain. I personally haven’t crossed any chain thus far that has plating. I do suspect the vintage or modern, mostly novelty clocks could have plating, especially those imports from Asia therefore identifying wether the chain is plated might be a good first step. 👍🏻

[@geraldmiller2236]

I am going to try this. I got CLR, and dawn here at the house,

[@johnhannon]

The CLR label has a warning about brass. I see that you have very good results with it. I wonder what problem is with brass that the warning is talking about?

[@TheBlackForestClockShop]

Thanks for the comment John, yes it does state on the label not only brass but Aluminum, Copper natural stone and a slew of other materials yet recommends soaking a shower head which most plumbing fixtures are usually made with some brass in them. I have raised this question to a reputable clock group on FB. I have written the CLR company for some clarification. I'll cut to the chase, it's all about exposure time, my methods exposes the brass or steel chain to CLR for less then 1 minute maybe 2. A thorough rinse in water and now I will include a baking soda rinse as well to neutralize the solution. If your a clock enthusiast I would refrain using CLR on other clock parts and stick with professional clock cleaning solution or your home brew of ammonia, dawn dish soap, Murphy's oil soap, (acetone when removing the lacquer finish only). Remember, it is mostly about exposure time with most chemicals and keeping the temp below 35deg.C Jim

[@johnhannon]

@@TheBlackForestClockShop Thanks James, that makes sense. I plan on using it only for chains. Your method does use very short time in contact and has excellent results.