Clock Repair for the Beginner

[@PauloJAAraujo1]

Your explanation is excellent, as are the positions you managed to present in the video. The most critical step is undoubtedly the synchronization of the clapper gears, which you managed to explain masterfully.

[@BradfordNeedham]

A couple tips I've learned since I first watched this video: 1) Use a toothbrush instead of 2:38 SOS or Brillo pads, because steel scratches brass - I learned this the hard way. 2) I've had very bad luck with this style of mainspring winder 0:35, because the spring can fly free from the winder; instead I use an ''Ollie Baker' style winder. It's expensive $250, but much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room for stitches. If you search for Mainspring Winder, you'll find DIY designs that are less expensive. Also, you should have a safety glasses and a pair of heavy gloves for handling mainsprings. Good luck to everyone starting out in this fun hobby!

[@jimhyslop]

0000 steel wool polishes brass nicely, but it doesn't have the soap built in like SOS and Brillo pads do. Judging from the low quality and the 4:3 aspect ratio, it looks like this was originally a VHS recording, probably from the early to mid 1980s. Safety was only just starting go gain traction; older workers were very dismissive of PPE. Thanks for the tip on wearing gloves! What do you use for the C clamp? The same style as in the video, or something else?

[@MsOpinioness]

I enjoyed this calm approach to clock cleaning. I have quite a few wonderful clocks. If I had children that would appreciate them I would pay a professional to fix most of them. But that is not the situation. Soooo I have started to dust, oil and I am working on the next steps. I am terrified of the springs. I guess with proper tools I will gain confidence. Thank You

[@tomschulte2138]

Best video yet--the man talks to you (no dead time or wasted words, few explanations where he 'hides' what he is explaining!). He even tells you his thinking process - so you may want to emulate him. With great appreciation. Thomas Schulte

[@ronaldwalker4047]

You are the man..🎉..Wonderful

[@johnwood406]

Thank you so much for taking the intimidation out of this. I wish the picture was a little better as my old eyes aren't what they used to be. Very informative sir! Great Job!

[@Bob-uh3nx]

Thank you. A friend handed me a clock with that very movement that had a broken spring. No identification on movement. I was at a loss. That is the exact movement. Thanks so much. I was worried about timing the gears but now I have an idea as to order or install and cleaning. Thanks so much for taking the time to show. Bob.

[@ethereal1257]

You have a gift of teaching and a strong skill of patience which is one of the most crucial to have when teaching anything. Teaching, detailed, quality work. Tyvm.

[@marksacher1240]

I have done all kinds of repairs by watching your videos. Replacing bushings, pivots and today repaired a gear with broken teeth. Thank you!!

[@insomniacshotrods]

Thank you for taking the time to make the video, I have rebuilt some already and the hardest part to me is getting it timed correctly. Never used the sos pads looks like it worked good. I always soak my parts first in simple green with ammonia. Not much longer than 20 min, will turn brass black if you forget and leave in a long time. Then soak in time keepers clock solution which brightens the brass, can leave overnight if you wish, then hot water rinse followed by alcohol then in a box with a blow dryer blowing air into it. Did not see you polish the pivots or clean out the holes in the plates both are critical on old clocks. I use a drill and 2000 grit paper to polish the gear pivots that I can chuck up and spin by hand the ones I can’t. I use wooden toothpicks dipped in alcohol to spin by hand the holes in the plates to get the old grease and dirt out. What helped me also was to take a cardboard box and put holes to put the gears in order and mark T1, T2 etc. then on other side S1, S2 etc. and take lots of pictures. Sooner or later you’ll have to do a bushing repair and can get a dvd off eBay to show how to do with cheaper hand tools. I also bought a ultra sonic cleaner from harbor freight for $50 that works great,but as you said not nesessary. Thanks again for the video and tips.

[@inakiojinagaazkorra9470]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. As made clear in your video, knowing the names and the purpose of the clock parts greatly helps in gaining some confidence in what one is actually doing and why. Your patience and poised presentation are also inspiring.

[@colstreak]

A very good video. You are an excellent teacher and I learned a lot. I just got an old 30 day wall clock that was given to me and I hung it on the wall and couldn't get it to run. Never owning a clock like this before I didn't realize that the right side of the 2 holes wind counterclockwise. Since the right side didn't wind clockwise I assumed the main spring was already tight.. I figured it must be gummy and dirty from sitting so long so I gave it a good squirt with WD-40. Then I realized it needed to be balanced. Then I realized that the reason the clock wasn't running was because I had only wind the (L) strike side, and not the time side. Once I wind the time side the correct way the clock took off and ran perfect. I am really a novice. Now I realize I should take it out of the case and clean it up and properly oil it because of the mess I caused with the WD-40, but also from the fact that this clock has probably never been oiled. So I hate to attempt this, but I will have to take it down, take it all apart and clean it up and oil it properly. Thank you for this video. I've discovered a new hobby. I love this clock because it feels so unusual to have something that doesn't depend on a battery or a wall plug.

[@andyZ3500s]

I am just getting interested in fixing clocks. Your video was informative. This summer I am going to try my first one. I want to find a simple wall clock at a thrift store.

[@jamesoliver3624]

I have done some repair. But this is what i needed Ready to really clean a clock. He did a Great service to beginners

[@gallagherhayes]

"It works!" I thank you. Your tutorial is MORE than helpfull(!), ..it was a 'school' for me. Thank you for taking the time,... for SHARING your experience and knowledge. This really made the difference, for me. After watching,... I had the feeling:..."I could." And,...I did(!). And,......IT WORKED!..! I wish you the best, gallagher

[@Mollyz1117]

Thank you very much! You are a good teacher. I have a lovely old 1935 Plymouth mantel clock that I had serviced so it runs well, but there is no one where I live who can clean and maintain it for me--this gives me confidence that I can do it properly myself.

[@robertleask776]

RJL Good video! I use plastic ice trays to hold parts & bits & pieces; when disassembling clock. Store wheels & parts for 'alarm' on one side of the tray, & parts etc. for 'time' on other side of ice tray.

[@southernguy35]

An interesting video especially about what can go wrong on the count wheel not stopping. I've never seen anyone use a brillo pad to clean a clock. I would have at least used a tooth pick or other object to help clean out those pivot holes. The main problem I see with this is while it would be not so bad with an older clock, if that movement has been lacquered, this method will effectively strip the lacquer off and you don't want to do that. If you do, it will soon tarnish. Depending on the oil, if it's over oiled or if it's cheap oil, that can strip the lacquer off and/or you'll see some nice green or brown spots around the pivots. You didn't address the shafts of the pivots and possibly needing to polish them which someone just starting out probably can't do, nor addressed a clock needing bushings. While that's a very pricey tool, you could have at least mentioned that sometimes pivots do wear and to be mindful that for the future. That clock spring doesn't appear to be set but that does happen. If the clock only runs 3 days and needs to be wound again, the spring is likely set. If you take it apart like this and it's not nearly spread out as much as a dinner plate, likely set. If set, you're going to need to replace it with a spring that's equal in power or less, not more. You can put a set spring back in or send in a sample to a clock supply house to match it, but that would have been worth mentioning. I prefer to use distilled water in rinsing rather than general tap water. A hair blower is fine but if you're doing a newer clock be mindful that some gears are nylon and that hot heat will damage them if you're not careful.

[@shaffer4220]

Very interesting. After watching your video it doesn’t look so intimidating. You prepared well, marked everything, staged the parts and then suggested speaking out loud each gear/part description to help remember. Ive taken clocks in for repairs and had to take it back again. Seems attention to detail may be the issue. Check/inspect each gear, pivot hole/rod, clean well, and look for abnormalities. The safety aspect on the main spring was very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to teach.

[@roth2050]

Great video! I think I'm ready to dive into my Gilbert. Almost 75,000 views, I guess you've helped keep a lot of clocks alive. My video quality wasn't very good. Would love to see you revise with better video. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@JLMiller410]

I have a couple old New Haven clocks that look very similar to those movements, that I want to clean up. Your video really helped give me some confidence to tackle the job b

[@emmarowley1096]

I have an art deco Smiths Enfield clock that I bought but only a month ago and it lasted 17 days before stopping dead. I really need to attempt giving it a clean, service and oiling but still feel daunted by it even with the videos etc. I will have to let the mainspring down as it had only been fully wound 2 days before it just stopped. Thinking back that clock, the Smiths didn't have the crisp tick like my older Enfield Westminster clock has that probably telling me that something was wrong but I have just got into these older mechanical clocks.

[@corp4444]

Thank you for all the detail. You are great teacher & inspiration.

[@wittywoo]

Awesome. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your valuable knowledge with us. Valuable and indepth training for those that choose to use it. Thank you.

[@RobertLao-s5x]

Thks much sir. I love your basic and simple instructions.

[@JeremySmith-zt2fl]

Greatest clock repair video ever made!

[@ataxpc1]

Brilliant, concise and understandable well done. I take photos as well as diagrams.

[@gangadin3590]

The dismantling and cleaning a clock movement video. Many thanks for the best and an excellent, and very comprehensive video. It is certainly inspirational to me. Can you do a video on the few problems, for example how to fix a malfunctioning chime, improve the sound, etc. I have acquired a Korea made wall clock (Beacon, 31 days), it's chime has all of a sudden become very soft, and I am a bit scared to touch it's mechanism. Looking forward to seeing your video on the KZbin. I live in Australia. God Bless you.

[@geneveening9333]

Great lesson, thank you so much.

[@gregbouchard414]

Am following are videos on KZbin and I got a very old clock and are videos are rally good too paly on here and am gating some help with my one u do a rally good job on here keep up there good work on here

[@klangon]

I'm inspired to get a few tools together and attempt this. Thanks very much.

[@michaelrios-maldonado5486]

Excellent video. Thank you for the wheel marking tips!

[@joestroud1987]

Thank you for this video so much. It is so helpful. Hope to find videos you have made. Thanks for sharing and explaining each step.

[@stevensugarman5183]

Absolutely wonderful! Thank you.

[@tomweber8729]

Fantastic lesson , very informative Thank you

[@ryanmoses2570]

For everyone responding to these videos, Anthonio 'Tony' Montefusco passed away in May 2011.

[@RobStone84]

Sorry to hear this. This is an awesome video. He was a great instructor.

[@homemade6950]

😢💔

[@anastasiaspyros7834]

Thank you for taking the time to make this very informative video

[@daveyboyr7580]

Terrific lesson. Thank you kindly.

[@JimmiePorterAtStuartArts]

Great instruction....best hour of my day.

[@keitharoo1962]

Cool! I'm not afraid to try this now. Thanks!

[@mikebellamy8263]

Awesome, well done. Thanks for taking the time to put it together!!

[@aegrau2513]

Hold the two plates with some rubber rings, it will prevent everything from dismantling. It is not very orthodox, but it is effective. (by automatic translator) Saludos Barcelona - España

[@BradfordNeedham]

A good tip about using rubber bands to hold the plates together during reassembly. Thanks!

[@aegrau2513]

@@BradfordNeedham Hasta la proxima . !!! Saludos.

[@cofeebeing]

Thank you. Learned great tips. What kind of oil you using for this clock?

[@douglasellison2064]

its whot is called white oil its baby oil rearly

[@claudioalbertobaffert2313]

Muy instructivo! Muy bueno!!! Saludos desde Bs. As. Argentina.

[@chrisperkins8808]

Very detailed and excellent video, Great job.

[@ПашаПитецкий]

Дуже важливо знати, дякую вам за працю

[@carolynreynolds5011]

Thank you! - Very informative.

[@BradfordNeedham]

Who created this video? I don't see any attribution for the clock repair person who made this wonderful video.

[@jeffwalsh6343]

Excellent video for an absolute beginner such as myself, a problem i have with one clock (stupid me) is that when i removed the movement i didnt notice that there were lots of extra screw holes instead of just 4 so cant figure out wich are the right holes to put the movement back on as one of the bottom brackets is loose :( , any suggestions would be much appreciated as is your instruction video, thank you

[@TomTom-up1kz]

very good work thanks for you

[@American_Creed]

Great video. Thank you for your time 👍

[@VintageClockParts]

Very good video!

[@tazorookz3025]

Thank you for sharing this video with others , and to all the others who have also commented who share their ideas :)

[@RichardNash100]

hi great video is your movement Ansonia? Could I have a copy of the mechanism diagram you have?I guess I can copy it also My father gave me an Ansonia clock. He died in 2015 but I am still trying to restore it. Clock repair is a lost art here is London, people here are too greedy and just want money all the time so no one has simple skills anymore no one has time for clocks - thanks for the video

[@madmanmechanic8847]

Its the same way in the US greedy people dont want to work and think life owes them a living. Mostly in the younger people. Nobody fixes things just toss it in the trash and go buy another A lot of school and eliminated Voc schooling wood shop , welding and auto repair these kids are coming out idiots . The only thing they want to do is text and pound the pud and want $20 an hour for it

[@MikeAnth]

Reminds me of the USN training videos!

[@oneitalia2312]

Does the "Lost Learning" guy respond to questions by anyone? There's no way I'm taking my Gilbert clock apart! I'm a real chicken! I took the face off, lifted off the gorgeous etched, cut glass pendulum and the thing ticks like a mad-man! The hands did a complete rotation, took about 10 minutes or so, and it strikes 12......sounds pretty, but I daresn'! take anything else apart. I wound it....it wouldn't go any further......it'll screw it up for sure! I'll be left either with a bucket of screws or 4 or 5 left over! LOL! Interesting video.....but I can't do it! Bravo to all of you who feel confident to tackle such a project. ♡♡♡

[@madmanmechanic8847]

No he blows you off doesnt reply to questions nor cant even say thank you when you give him e complement

[@barryfitzgerald3862]

This helped me out very much!

[@FuelTankerMan]

I'm contemplating tearing into a 20 year old German wall clock that we've had, and I never serviced it. Mainspring won't wind now, it cranks a little and then ratchet lets loose. And... that looks like an Accutron Spaceview watch you have on. Do you service the 214 Accutrons by chance?

[@tndrwarrior1]

Great video thanks. I’ll do that

[@mickmcfarland6945]

Thank you, very informative.

[@Raj-nh3fc]

What happens to the mark that you made on the count wheel with the pen when you use the brillo mesh to clean the wheel?

[@MemorialRifleRange]

Thank-you

[@grantstricklin9298]

Thank you very much appreciate it good day

[@opticwiddly5263]

Thank you sir. I just subbed to your channel

[@spacecowboy306]

I have a mantel clock that when the last day before rewinding it stops hitting the gong. it still makes the movement to hit it but it doesn't touch touch it. if you bent the wire to touch the gong then when you wind it up it hits to hard. can you help me how to fix this?

[@thomasprussack2860]

Wish I can fix my clock center weight in grandfather clock cranks up you can hear it clicking as it goes up but once you let go of the chain is fall straight down to the bottom what could that be?

[@ronaldwalker4047]

Nice job...young man..😅

[@Ecksterphono]

Amazing video

[@fernandozayas8287]

Excellent ty!!!

[@rayjohnson4395]

Doesn't the brillo pad scratch the plates

[@jackieerb9921]

how to fix my Howard Miller clock one of the winders is tight and will not wind

[@4362mont]

thx!

[@eldestisland4520]

Does anyone know who the instructor is?

[@noelharper3052]

Hi can anyone help, where do i get the clamps to hold the springs in place as i live in South Africa.

[@joanndille5559]

My old clock will run laying on its back but not standing up?

[@stevephillips4361]

all good to watchThank you

[@tomsgeorge42]

Veri,instring job

[@spacecowboy306]

Thanks for the video. one question. On the "last day" before rewinding my clock the stricker no longer hits the gong, If you bend it to hit the gong then when you wind up the clock it hits real hard and has a clunk sound instead of a smooth gong sound.. what do i need to do.

[@gispel7058]

On the last day the mainspring has flared out so far as to interfere with the strike hammer. The factory may have provided stop pins rivited into the mainplates to prevent this. Often these pins have been lost.

[@weerobot]

Love the 180p video..lol

[@1975CEES]

when is this film made?

[@madmanmechanic8847]

In the spring a "44"

[@ataxpc1]

What do you all think of using graphite dust as a lubricant for main springs, instead of gooey, gummy oil?

[@나이트황제]

영상이 너무 흐려서 어떻게 이걸 보고 따라하나?

[@tuberworksjones]

fascinating but i have no idea what yourtalking about

[@gerardonavarrete2406]

Hello, I have a watch that my grandfather had and it is from the year 1876 from the manufacturer shth Thomas, could you tell me if there is such a company, why I would like to restore the machine if it walks, or what do you recommend me to do, thank you very much

[@madmanmechanic8847]

He doesnt reply to questions or complements

[@ПашаПитецкий]

Клас 😊

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

It's not complicated at all, anybody with a bit of mechanical knowledge can do it

[@skimmybras]

It’s harder than it looks

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

@@skimmybras nah, piece of piss

[@januszsikora7689]

Fix the video, horrible picture, jittery and out of focus

[@madmanmechanic8847]

The video tape is probably older than the hills before it put it in the 40 year old cam corder hahahahah

[@skimmybras]

I recommend taking the clock to a watchmaker or clockmaker. This is a good diy at home video, but I can see many faults in it. Overhauls aren’t cheap, but it’s better to have a professional do it.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Thank you.