How to Make Your Clock Run Quieter

[@vickyj7322]

Sorry, I couldn't hear this video because my clock was ticking too loudly.

[@TheTarrMan]

Vicky J You don't have to yell. We can hear you just fine.

[@sergej841]

xD

[@ElizabethTower1859]

t I k. t o k t I k t o k

[@kwacz]

WHAT!! click, click, click, WHAT!! click, click, SMASH!!!!! oh that's better, now what were you saying?

[@abrarshah3969]

Loooiilloo99p80oop99oi8ii990j😅to 5

[@unknowable4147]

This is actually such a nice way to do tutorials thanks😭 still helping 9 years later

[@rotikapada7370]

Thanks for the Video. The most important tip is to go very slow and careful while opening the "Black Box". The plastic gears are sort of fragile and loosely fitted in together. And the second most important tip is to take pictures prior removing each plastic Gear. Don't base it on your memory . Everything within the assembly starts to look alike by the time all gears are removed and time comes to rebuild the Black Box and place all gears back together in their right places and correct Orientation. Last tip is avoid too much oil and give it a try. If it doesn't work the first time don't simply throw away. Keep at it and repeat the steps until you place all gears back correctly.

[@kevinmarston4369]

Almost 9 years later and still as useful as ever. Worked perfect and not a sound now to be heard! This is what YT is all about - tks TheTarrMan 😀

[@pyroslavx7922]

I did this one night when i couldn't sleep... Well actually i have to admit, i was in a bad mood, so i just pulled the clock off the wall, took time setting wheel off the back and poured in like half a spoon of thick machine oil and shake it really hard, then put it on a newspaper to drain the oil. It is almost completely silent since, and still runs after like 3-4 years...and there is a long oily stain on the wall from oil that has dripped out over next years, and some of the oil went to the front of the clock face...and it is still there ;-)

[@문명기-y5d]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@ultimatedilan]

I have a sweeping second hand that was loud even though the brand claimed it was silent. But a few drops of oil on the gears and the dimples really DOES make a difference. The tick went from being louder then traffic to nothing. if you are scared of breaking anything just take pics every piece you remove so you can piece back easy.

[@Lieuna]

Thank you so much for an easy-to-follow how to video. We loved our wall clock, but hated the ticking. Now it's silent!!!

[@djmcwill1010]

Used petroleum jelly on a couple clocks today. Unbelievable difference! From maddening to nearly silent. Wow! Probably 30 minutes total investment. Thanks for the video!

[@wecheesin4221]

Anyone else unable to tell the difference from the clock in the video and the clock that caused you to watch this video

[@TheTarrMan]

Well 99% of the cheap clocks from Walmart use the same cheap movement so. . . .

[@outR33ch]

It worked!. We had misgivings but loved our retro clock and hated the noise, so gave it a try, It was sort of fun if you aren't in a hurry. Thank you TarrMan.

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

Clever and interesting. The alternerative of course, because the clock 'module' can be removed, is to replace the whole 'module' with a dirt-cheap sweep seconds movement, so that the seconds hand moves continuously round the dial, not pulsing, which would be so easy to do and I already have an on-line company I've discovered who can sell those. (What I like about the continuous sweep-seconds movements is because it makes it look as if the clock is electric, using a synchronous motor, but of course is still quartz/battery. I have one repro 'Smiths' wall clock fitted with one of these movements and love it). However, thank you for your insight and explanation.

[@TheTarrMan]

I'll have to look into those. Stupid question but hows the battery life on those? I'm getting about 1-1.5 years out of a double "A".

[@Mentorcase]

How long does a battery last in that type of movement? I have just bought a few and are just about to replace the old tickers.

[@dismissing]

@@TheTarrMan I have a clock with a silent movement, they run for about 7-10 months. But weirdly, they start making a peculiar 'whirring' sound after a year or two.

[@saphia7082]

It worked!! I ordered a clock oil from ebay for about £3.50. Luckily I only had 4 little circular dials to remove and oil up so wasnt hard to keep track of! When I put it all back together again I was almost worried I messed up because I couldnt hear anything, but it works! I could only hear the ticking when I put my ear right against the back of the clock :D my room is now silent

[@TheTarrMan]

Glad to be of service.

[@lennyf1957]

Over time oil will damage plastic gears. Better to use silicone lube.

[@TheTarrMan]

That probably true but it's still working problem free. It's not like it's something I touch and adjust all the time either. The only time I mess with it is for daylight savings. It's still even using the same battery.

[@RocKnMetaL97]

@@TheTarrMan could i use wd40?

[@TheTarrMan]

It's been over 5 years now and it's still working fine.

[@TheScavenger71]

@@TheTarrMan Lenny is technically correct about using a silicone based oil for plastics. Most likely the reason why your clock is still working is because it is a light duty application and it will take a long time before the ends of the wheels become so soft and flexible that the clock won't run. You would see the results of using the wrong oil or grease much quicker if the gears were under a heavy load such as the plastic gear that is used in power windows in automobiles. For those applications I use white lithium grease. I make clocks out of old damaged records for friends and I agree that a little oil makes those quartz movements much quieter so oiling them is always the first step. They make oil for quartz movements but I just put some silicone spray into a bottle cap and use a piece of wire as an applicator.

[@samihamady8569]

I used a solvent free bike suspension oil, works fine for plastic and rubber bushings, must be good for plastic gearing

[@robri]

In my case and it worked for me, and I don’t see why it wont work for most battery powered wall clocks. If the ticking annoys you, then an easy way to stop the ticking is to remove the second hand if you don’t need it. It’s easy. Just remove the clock front, pull the second hand off and replace the clock front. Done.

[@jetjazz05]

Just did this to a 3 dollar Ikea clock, much much quieter. I have quite a few of them around, and my wife hates ticking, so I might do this to all of them in the near future... I'm going to give it a couple of days though, however, just to make sure the light oil I used doesn't gum the gears up. I have 3 in 1, but I went with a small squeeze pen oiler I bought years ago, it's really handy for applying less than a drop of oil, it was sold as a fishing reel oiler.

[@jmichej]

Relatively simple solution for a minor irritation I've had with a clock for the last ten years. Thank you.

[@laurafisher352]

Watched your video and my clock went from super annoying loud to barely a whisper. However, you might want to refilm it because 1/2 of the important stuff isn't being filmed. You are holding everything above the camera lense.

[@PinayAko22205]

I fallowed every step but unfortunately, after the procedure, my clock stops moving . So disappointed. Somebody could help me out?

[@davidbostock6776]

Kira Kira Glitters I think it's all about the oil slowing down the movement of the magnet, Too much or too thick the magnet will not make the 1/2 rotation it needs to. I doubt the oil on the other gear shafts make much difference. Wipe off most of the oil on the magnet.

[@whiteeye2121movalik]

do you have to open the black box and the white wheels out to oil it? can't you just spray those wheels without taking them out?

[@kishorchavan432]

It’s awesome.. it’s really worked. Thanks it’s help me to gives another chance of my clock before throw out of bedroom.

[@curlyceibena6514]

I ended up messing up my clock. Lol. Is in the trash now. Glad you got your clock to stop ticking tho :)

[@davidg7454]

Works great! I used a gun oil (I believe it is mineral oil..(Hoppes 9 lubricating oil)). Sounds incredibly better. BTW this doesn't get rid of the ticking noise completely. However before I placed the clock 20 ft from myself, and I could hear the ticking. In order to hear it now, I have to stand 2-3 feet away. That's an amazing difference. Thank you!

[@HifiCentret]

Use a plastic compatible oil if you want to movement to last. Most universal machine oils are not and will degrade the plastic with time. SuperLube is compatible but can be difficult to get and expensive (but hey you use only a drop all in all). Haven't noticed quality clocks getting worse with time. Perhaps if they have been oiled and the oil is evaporating. I believe it's 3 times I've repaired my moms Braun alarm clock from the 80s - a model with motion sensor for snooze which is out of production a long time ago and no motion sensor since either. I can't remember if I gave a little bit of super lube in the movement the first time but successive repairs have all been on the off button only - amazing it haven't been necessary to replace it with a generic switch yet - the movement still runs like new with just about no noise. Many movements are unoiled from factory. Even then a quality movement can last half a century or more. When assembling you don't need to nor is it a good idea to oil everything. The few important pinions and to teeth of the first two or three wheels in the gear train to prevent teeth from rattling. Or take a Seiko world clock I got cheap at a flea market - estimated time period the early 80s. It has one of the first sweep hand quartz movements from Seiko using a C size battery. Despite it originally was unoiled it's nowhere near worn. It was however very noisy (different noise than ticking though). Clock was overhauled as it was dirty beyond belief and movement too had a thorough clean. When assembled I lubed the important gears and pinions. The result it that it's now even more quiet than even the quiet brand new AA size Seiko sweep movements - despite those movements Seiko do give a little lube from the factory. If you ever take apart a sweep movement - be careful - especially the AA size movements as some of the gears are delicate and easily damaged.

[@22I22]

First time the arrows wouldn't move. Second time the second arrow was loose. After a few more attempts it finally worked though. Doesn't make a sound now, thanks.

[@HouseJug]

YOU HAVE SAVED MY LIFE AND SANITY

[@TheTarrMan]

It saved my sanity too and thought I'd share the peace and quiet.

[@ashwinsujith9946]

Digital clocks are a good solution. The oil that you mentioned seems to be meant for metals and not for plastics, they might react and eat into the gear's teeth resulting in loss of accuracy.

[@bimkumsen]

Benjamin, great initiative I like you details work. But I have 4 walls clock in the hall it makes hell of noise. I solved it very easy I REMOVED THE SECOND hand, it works well no sound at all.

[@babey6094]

I wish I could do this, but if I took the second hand off of mine (or any of the hands really) my clock would break! I don't know what to do 😭

[@T.Q.]

Thanks for sharing. We've been having the same problem with the loud tick tock sounds on one of our clocks. Helped a bunch. God bless.

[@damarysnavarro9884]

I am definitely trying this!! because my clock is extremely loud, I let you know how it goes!! thanks for taking time to show us this trick!!

[@adl216]

I had the same problem, until I changed the mechanism to a constant sweep one. Thank you for the video toc, toc, toc...

[@vikimedia4316]

this works so well, I almost couldn't believe my ears when I didn't hear any ticking whatsoever after doing this :D Wow, thank you so much! I can finally have a clock in my room now! :D

[@TheDenix8]

I think also if you remove the second hand it will be quieter (if you dont need it) because there is less stress on the gears.

[@TheDenix8]

***** Sure... if you find it useful....

[@TheDenix8]

***** Yes, true, but I (and some other people) like the decorative value of an analog one and at least for me its easier to plan time on analog one.

[@ErnieSesameStreet]

Thank you very much. Mine is so much better now

[@kristinekoski7345]

"wow"! your quite the actor, thought it was a scene from a horror movie, LOL ANYWAYS,, You did a great job! oh and its reassuring to know, im not the only one who just cant shake the monotinous and constant tick tock sound 𖠌︎

[@TheTarrMan]

Thank you

[@Praveen501]

Thank you for waking up on midnight to show us this.

[@cathycleveland5151]

It worked for me! I also added two small pieces of felt in between the back of the clock backing and the movement box. I put it all back together, without the hands, OOOPs, So don't forget to do that. It truly cut the noise to almost nothing.

[@nevada8462]

Absolutely excellent vid. Thank you! Subbed immediately. Luv to support great content providers.

[@alinesser323]

You're a great dude man and I appreciate the advice

[@TheTarrMan]

Thanks

[@valdisjonsdottir5184]

I did not expect this to work but I am so happy that It did

[@elenasendler9620]

Thank you so much for this video... You just saved a life of a super annoying clock and I felt extra cool being able to fix it myself ...... thanks again!!!! 😇

[@davidbostock6776]

My guess is the one drop of oil in the area containing the magnet decreased the speed the magnet moved, reducing it's impact & noise. I thought you were going to glue a mass to the inside so the dial would not act like a sound board. If you put the battery in and hung the movement alone where you hung the clock I think you would have found it not annoying. Drop of oil on the magnet that you did works great & easy to do. Good video.

[@anthonypaterson1954]

You principle was valid and I have just applied the same to a large wall clock whose "Tic-Tock" was driving me mad. I pulled it apart and used an aerosol can of Silicon Grease and spayed all the moving parts and it now goes about its timely business without broadcasting its movement every second. Thank you for the video - poor framing and all . . . . .

[@SilverTrill]

🤣🤣🤣 that made me laugh because I'm feeling the exact same, what crazy I'm watching this while my clock is still clicking and feels like it's louder than your audio I need to put the tv up 🤣

[@TheTarrMan]

Have you noticed how it gets louder when the seconds hand is on the up-swing yet?

[@md.kazinowsadahamed706]

it’s working perfectly.good job bro❤

[@chucksteward2615]

Great Video, everytime you did something you moved off camera, so we did't get to see what you were doing.So much for a tutorial. And that sound test you did at the end with the stupid background music going full blast, that was a great way to silent the clock..............................

[@calvincheah9954]

Thank you so much. I just put some oil on the gears and shafts. The clock is so much quieter now.

[@ponderingypanda]

You can also just completely remove the second hand if you want

[@robertgoidel]

Would it not be easier to put rubber dampers either on the outside of the clock movement's body or if you have room on the interior of the clock without dis-assembly put thin rubber slips glued in on the interior to dampen the tick-tock noise.

[@GoreTorn16]

Thank you @TheTarrMan! This helped me tremendously! Now I can finally sleep.

[@JeffTeck]

Thanks! The only oil I had around was some electric hair clipper oil, but it worked. It's not completely silent but it's a big improvement. (Mine has no ticking but I can hear a grinding sound as it spins)

[@jenjamin84]

Omg it worked!!! Thanks so much. I have such a nice clock but it's so loud and I couldn't sleep.

[@GrandpaJonty]

You could try a silicon lubricant? Oils tend to collect dust and clog.

[@user-nl1sw7dc6p]

I used to take my clock every night out of bed and morning in

[@eileenmckeown9304]

Hi thank you for your video, do you think this would work on my radio controlled clock or would that raise further complications

[@TheTarrMan]

It would work but there would more circuitry you would have to be carful not to get oil on. Also the disassembly process would be different. If you do it make sure to take pictures as you go so you can remember how to reassemble.

[@TheHappyKamper]

I can't believe you dragged this video out, to make it over the 10 minute mark, but didn't take at least a few seconds of it to let us hear the end result!

[@TheTarrMan]

You don't sound like a happy kamper. (Sorry, couldn't resist) Honestly I did shoot some footage but the camera couldn't pick it up.

[@TheHappyKamper]

@@TheTarrMan Haha, all good. At least that's a sign your solution worked. Cheers.

[@romandybala]

From my experience I have found that using oil on plastic doesnt work. Plastic is just very thick oil and it doesnt like different types of oil on the mating surfaces. Plus you dont want want to be puttung anything on that will attract and hold dust or harden with age.Try some of the silicone lubes .

[@eliekheder]

Without going through all that messy work. I just purchased a great movement kit, real silent, including the hands and the shipping cost for under a dollar. DIY White Hand Quartz Clock Movement Mechanism Replace Parts Long Spindle Silent | eBay

[@ReubenMRU]

What if you just use WD-40 spray? (and cover the coil?) doesn't that spare you from taking the gears apart?

[@sbromose1]

Good idea you have there. I just removed the seconds hand which gives the same result, more silence. Otherwise, the digital clock with large numbers is a good substitute. 🙂

[@repasinorbert9291]

thanks man...I've been thinking about to do this, but wasn't sure i wont break it....after your video encouraged me, I oiled up the gears and it's perfect...:D you really helped...:) by the way, I did it with machine oil, but any oil woud do it, but i recommend not to use those you find in the kitchen, those are not made for this things and eventually after a while will become sticky and will wreck the mechanism of the clock...:)

[@Sharpeasy88]

By the way how long will this method keep the clock quiet for?

[@Sharpeasy88]

So I did this and I used all purpose turbine lubricating oil (non gumming oil) and it worked perfectly. The ticking on my new clock was driving me insane, but I really liked it and didn't wanna return it. Followed this video step by step and it worked like a charm!!! Thanks so much man, epic!!!

[@robprobin9306]

Removing second hand is a quick fix . German and Japanese movements are a lot quieter than Chinese ones

[@reggaetakeover5022]

+Rob Probin best solution thanks

[@robprobin9306]

you are welcome glad i could help

[@bdawgtv]

English movements are quiet to.

[@jetjazz05]

+Rob Probin In my case I have a clock from Ikea without a second hand, it tick-tocks like a bastard. This quieted it right down.

[@EagleGirl919]

Our clock doesn't even have a second hand and it's loud as hell. :(

[@samikshasriram1986]

I used this technique and now, my clock barely makes any noise! Thank you so much!!

[@kevincoffield1787]

Thank you. Worked an absolute treat for me. 👍

[@jwnder1]

There are a version of those clocks where the seconds hand move in a continuous motion, which are much quieter.

[@TheTarrMan]

They have a tendency to hum.

[@marinasaburova]

Aly A. I just got one of those and it is incredibly loud, even when there is other noises around. It sounds like it’s going prfprfprpfprpfprpfpfprppfpfprprffftprppfppfrrtp lol

[@Ben-0]

I really liked that opening.

[@zsoltcsizmadia5743]

Worked like charm many thanks. So why are manufacturers not doing this? What do we miss?

[@TimpBizkit]

I used to put some socks or foam between my clock and the wall. I had a little alarm clock that was a bit noisy on the shelf, though I sleep with earplugs in. The biggest problem was my refrigerator cutting in and out to keep cool. I sleep in a studio flat so my living room is my bedroom.

[@dallashobbs693]

thinking going digital might help too, will have to try this trick someday

[@Queteimp]

Pretty helpful. But when you get to a house that has already one. Say you need it and can't take it out. An extra solution with regular skill is open it and extract the seconds needle by pulling it with force ( it can be put back if nec), it will decrease the noise 3/4 or 4/5 ths which is a looot and will give you a fast 80% solution

[@Queteimp]

Putting oil will work for a while and requires skill. Skill that can be better employed by just taking out the last gear of the sequence and it will stop ticking and solution is forever. Led light clocks don't have seconds. For regular uses seconds are not needed.

[@tasmiaazam9150]

This ticking sound is a depression specially when you are wasting your time sitting idle

[@EthanTheChild]

i could barely hear the ticking because my clock was too loud

[@melodyofpsalm9468]

most of this video you were not in the camera.....try to stay in camera range next time!

[@DJDevon3]

Great video. Makes me want to go out and buy a big face clock just so I can oil it. :)

[@kiwithebudgie3783]

Another option that might work is to run a small fan in the background. The soft wooshing will stop any random small noises from waking you up as well, such as creaks of the home, or honking cars outside. Good video! Thanks for sharing!

[@AlexaGyorfi]

Thank you so much! You saved my clock from being thrown out.:D

[@eileenmckeown9304]

Hi thanks for the advice. The ticking stopped when I removed the second hand so didn’t have to go any further. Thanks again

[@AdamSalma]

Brilliant video. Thanks for saving me £10!

[@maezee3100]

Do you have to use that Pacific oil? Can you just use canola oil?

[@bobman-lo8hc]

Good tip, but you were out of the cameras view a lot for the demo.

[@Kyadekhrarelode]

Now i can sleep peacefully

[@MichaelGyorfi]

I am surprised but it actually worked!! thank you!

[@melodyofpsalm9468]

The reason you hear it more at night is because everything is quiet! The clock does not actually get louder...everything else gets quieter!

[@sevadevi]

Thanks, I thought I would just take the seconds hand off, as the other stuff looked a bit daunting, and its really quiet , could be a good option. Thanks for your vid.

[@LearnWithNeeraj777]

Step 1 : open everything possible Step 2 : oil and assemble back Boom

[@HouseJug]

I thought my clock had broken because it wasn't making a sound but it still keeps perfect time!

[@helping_feral_cats_of_florida]

It worked....and fyi: I had no oil so I used WD-40 worked great (came with a friggin' head-ache from the smell)...but it WORKED great! Thanks!

[@azmanabas8425]

its work. thanks very much. my noisy wall clock is much quieter now. I used sewing machine oil

[@Frijo1]

Quartz movement are the best. quite and very accurate time.

[@lightbulbgonewild3205]

For some reason I like the ticking sound of the clock, it soothes me...

[@frankenfoamy]

After oiling, make the gear box air tight. The "wet oil will attract dust and gum up.

[@TheTarrMan]

Going on 4 years, still working.

[@iceq2050]

This works. Thanks so much for the tip. Lifesaver!!

[@UniqueTouch]

Gracías Amigo! Bt before i operate on my miserable ticking clock... if i just remove the seconds-hand... will that work? Hmmm im abit scared now that i saw all the gears inside! Thank you and plz keep up the great work!

[@rodneycork2788]

Extraordinary ! used silicone spray just took cover off, sprayed , replaced. it was quieter but still ticking, Hmph! woke up this morning, clock on time, and just NO ticking at all, absolutely silent. Amazing, wonder how long it shall last.

[@TheTarrMan]

Mine is still working, 7 years later.

[@yambo59]

Better solutions: Buy a clock with a sweep second hand movement that doesnt tick (silent) or replace the movement with one that has a sweep second hand design (also silent) - the latter is cheapest and keeps the original clock if so desired.

[@frankdn109]

What actually makes the noise? Some commenters removed the second hand and if that does the trick it must be gear tooth lash that's responsible; removing the second hand would significantly reduce the moving mass, so less recoil within the gear train. A relatively heavy oil, like your 3-in-1, would also dampen the lash/recoil.

[@TheTarrMan]

That's what I was thinking. A clock made with closer tolerances would probably be silent right out of the box.

[@frankdn109]

TheTarrMan A clock in my office at work has a loud tick and may be an example. The second hand vibrates with every tick so there's plenty of mass to create noise from the gear train. It's never really bothered me but I'm going to remove the second hand (if I can) and we'll see....

[@nordemoniac]

frankdn109 Mine doesn't even have a second hand and is LOUD. I'm pretty sure the problem is backlash of the gears caused by the stepper motor, and when you have oil in there, the cogs doesn't much as freely.

[@jatrophacathartica1889]

Thanks so much. It works.

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

Can't the mechanism be padded to sound proof it?

[@saviranga2845]

Thank you so much bro....

[@robertneville6731]

Great video love the music good job.