Westminster Chime Clock fix

[@geoffcartridge2079]

Thank you for the video. I have an ODO with an almost identical mechanism. I had pulled it apart and soaked in kerosene (paraffin) and used sewing machine oil. There is a problem with the ecapement . So now I will do it all again following your lead. I hope to repeat your success. I was just quoted $600 for a service and it would take 6 months! Thanks.

[@Charlyfarly2]

I admire your courage in taking it to pieces. Good luck with the re-assembly.

[@geoffcartridge2079]

@@Charlyfarly2 thanks. It's not courage but yet another case of overconfidence. I just found a working similar clock for only $40. That puts a new perspective on the challenge. Cheers!

[@Cobesclocks]

Odos have barreled mainsprings the kerosene will destroy your springs

[@rallyrami9916]

OH! Qué belleza de máquinas de relojes de pared! Cuanto aprecio estas maquinarias antiguas! Recuerdo que cuando joven me dedicaba a repararlos. Ahora ya en la tercera edad... Me cuesta un poco realizar estos trabajos. Gracias por compartir este video! Saludos y bendiciones para usted 👍

[@Zappa943]

You Sir are a superstar ❤ I hope your still with us in 2023.

[@johnokeeffe6014]

Fair play to you , i wish i had seen you video before i disassembled my 1950 chinese 15 day clock that had the same issues as your clock , what a nightmare to reassemble . well done to you. :}

[@verybigkittens7550]

30 day Korean clocks are worse.

[@koreanature]

Wow, My best friend, Thank you for your hard work in making the video. I enjoyed the good video. Have a happy day.

[@runningpanda6570]

Well Done Charly, Ignore those who have a stick up their bottoms...Your just like me love to tinker,so what if it does not last for long..I'm sure you've learned and had fun doing it:)))

[@Charlyfarly2]

It's still going.

[@jessicaa3623]

Thank you I've been afraid to let down the main spring!

[@川島敏嗣]

こんにちは。　最近、チャイム付きの置時計に興味があり古い時計を購入しましたが遅れるので自分で何とかしたいと思っていたところです。とても参考になりました。ありがとうございます。

[@wul01]

Good video, thanks, Hope it's still going, and if it isn't you can service it again, it clearly pays to do it yourself, ignore the comments to the contrary.

[@VeronicaStClair]

I use 92% isopropyl alcohol to clean mine. I use a fine bristled toothbrush to get into the cracks. The alcohol works well and no worries about any damage to the mechanism

[@rhigh8554]

As stated by someone else - this will last a short time...you still have dirt inside the barrel spring coils which must be cleaned out properly. This is why clockmakers charge what you would call EXPENSIVE - because they strip and do the job properly. Also the holes that are worn will just get worse and then the repair will be even more expensive - all you need is the clock oiled every few years after a good PROPER service to keep it in good condition.

[@topbanana8438]

for a clock that costs £15/£20 to buy. then its pretty obvious £200 to get fix is very expensive

[@Cobesclocks]

@@topbanana8438well the clock is worth more than how much it was bought for used

[@slunt3123]

As others have pointed out, barrel springs can only be cleaned and properly lubricated by taking them out of the barrels. Letting them down doesn’t help clean them, because the leaves will be tight against the barrel wall. If you value your clock, don’t do this. If this is all you can do to keep it out of the trash bin, go for it.

[@JamesMckie]

Awesome video. So pleased you got it going. Let’s hope I can do the same with mine. Well done 👍

[@johnfharvey]

Thanks for that. Has given me the confidence to have ago. Great hobby when stuck inside due to bad weather. Cheers

[@nigelnightmare4160]

Nicely done. As it didn't work you had nothing to lose by giving it a go. With regards to the oiling "Less is more" and you can always Add more BUT it will cause damage if you over oil it. The main spring's need only a couple of drops of oil as it will spread when wound & while running (use the same oil as the rest of the pivots). Motor oil has too many additives. Light machine oil or sewing machine oil if you can't get Clock oil & synthetic oil lasts longer. OIL every 3-4 years and clean every 10 years.

[@mohindersembi7647]

Wow very nice video i hope you fine 🙂 just to find out how did you put the oil in the clock spring barrels ? Please kindly let me know thanks 😊

[@rcastor1]

I have one of these movements and agree that total disassembly is not an option. There are pressed-on pinions preventing the plates from being separated anyway. I want to do an immersion cleaning in the ultrasonic bath, but I worry about cleaning fluid getting inside of the mainspring cans.

[@berryj.greene7090]

Take them out individually on this K6A Smiths - after letting them right down. One screw. Then you can operate in a bucket if that's your wish. Clean up the barrels with Duraglit so that they shine. A little wax polish sparingly applied will exclude air and keep them shining longer. Just on the barrel of course. Good luck. Did it work? If not I want the verge!

[@carolynfrance335]

Nice way to clean the clock. The gasoline seemed to have cleaned the gummed up parts. I have three clocks I will have to try it on.

[@sebastianwilmer9181]

I use Motoroil too for Clockworks. 10W40 for the Movement and white grease with PTFE for the springs. 5 Years with this Oil and I have no trouble with sticky Movements. For smaller Movements (Wrist Watches) I use a thinner oil for the balance wheel an 10W40 for the rest of the Movement. These special Clock Oils are only synthetic Oils and Motor Oil is roughly the same. Good Luck and let the clock ticking!

[@Charlyfarly2]

Thanks

[@jimcarter8034]

Normally sold in musical instrument shops for woodwind and brass instruments: KEY OIL also works as a useful light precision oil.

[@Andreas0705]

I'm aware that you don't the special tools for dismantling it, but having submerged the spring housing you have removed grease that should be applied with the spring out of the housing. No grease will give you a uneven release of power and wear on the gears. A normal service of a clock requires the parts dismantled and checked out for wear on the pivots. Speaking as a Watchmaker student.

[@Charlyfarly2]

I agree but the cost of having the clock overhauled professionally far exceeded its value and as it was just sitting there cleaning it was just an option.

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

Wow-I admire your confidence! :-)

[@RobertOrgRobert]

This wonderful video has certainly gained attention from theythinktheyknowitall rowdy bystanders

[@johnmadden7092]

Hello I have been learning how to work on old clocks and it might turn into a job for me I have like it I have a lot of respect on people have crepe these clocks and the ones that have work on them and fix them where they can work again keep up the good work

[@gillcrofts162]

"very pleasing". More like absolutely amazing! Fantastic Vid. I don't have the petrol, compressed air or stuff like that..... but I'll give mine ago which hasn't seen the light of day for decades!

[@jazzman1626]

I think I’ll stick my clock movement in the dishwasher. The warm air will dry it fine. Then oil the points and as much of the springs as I can reach. So far my clock doesn’t unwind very much, and only has about 1 full turn (if even that) until fully wound. It only cost £30, so no way am I spending tons of money to have it cleaned. A guy was quoted £600 odd plus VAT to have it done!

[@samharper4289]

Never use WD-40 to clean a movement with. WD-40 is a clock/watches worst nightmare! It attracts dust immensely! Only good for rust removal. I use Brake Cleaner if I am out of regular clock/watch parts cleaner. Works great for cleaning off old oil, etc. when your in a pinch. And it does not leave any residue.

[@patricklyons5056]

Like clocks too Charly and so enjoyed this video greatly. You're a man of many talents! I have one of those 'ginger bread' mantle clocks, made by the Ansonia Clock Co. USA. Must give it a clean.

[@somethingbeautiful2212]

Charly, Thank you so much for the great information! Any updates, is your clock still working? 🍀

[@Charlyfarly2]

I hope so as I sold it

[@rhigh8554]

I'm glad peolple follow your botching - it will keep me in business for years to come. The book was obviously crap. You have petrol in the barrels which will dry up the oil/grease and eventually rust the mainsprings.

[@MrMichaelLudgate]

It'll keep you in business if it makes sense to fork out for a repair/service that's more than the value of the clock. Don't think too many owners of £1000's clocks will be dunking them in petrol... Of more concern was using an electric toothbrush in the presence of petrol (cheap motor has brushes = sparks). I'd be interested to know how successful a steam clean would be, and adding the step of suspending the unit over a salt bed and sealing in a bag to aid in removing any moisture before re-oiling.

[@berryj.greene7090]

Sour sour sour! It won't change the quartz revolution my friend. Time (as you should know) does not stand still. Your valued job is sliding away along with coal mining and much more. Sour Sour Sour! This man has saved a clock which you might inherit some day. You're wrong about the petrol actually. It evaporates long before you re-oil. All gone! The oil excludes the air without which you cannot rust. Listen & learn sourpuss. The use of synthetic is fortuitous or well researched. Slick 50 works for some. Neither available in 1955 when the clock was made so you see sour won't work. You'll be the loser. All screwed up. Be kind and loving or all your clocks will stop at midnight and you won't know why! Will you?

[@garethgilmour9021]

@@berryj.greene7090 as a clockmaker I've had plenty of these clocks on my bench but to justify "cleaning" a clock like the way this one was done keeps us in a job. I'm afraid to say that you sound every bit delusional as 'papa laugh a sentence' mechanical clocks are on high demand for us clockmakers and because we're rare as hen's teeth we are getting plenty of work. My client list is at 253... 253 people in queue for me to repair their clocks, just because the repair is more expensive than the value is irrelevant, that's like a car that's worth £300 but needs a bit of work and by the time part's and labour are tallied up it costs £400 and why did the car cost so much? Because the owner didn't get the car serviced regularly and worked it into the ground. So I'm afraid the only people that are sour sour sour is normally the folk who have an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex 🙄🙈

[@bernardguynunns5658]

You can pick up these clocks super cheap in NZ . My one is operating erratically so I think I will buy a second one and strip it down to see how it works.

[@Charlyfarly2]

A similar working clock here is £400. I hope you can get it back together, especially the chime mechanism. It is very complicated. To have a clock renovated by an expert costs more than the clock is worth which is why I attempted it.

[@sergeyzimin2066]

Thank you Charly, awesome video, helps a lot!!!

[@idunjon]

Great video and I have started cleaning my Smith's Enfield but how did you get the oil into the springs please? Thanks

[@Charlyfarly2]

With difficulty :) There is a small hole and I used a hypodermic.syringe

[@idunjon]

Thank you so much, that's great. Do I oil the cocks as well or should I leave them?

[@berryj.greene7090]

You are resourceful and brave. I have two such clocks (K6A). The verge on one has been butchered unfortunately. I think I have to try and make one. Any ideas welcomed. The other clock is nearly perfect until you operate that chime SILENT lever. It never recovers. Any ideas why that might be? If I take it out - it will be working OK yet nothing appears sticky. BTW cleaning the brass barrels can be done by removing them which on this clock is simple. The plates don't need to be split. Duraglit will do it and they look so good then. I know its daunting but if dismantled the rest will clean up better in lime w/up liquid & water. A photo or several will help with re-assembly. Is it really worth it? Probably not! Well done - good video. Thanks.

[@davel831]

Great video, what was the book you bought.

[@elizabethrowlands9419]

ALL I DO WITH 5 POUND CLOCKS FROM THE CAR BOOT , IS TAKE THE HANDS OFF , TAKE OFF THE FOUR SCREWS HOLDING THE MECHANISM, AND SPRAY IT WITH POUNDLAND 3 IN 1 OIL IN THE GARDEN , LET IT DRIP ON A NEWSPAPER FOR HALF AN HOUR , AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER , AND OFF THEY TICK 1

[@johnrogers2253]

I do this work ,, you did very well trust you put some oil in the springs... well done good out come. Is it still going..

[@khossossykhossossy7955]

Well done. I think you did a great job despite some critics that may say that you should have disassembled the movement. I would have done the same but sadly I disassembled my Imperial mantel clock today and it is a nightmare to put back together. Next time, I will follow your footsteps. I just have one question, you said you used petrol, is that the same as gasoline? Sorry for being ignorant. It might be different here in Canada.

[@Charlyfarly2]

It is. Good luck.

[@haarislakhani]

Great video, I have the exact same clock and just this morning have broken the middle spring by over winding it (stupid I know, the clock stopped overnight so I thought something had gone wrong anyway). Do you have any vids on how to repair a broken spring?

[@Charlyfarly2]

I don't but I am sure there are some on the web.

[@jazzman1626]

You can’t repair a broken spring.

[@Cobesclocks]

You didn’t overwind the clock the clocks age and not being serviced in a while caused the weak and given up spring to slip off the winding arbor

[@bryanmurray8011]

Hi Charlyfarly2. I'm trying to get my late father-in-laws SMITHS strike and chime clock (same as yours) working properly again. It will run for 27 hours before stopping. I see you have sold yours but do you recall how long it would run for before it needed winding? Thanks in advance.

[@Charlyfarly2]

I've still got it but I rewind it every couple of days to prevent it stopping as it may not start again if I leave it to completely unwind.

[@bryanmurray8011]

@@Charlyfarly2 Thank you. I probably need new a main spring.

[@khossossykhossossy7955]

I have a quick question? Do I need to let the springs down if I am not disassembling the clock? I just got a mantel Seth Thomas and I am planning on cleaning it your way. I am wondering if I could use lighter fluid and avoid letting down the springs. Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thanks.

[@Charlyfarly2]

When the springs are let down it creates spaces between the coils for craning fluid to penetrate. Take care when doing it.

[@TheCrown91]

Great watch! And what is their power reserve?

[@Charlyfarly2]

About 7 days

[@TheCrown91]

@@Charlyfarly2 Thank you !

[@josephfrye7342]

pretty cool smiths clock i seen.

[@itzharry3937]

please go back to smeatons lakes to fish on river my nan owns the place love to see more vids there

[@michael2700]

good video Charly i hope you make more. i'm having problems getting my clock to strike and chime any thoughts anyone ?

[@Charlyfarly2]

Hi Michael. Assuming the spring is intact and it is fully wound lack of lubrication, especially a dry spring, could be the problem.

[@michael2700]

hi Carly thank you for your swift reply. the clock trys to strike and chime but the hammers only move a fraction like something is stopping them . do you still think it is the spring if so dos that mean takeing all the clock apart and what do i lubricate it with with ?

[@Charlyfarly2]

@@michael2700 It should to be lubricated with clock/sewing machine oil which is very fine. There is a hole on the edge of the plate covering the spring in its drum. I just laid the clock with this facing uppermost and added oil through the hole and left if for a few days. If that doesn't work it will have to be dismantled which was way beyond my competence.

[@michael2700]

hi charly i think i have found the problem i removed the hammer mechanism and the spring is working fine . two of the hammers are sticking any suggestions to free them up the clock is a Vintage German 'AMS' 8-Day clock. but it has any attention for years i have got hold of some turret clock oil is ok to lubricate the hammer mechanism with this any suggestions ? Michael thank you

[@berryj.greene7090]

I think it will if cleaned up. Is there a lot of gunge around the pivots of trains that drive the hammers? The Chime & strike trains are more complex than the time IMHO. However not so finicky. No beat to set, rate to adjust, minor friction losses to find. Good luck - you can do it!

[@djlovell13]

You don’t mention anything about the chime mechanism? Did you any work on it?

[@Charlyfarly2]

I didn't touch it.

[@donquxiote7653]

Hi Charly, Did you find a hole in order to lubricate the main springs or not?

[@Charlyfarly2]

Yes but it is difficult to reach

[@stephenbaguley5699]

I thought you would have taken out the spring barrels first, so that the cleaner won't get trapped in the springs.

[@Charlyfarly2]

That's beyond my capability.

[@stephenbaguley5699]

easy to take out. on the smiths movement. wind it down, undo the screw on the retainer bracket take out the sprocket, and the spring barrel will just slide out from the slot in the side plate.

[@Charlyfarly2]

Thank you for the information - the wonders of the internet:)

[@relvintageelectro2425]

What year manufactured for this type of clock

[@Charlyfarly2]

1930's

[@alanrobinson8812]

as much as I like clock s tom have you been fishing yet missing the videos

[@verybigkittens7550]

I just stripped one of these smiths movement down completely. It was pretty bad and the machining pattern on the back was corroded.Took the springs out,had to make new hook holes,original holes were ripped.Cleaned then lubricated . Then all the components were cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner using amonia based cleaning fluid. Every thing was washed afterwards. Dried pivots polished, bushing holes cleaned. Then re assembled. Oiled with proper clock oil. I don't think it is a good idea to soak the whole movement in petrol. Especially with the springs still inside the barrels. On these clocks the barrels can be taken out of the movement without separating the plates anyway. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322911080135?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

[@Charlyfarly2]

That's way beyond my capabilities and would cost more than the clock is worth.

[@verybigkittens7550]

Hi Charlie. 2 years ago it would apply to me, Done 40 clocks since then, sell them on ebay and do some repair work as well. Really enjoy the work. Found something I enjoy doing at last and get paid for it as well. Seem to have learnt very quickly, despite being old 58 years. Sound you have a northern accent like me , Cheshire.

[@verybigkittens7550]

Don't use wd40 at all

[@amigachris]

good job

[@johncrosley1]

Did you really soak the rubber hammers in petrol for 2 days?

[@Cobesclocks]

Even worse there’s gasoline in the mainspring barrels now better hope the clock doesn’t get near a fireplace

[@willf5768]

Great job good for you.

[@jackiechenery439]

My old clock works well but won't chime and even a clock maker couldn't get it to chime 😪

[@lukepranks6886]

Clock will work for a short while then stop again. Best fully stripped

[@Charlyfarly2]

It is beyond my scope and would cost more than the clock is worth for an expert to do it.

[@broncobuildinggarage3497]

Please do not follow anything that this video shows. The damage this guy did to the clock is going to show itself later down the road. The lack of care to dismantle the clock and replace bushings and inspect the pivots will saw through the bras and ruin the plates. It takes time to learn clock repair for a reason. Tools are expensive and the cleaning solutions are not petrol. His clock works today but it will need a major overhaul later from inexperience.

[@GrenMagg]

Just take photos of anything you are taking apart or stripping.

[@maximedwards3456]

Soak it in petrol?, petrol contains water.

[@verybigkittens7550]

I put the movement, or parts in an amonia based clock cleaning fluid,in an ultrasonic tank, which contains water etc.

[@maximedwards3456]

stephen baguley not Your fault in dreaming being a clock maker, one of the most highly skilled trades on the planet, wish I had that choice.

[@verybigkittens7550]

I buy and restore clocks to sell on,full time, and do some repair work for people. I don't make clocks.

[@verybigkittens7550]

I restore clocks to sell on, which I do full time. I also do some repairing. I don't make clocks.

[@verybigkittens7550]

done well over 40 now in the last 2 years.

[@Volodia2141]

Terrible

[@RobertOrgRobert]

This wonderful video has certainly gained attention from theythinktheyknowitall rowdy bystanders

[@broncobuildinggarage3497]

It is a horrible DIY video showing nothing good for a vintage clock repair. I guess that is why I am in business repairing things like this.

[@RobertOrgRobert]

This wonderful video has certainly gained attention from theythinktheyknowitall rowdy bystanders