Steps in Clock Repair

Clock Repair Made Simple: How to Restore Your Clock in Three Steps

Do you have a cherished clock that needs some TLC? Whether it’s a family heirloom or a prized antique, restoring a clock can bring it back to its former glory. At Clockworks, we offer comprehensive clock repair and restoration services to help you keep your timepiece in perfect working order. From cleaning and oiling to detailed mechanical repairs, our team of professionals handles each project with care and precision.

Here’s how you can get started with your clock restoration in three straightforward steps.

Step 1: Cleaning and Oiling

The first step in any clock restoration process is a thorough cleaning and oiling. At Clockworks, we’ve perfected this step to ensure your clock movement is in the best condition for further inspection.

Our Cleaning Process

When we receive your clock movement, we immediately check for shipping damage and notify you that it has arrived safely. We then clean the movement using a meticulous three-step ultrasonic process:

• Ultrasonic Cleaning: The clock movement goes through two ultrasonic tanks filled with Clockworks’ high-grade Formula 67 cleaning solution by Zenith. This process removes years of grime and debris.
• Rinse Cycle: The movement then goes through a final rinse in Zenith’s Drizebright solution, followed by a dip in denatured alcohol for a thorough finish.
• Air-Drying: After cleaning, we use an air hose to ensure no moisture remains in the springs or pivot holes.

This cleaning process ensures the clock movement is free from dirt and oil residue, setting the stage for effective repairs. If you only need a cleaning and oiling, we offer this service for $200. While this basic service can improve performance, it’s not guaranteed to resolve all mechanical issues.

Step 2: Inspection and Quoting

Once the clock movement is clean, we move on to the inspection phase. During this step, our experts carefully examine the movement for signs of wear or damage. We use magnification tools to identify issues such as worn pivots, damaged mainsprings, or the need for new bushings.

What We Look For:

• Worn Pivots: Often, pivots wear down over time, causing friction that affects performance.
• Mainspring Condition: If mainsprings are stuck or damaged, they need replacement.
• Bushing Wear: Worn bushings can lead to misalignment and poor performance.

After the inspection, we provide you with a detailed quote outlining the necessary repairs. If you approve the quote, we proceed to the next step. If you decide not to move forward, we return the movement after cleaning and oiling.

Step 3: Disassembly and Restoration

This is where the magic happens. Once you approve the quote, our clockmakers get to work on the full restoration. This phase involves disassembling the movement and performing all necessary repairs.

Common Repairs and Services

• Bushing Replacement: We use the KWM bushing system to replace worn bushings. If standard sizes don’t fit, we custom-make bushings using brass stock on a Sherline lathe.
• Mainspring Replacement: We stock a wide variety of mainsprings and can replace any that are damaged or stuck.
• Wheel and Part Customization: If any mechanical parts are missing or broken, our team can either modify parts from our extensive inventory or fabricate new ones to match your clock’s needs.

Our goal is to restore your clock to its original function and beauty. Each restoration project is handled with the utmost care, ensuring your timepiece continues to serve you for years to come.

What Clocks Do We Repair?

We specialize in restoring a wide range of clock brands, including:

• Hermle
• Kieninger
• Howard Miller
• Seth Thomas
• Urgos
• Ridgeway

If you don’t see your clock’s brand listed, don’t worry! We handle many other brands and models. Our expertise spans decades of clockmaking traditions, ensuring we can tackle almost any repair.

Tools and Products We Offer

In addition to repair services, we provide essential tools and products for clock enthusiasts who prefer DIY maintenance. Check out these offerings on our website:

• Clock Oilers: Precision tools for lubricating clock movements.
• Clock Cleaning Solutions: High-quality cleaning fluids like Formula 67 for effective ultrasonic cleaning.
• Repair and Restoration Tools: A variety of tools for performing minor repairs and adjustments at home.

How to Send Your Clock for Repair

Ready to restore your clock? Here’s how to get started:

1. Package Your Clock Movement: Carefully remove and package the clock movement (you don’t need to send weights or pendulums unless specified).
2. Include Payment: Send a check for $200 or pay by credit card using our online form.
3. Ship to Our Address:
   Clockworks
   10 E Main St Road
   Huntington, MA 01050 USA
4. Fill Out the Form: Let us know about your clock and any specific issues using the form on our website.

We’ll send you a confirmation email when we receive your movement and begin the restoration process.

Trust Clockworks for Professional Clock Restoration

Restoring your clock doesn’t have to be a daunting task. At Clockworks, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to bring your timepiece back to life. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a complete overhaul, our team is here to help.

For more information, visit clockworks.com or email us at [email protected].

Your clock deserves the best care—trust Clockworks to keep it ticking.