How to Make Your Grandfather Clock Last for Many Years

Your Grandfather clock is a timeless, classic and elegant piece that grabs attention no matter where it stands in your home. And you want it to stay in the best possible condition so that you and your family members can enjoy its presence for years to come. That’s why you need to ensure that it is properly maintained, cleaned and oiled when required. For optimal care, check out our tips on how to make your Grandfather clock last for many years to come.

Room Temperature

Did you know that the temperature in your home affects how your pendulum clock works? Grandfather clocks are prone to thermal expansion and contraction of the pendulum rod, which changes in ambient temperature and humidity. So, to keep your clock on the most accurate time, you need to have a controlled temperature environment in your home. And even though some clocks were made with low-expansion materials like mercury, if you have one, it’s still best to keep your clock away from humid or frigid rooms to keep it working properly.

Maintenance

It’s always wise to service your clock every few years. A good servicing will keep your clock functioning its best and to save you from spending unnecessary money down the road. Those who leave the cleaning and maintenance till after a clock has stopped will soon realize how much extensive work is required. So don’t wait, have your clock serviced every 2 to 3 years by a professional clockmaker.

Cleaning

To avoid causing any damage to your Grandfather clock, you should only dust the exterior clock case, and leave the wiping of the hands and dial to a professional. Cleaning the interior parts yourself could result in accidentally bending a hand or worse. Instead, use a cloth to gently wipe away any dust from the outside case and call your local clock expert for a more detailed cleaning.

Oiling

Oiling your clock can be tricky, especially since the general rule for oiling a Grandfather clock is not to use too much or too little oil. The application should be in small amounts to avoid having any oil drip down onto the clock plate, but yet just enough to ensure proper lubrication that’s needed for accurate movement of the parts. The goal is to avoid any bulging of oil in the oil sink and to wipe away any excess oil to avoid future drips. When in doubt, seek professional assistance.

If you don’t feel up to oiling or maintaining your clock, then you can talk to us at Frankenmuth Clock Company. We offer professional cleaning and oiling services, as well as advice on how to properly care for your clock to ensure it lasts for years.