How to Oil a Key Wound Clock

Remove the torque from the clock mainspring by inserting the proper-sized end of the mainspring let-down tool over the winding arbor and twisting the let-down tool as if to wind the spring until pressure on the mainspring ratchet wheel pawl lever, also known as a click, is relieved.

Lift and hold the pawl lever above the teeth of the ratchet wheel with the tweezers and slowly release the hand-grip pressure on the mainspring let-down tool allowing the mainspring to slowly unwind. In lieu of this special mainspring tool, the torque can be relieved by allowing the clock to completely run down. Do the same for all additional mainsprings the clock movement may have, such as striking mechanism springs and chime mechanism springs

Lubricate the mainspring coils with small amounts of approved mainspring grease. The grease can be applied using a flat tooth pick. In lieu of clock grease, apply one drop of high viscosity synthetic clock oil on each coil.

Apply one drop of clock oil into each oil sink on the outside of the movement plates. Wipe any excess off the plates using a clean cotton cloth. Use high viscosity oil in the lower oil sinks and lower viscosity oil on the middle to upper oil sinks of the movement.

Apply one small drop of low viscosity oil to the tip of one of the escape wheel teeth. The oil drop will be distributed across the steel pallet surfaces of the escapement verge as the clock is in motion.

Lubricate all strike and chime lever pivots in the front of the movement with one drop each of high viscosity oil. Chime mechanism pivots in the rear of the clock movement should be lubricated with one drop each of high viscosity oil.