Clock Repair FAQ
J. Bruce Weeks Expert Clock Repair
Q: What do you do when you service a clock? Jim S., Eaton Rapids, MI.
A: We evaluate the clock movement's condition first;

        How clean (or dirty) is it?
        Are there any obvious problems?
        Do the Springs/cables/chains look worn or "tired?"
        Are the pivots and pivot holes in good condition or are they egg shaped?
        Any missing or bent gear teeth?
        Etc.
We then take the movement completely apart and repair any problems our evaluation discovered.
Next we clean the movement with our ultrasonic machine. This piece of equipment uses tiny "bubbles" that are created by ultra high sound to scour every crevice eliminating dirt from places that normal mechanical cleaning can't reach.
The movement is reassembled taking care to make sure the timing of the strike and chime sections (if so equipped) are just right. We apply small amounts of the highest grade clock oil to exactly the right points for long life.
The movement is checked and timed before it is put back into its case. A further check of timekeeping accuracy occurs to insure your clock is exactly right before being returned to you.
Photos courtesy of Debbie Gothburg
We guarantee our work for one year.
Q: Do I have to take my clock somewhere to have it serviced? Norm W., Dewitt, MI.
A: No, Norm, you don't. We always pick up Grandfather floor clocks. And for a small additional fee, we will come to your home and pickup other typs of clocks, service tham and return them to your home to make sure they are set up correctly. We will go over the points of adjusting that you will need to do to insure accurate timekeeping in your home's environment. Sometimes the clock can be serviced right in your home. We can evaluate that at the time of our visit. Please call us for an appointment.
Q: Do you offer any guarantee on the repair? Marilyn V., Bath, MI.
A: Absolutely. We will guarantee ALL repairs for a period of one-year. If your clock will not run right during the guarantee period, we will gladly repair it free of cost. Of course, we cannot guarantee against any abuse that might occur. You will be responsible for final adjustments to your home's environment which we will cover at the time of our visit.
Q: I lost my key. Can I get a new one? Randy B., Grand Ledge, MI.
A: We have many keys in stock and probably have one that fits. If not, we can get just about anything in a matter of a few days. While we fit a new key, let us evaluate the condition of your clock. Its free and then you can be sure your clock is ready to give many more years of trouble free service.
Q: Can't I just squirt some WD-40 or machine oil in the works? Shouldn't that make it go for a while? Steve C., Charlotte, MI.
A: Please don't do that, Steve. Clocks operate on very little power and the gears are designed to roll on each other, not slide. That means there should not be any oil on those gears. Oil on the gears will do some things that are very bad for a clock.
1. The oil will make the teeth sticky using MORE power and making the clock run down sooner.
2. It will cause dust to gather on the teeth making a grinding paste that will wear out the teeth. This will make the clock un-repairable requiring a costly replacement movement.
3. WD-40 and machine oil are not designed for clocks and will corrode the brass parts.
4. Mixing different types of oil can cause the oil to either "gum up" or become runny and drip away. The result is increased wear and damage to the clock causing costly repair.
The clock needs to be completely cleaned to remove all traces of dirt and old oil. Then new oil added that is formulated specifically for clocks and applied in small amounts in specific places to insure a long and happy life.
We are located in Charlotte, MI Serving Greater Lansing
Please call us at
517-974-5563
or e-mail us at weeksclockrepair@yahoo.com
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