How to Oil a Clock Movement

Open the back of the clock to expose the movement. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws that might be holding the back onto the clock.

Inspect the clock movement for old and dried up oil. This must be removed because it interferes with the working of the movement. Wipe off heavy deposits with a soft cloth.

Dab a soft cloth with some clock-cleaning solution. Rub the solution onto smaller deposits of dried-on oil. Wipe clean. Place some clock cleaning solution on a cotton swab. Use the cotton swab to clean oil away from tighter, more difficult-to-reach spots inside the movement.

Note carefully the placement of the existing oil. Movements differ from clock to clock, and all do not require oiling in the same place. It is very important not to get oil on parts that do not need oil. Oil in the wrong place can corrode metal parts or simply build up in the clock movement.

Use a fountain, or pen, clock oil applicator to apply oil to the appropriate parts of the clock movement. These devices contain a long, narrow tube that feeds the oil directly to the needed spots. The devices also contain a reservoir for the oil. Oil can also be applied with the help of a soft cloth, or cotton swab.

Close up the back of the clock, using a screwdriver if necessary.