Oiling pivots before reassembly

[John C. Losch]

Dennis,

This is not really necessary except in the case of pivots that cannot be reached after assembly. An example would be the lower pivot of the minute wheel in a French clock. Capillary attraction will distribute oil around the pivot when it is oiled from the outside of the bearing. This can be sped up a little by flexing the end-play of wheels after the pivot is oiled.

You should be more concerned that you not over oil a pivot. If there is too much oil in a bearing, it might pool and all the oil runs down the plate leaving a dry bearing. Jcl

John C. Losch
Holliston, Mass.

[doug sinclair]

Dennis,

John makes several good points. But I would also add that you are likely to spoil your oil job if you were subsequently obliged to take the clock to pieces for an adjustment. Depending on the clock, things like the clutch (cannon pinion) on the center wheel of a German clock, or the minute pinion (center) shaft clutch on an American clock should be lubed while apart. Springs as well. The rest of it should be oiled when you know you are finished with the repair.

Doug