My dad needs a bottle of clock oil with needle applicator.

Amazon shows a number of brands. Is any one of them better than the others?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

A

I'm using Liberty Oil Products synthetic in an applicator bottle.

I also have the porcelain dish you place drops in pick up with a applicator needle.
https://www.amazon.com/Liberty...Clocks/dp/B00AZMGFI4



Moebius 8000 is good stuff too.

https://www.esslinger.com/moeb...lxwpeQBoCsGYQAvD_BwE

Been around for 100 years. Jules Borel

I’m no expert, but be aware there may be differences between clock and watch oils.
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Nye #140B works well for lightweight needs. I'm no longer up to speed on the more viscous oils required for larger, higher-torque wheels and mainsprings.

Following this thread. My Seth Thomas 8 day regulator probably needs a drop or two -

 
What is special about clock oil that differentiates it from light machine oil or sewing machine oil?

Thanks for all the replies so far. The oil will be used for clocks, ranging from a Chelsea 8" ships bell, to a Durfee tall case clock, with Regulator, and Seth Thomas clocks in between. Some are spring drive, and others are weight drive.

Do those use spin on type or cartridge type filters?

Inline...

quote:

Originally posted by henryaz:
 
What is special about clock oil that differentiates it from light machine oil or sewing machine oil?

Like any specialized lubricant application, a good clock oil requires attributes unique to the application. It's important that clock oil stay put where it is applied and not migrate all over the movement attracting dust and grime. In addition to the quality of the oil, this requires using a properly sized applicator and a light 'less is more' type of touch to avoid over oiling.

It also needs to stay fluid for years and not dry into a friction-inducing mess of sludge. It can't have any ingredients which attack the metals being lubricated which could result in increased tolerances at worst and appearance issues at best.

Using a general-purpose lubricant on a clock is rather like using olive oil from your kitchen on your Sig P210. You could do it but it would be preferable to use a lubricant designed with the unique requirements of a high tolerance firearm in mind.

How often should they be oiled?

I have a Chelsea 24hr USN ships bell made in 1922 that I know hasn't been oiled in at least 10 years. It's slow and won't adjust.

^^^^
That's a nice clock. If it hasn't been touched in at least 10 years and is losing time, it would benefit from a complete disassembly and cleaning prior to oiling. Even good oils dry out over time and leave a dirty residue which will continue to cause increased friction and loss of accuracy unless removed with a proper cleaning.

If you have it checked and re-oiled every few years, your clock person can tell you when it's time for a complete cleaning.