Now servicing Grandfather Clocks in Toowoomba, Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley areas
Services
Routine Service or not???
Generally speaking most clock manufacturers recommend regular servicings. It is purely a selling point of view. In Australia most clocks become dirty and can have problems from about the age of ten years. To clean a cuckoo clock mechanism correctly it requires completely dismantlng and cleaning. To wipe dirty oil externally and apply new oil can actually shorten the working life of a clock. It pushes dirt in around the pivots which causes wear and may also contaminate the existing lubrication.
Dirty oil around pivots and bushings
- This is a sign of lots of dirt. Clocks can end up like this rather quickly if located nearby a quarry or near recent roadworks. Otherwise the average mechanism would take around 10 years to look like this
Never spray or use these products on you clock mechanism
- Products such as WD40 will not help a worn mechanism. Sewing machine oil is not recommended for clocks and will contaminate existing oil. The first thing a clockmaker will have to do is disassemble and ultrasonically clean it. Sprayed mechanisms will attract dirt and grime very quickly
Winter and Summer Temperatures
- Extreme weather conditions can affect the timing of your cuckoo clock . Don't be too concerned if it slows up a little. Old clock oil may become glue like especially in very extreme cold conditions.
- When adjusting the leaf on a pendulum, remember - lower will make the clock slower! And visa versa - raising the leaf makes the clock faster.
Alignment - Vertical on the wall
Many people tell us their clock is square on the wall and it just won't work! We should in fact be listening for a nice even tick tock beat. If the beat is correct but the clock is hanging at an angle - this is easily fixed.
Also make sure the back of your clock is hard up against the wall. If we service your clock we will line it up with a spirit level to make it easier for you. Another idea is to put a little mark on your wall so if the clock moves whilst winding, you can quickly put it back
Maintaining the woodwork
A great and simple way to keep the woodwork looking great is to use OCedar oil and apply it with a paintbrush. This oil is available at the supermarket or hardware store.
At first it will look rather wet and oily, but wait a couple of hours and you'll be proud of a job well done.
Wind your clock slowly
When rewinding your clock - pulling the weights up, please pull the chains slowly!
Pulling them up too fast may cause the chains to come off their wheels and become caught in the mechanism. There is no requirement to lift the heavy weights whilst pulling the chain down, although it may help if you just keep them steady
Repairs
Whether your clock is worn out and tired, or you've had a small accident and the clock has fallen from the wall, we've got you covered. As the saying goes .....YOU SEND Em and WE'LL MEND Em!
Sending your clock to us
We repair clocks from all over Australia. We can honestly say with Australia Post and Tracking we have never had any problem. Interstate packages arrive relatively quickly.
We always return clocks with Tracking and insurance at the request of the owner.
Our client base extends all over Australia. Locally from Brisbane, The Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and The Darling Downs, to far away places like Darwin, Perth, Mount Isa, regularly to Northern Queensland, Sydney NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
Major repairs come with two years warranty
All major repairs and new movements come with 2 years warranty.
We are happy to provide warranty because we know our workmanship will last. We send clocks all over the country. The last thing we want is to see them returned to us.
We accept all common types of payment and usually send your invoice to advise that your clock is ready.
Packing your clock for repairs
Firstly we do not require the weights or any carved headpieces. We need only the clock house and the pendulum. Don't worry too much about tying the chains.
Wrap plenty of bubble wrap around the wood so the edges of the clock are not rubbing the cardboard of the carton. Grab some Fragile tape from the hardware or $2 shop and ensure the carton is nice and secure.
We are located in South Eastern Queensland near Toowoomba