Have an Old Grandfatherclock that started losing time so my husband who is an engineer thought he would have a go at cleaning it and oiling it whoever now it won't go at all pendulum starts swing but eventually stops we have benn qouted about £350 from a clockmaker to have a look and service it is this a good price or is there anymore my husband can do to get it going it is Longcase clock but no moons or anything just a second hand.

Pat Pinchbeck, January 2011

There are engineers and clock repairers totally different approach to cleaning and lubrication.
My guess he did not use CLOCK oil, did not remove the mechanism and did not clean it thoroughly. READ ON.

Type in search engine how to oil a clock or go to www.ehow.co.uk search for oiling windup clocks you will see there is more to it than just wiping with a piece of rag at the bits you can get to.

£350 is a fair price to remove the mechanism, taking the mechanism apart and cleaning every part of the workings which I've no doubt will include hands,dial and pedulum, then re-assembling with a 48hr time adjustment check. Ask their procedure of works.

Bob, January 2011