What Is Fulcrum Clock Oil?

Fulcrum Clock Oil

• In the early 1900s, near Titusville, Pennyslvania, where there was an oil boom, the Fulcrum Oil Company developed Fulcrum Clock Oil, which became a hit with the watch and clock industry, according to a January 1912 article in the Petroleum Gazette. It had the advantages of not gumming, evaporating, discoloring or becoming rancid too quickly, and was the only watch oil that did not contain any acid. It was useful for outdoor clocks because it was not affected by very cold weather. The Fulcrum Oil Company no longer exists, but other companies sell Fulcrum Clock Oil, also advertising it as an oil that flows easily, stays where it's put and doesn't evaporate or gum.

Other Oils

• Natural oils, including olive, whale, neatsfoot and fish oils, have been used for clocks. They are no longer often used for clocks, however, because natural oils tends to be highly acidic and have a short lifespan.

  Synthetic clock oil came on the market in the 1950s. It is usually not blended from natural or mineral oils, but is produced artificially under controlled conditions to minimize the level of contaminants, yielding an oil that provides a high level of lubrication. Although more expensive than Fulcrum Clock Oil, synthetic clock oil takes longer to gum up and it drys out more slowly. However, synthetic oil can lose adherence to the clock's parts and spread around the mechanism. It can also change consistency in high and low temperatures.

Oiling Time

• Clocks should be oiled every two to three years, according to Clock Works, and may be oiled at home or by a professional. If the clock is in a case, the clock's movement may need to be removed from the case, so all parts of the movement may be oiled. However, the movement itself doesn't necessarily need to be taken apart for oiling. Fresh oil can be applied to oil sinks, located near the movement's pivot points, as well as other places where lubrication is needed. Remove old, gummy oil from oil sinks with a toothpick. and add no more than one drop of fresh oil to the sinks. Clock oils typically come in small bottles with syringe applicators.

Clock Cleaning

• Overtime, dust in the movement will cause all clock oils to become thick and abrasive, which then grind and damage the clock. Because of the dirt, applying more oil will not make the clock run better, so it's time for a professional cleaning.The proper frequency with which to take a clock in for a professional cleaning is every 10 to 15 years, according to Clock Works.