What is WD40 And Why You Should Not Use It On Your Clock

Why You Should Never Use WD-40 on a Grandfather Clock

One of the most common mistakes clock owners make is reaching for a can of WD-40 when a grandfather clock starts slowing down, squeaking, or stopping.

At first, it may seem to help. The clock may start running again temporarily, and the movement may even sound smoother for a short time. Unfortunately, what appears to be a quick fix can actually create serious long-term damage inside a mechanical clock movement.

What WD-40 Actually Is

WD-40 was originally developed in the 1950s as a water-displacing product. In fact, the name “WD” stands for Water Displacement, and “40” refers to the 40th formula developed during testing.

WD-40 is an excellent product for many household and industrial uses. It works well for loosening rusted bolts, removing moisture, cleaning metal surfaces, and freeing stuck parts.

However, a mechanical clock movement is a very different type of machine.

Grandfather clocks contain delicate pivots, bushings, gears, and escapement components designed to operate with precise friction levels and specialized lubricants. WD-40 was never designed for this purpose.

Why WD-40 Causes Problems in Clocks

1. It Attracts Dust and Dirt

WD-40 leaves behind an oily residue after the lighter solvents evaporate. Inside a clock movement, this residue attracts airborne dust, lint, and dirt.

Over time, this mixture turns into a sticky abrasive paste that increases friction and wear on critical moving parts.

2. It Washes Away Proper Clock Oil

Many mechanical clocks already contain specialized clock oil designed for slow-moving precision components.

When WD-40 is sprayed into a movement, it can dilute or wash away the proper lubricant already protecting the pivots and bushings. Once this happens, metal parts begin operating with improper lubrication, accelerating wear inside the movement.

3. It Leaves Behind Sticky Residue

While WD-40 may temporarily free up a sluggish movement, the remaining residue often thickens with age.

This sticky buildup can eventually slow the movement down even further and place additional strain on the clock’s gear train.

4. It Can Spread Into Sensitive Areas

WD-40 is designed to penetrate tight spaces. That may sound helpful, but inside a clock movement it can create major problems.

The oil can migrate into areas where lubrication should be extremely limited or carefully controlled, including escapement components and other timing-related parts. This can affect timekeeping accuracy and overall performance.

5. It Creates a Short-Term Fix but Long-Term Wear

Many clocks continue running after WD-40 is applied, which leads owners to believe the problem has been solved.

Unfortunately, the opposite is often true.

The clock may continue operating while hidden wear increases inside the movement. By the time the symptoms return, pivot holes and bushings may already be damaged, leading to expensive repairs that could have been avoided.

What Happens Inside a Mechanical Clock

Mechanical clocks operate under extremely small tolerances. Even slight increases in friction can create major problems over time.

As old residue and dirt build up inside the movement, pivots begin wearing against the bushings. Oil thickens, dirt becomes abrasive, and power transfer through the gear train becomes less efficient.

This is why professional clock servicing focuses on proper cleaning and correct lubrication — not simply spraying oil into the movement.

What Should Be Used Instead

Mechanical clocks should be lubricated using high-quality clock oils specifically designed for precision clock movements.

Proper synthetic clock oils are formulated to:

• Resist gumming and thickening

• Stay in place on pivots

• Reduce long-term wear

• Provide stable lubrication over extended periods

Shop Horace Whitlock Clock Oil

Using the correct oil helps protect the movement and maintain reliable operation for years to come.

Final Thoughts

A grandfather clock ( or any clock)

is not a door hinge, bicycle chain, or automotive part. It is a precision mechanical machine designed to run continuously for decades when properly maintained.

Using WD-40 inside a clock movement may seem harmless at first, but over time it can lead to increased wear, poor performance, and costly repairs.

If a clock is already showing signs of problems, the best solution is proper cleaning, servicing, and lubrication using products specifically designed for mechanical clocks.