Clock mainspring grease

[brianw]

I’ve looked through the archives for a discussion about this but can only find information on watch mainspring grease.
I’ve just cleaned and greased a large fusee spring and it used quite a lot of extremely expensive mainspring Moebius grease. The pot of grease is very small and won’t go far. I was wondering how critical the type of grease that is used is. There seems to be a very large and confusing range of different types of grease.
I wouldn’t be surprised if other members have there own special formulas or preferences and wondered if they would like to share them.
Brian

[arutha]

Hi Brian,
I use a mixture of around 70% cheap 10/40w motor oil and 30% bearing grease well mixed. I put it on a rag and run the spring through it so it ends up with a very light coating. I did try some of the commercial mainspring greases/oils but I didnt think any of them did the job any better and they are fairly expensive. I know our friends over the pond all rave about STP 1 shot which I think is some sort of oil treatment and by all accounts is amazing but I have yet to try it.
Hope that helps Brian.
Paul.

[bernie weishapl]

Brian I have been using a 50/50 mixture of Slick 50 and 10/40 synthetic motor oil. It has worked well for me for years. Now Slick 50 has removed the teflon so I started looking elsewhere. I ride my bike alot and use both of the lubes. In fact I use them on door hinges, door knobs, etc because it has teflon. Here are the two I have and have just started to use. I actually think I get a little more power out of the spring.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1030924_-1_400042__400042

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product2_10052_10551_1030922_-1

[arutha]

Slick 50 is the stuff not STP in my previous post. Old age is making my memory bad. Well done Bernie
Paul.

[bernie weishapl]

lol I know about the old age memory. My grandmother who was 101 said it is called Oldtimers. 😆

[brianw]

Thanks for your suggestions they have been very helpful.
I won’t be using Moebius grease on clock mainsprings any more….
Brian.

[Author]

Posts