Watch and Clock Oiler

[Paul Jones]

This tool is used to precisely apply a small drop of oil to watch and clock bearings. It is a common tool for watchmakers and clockmakers and has many other precise oiling applications. The wire oiler features a finely tapered steel wire for picking up oil and depositing it upon touch. The tool can be made by draw filing a 7” length of 20 gage (0.045”) music wire by first reducing the diameter to a point near the tip and then tapering the diameter farther and farther up the wire. Finally, chucking the wire in a cordless drill and using fine abrasive cloth between your forefinger and thumb to bring the tip to a very sharp and thin point. When this is complete the end of the music wire is bent into a loop large enough to fit a finger. A small cork serves as a handle and makes it easier to find. Use another cork to protect the tip. Dipping the fine point into light weight oils will form a very small droplet of oil near the tip and will run down to the tip. This technique allows the droplet to be precisely placed and the oil slid down the wire and onto the part.