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clock (not watch) movement replacement

  1. Mothra Jun 7, 2014

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    guys, I could really do with some help here. I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets in this situation... I've been given a carriage clock, non functional and of zero other than sentimental value, and asked to fix it. I need to get the hands off to swap the movement, which is one of those square battery powered things. Minute hand came of quite easily - I've already marked the hour hand, how the hell does it come off before do irreparable damage?
    WP_20140607_21_36_49_Pro.jpg
    Any advice appreciated....
     
  2. Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Jun 7, 2014

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    I've only really worked on mechanical clocks, but assume the quartz units are much the same. While the minute hand is usually held on with a nut or tapered pin, the hour hand is usually a simple press fit onto its shaft.

    To confirm this is the same on the new stuff, I just went over and ripped the hands off one of those square brick quartz movements (el cheapo office clock)....

    Yup, there's a nut on the minute hand and the hour hand is a press fit.... your's should be the same

    have fun!
     
  3. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Jun 7, 2014

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    Ditto

    All of the quartz clock movement I've fitted have press fit hour hands while some have the same for minute hands, but the higher quality "silent" movements use a post and nut.

    Put a thick bit of card under the hour hand and use two small screwdrivers to lever the hand off.

    (I'm assuming you don't have a clock hand remover).
     
  4. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Jun 8, 2014

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    Yes as others have said it's clearly a press fit hand. Before you attack it with screwdrivers or even proper hand removers, do you have a press to put it back on the new movement?

    I know this seems like a simple job (and it is) but sometimes having the right tools makes all the difference - maybe take it to a clockmaker in your area that can do the job in a few minutes, assuming you already have the new movement in hand.

    And just a question about the replacement movement - did you get the exact same movement that was in the clock, because if you just bought something close, and you didn't know that hand was a press fit, then you need to make sure the posts are the right size for these hands...

    Cheers, Al
     
  5. Mothra Jun 8, 2014

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    Thanks all - Al, the movement is very old, very mechanical and has no distinguishing marks. I got the hands off before you posted (I just needed some reassurance before applying the requisite pressure), so although I have a press I can use I suspect I will do what I usually do - mess around and fail to get anywhere before handing it over to a professional. Its all part of the fun...