Free Hour hand not moving

Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:18 pm     Post subject: Free Hour hand not moving

I am sentimentally attached to an inexpensive kit clock that my girls gave me, and it has a battery operated movement with black metal (i believe they are called "spade") hands. The hour hand is loose and I don't understand how to tighten it back up so it moves. It is on a plastic shaft. Can I fix this or do I need to buy another clock kit? Your advice is greatly appreciated!

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 11:24 pm     Post subject:

are you sure its the hand loose on the center boss?
if so then we use a tool called a stake which has diff sized holes in it to support the center of the boss whilst tightening the top with a domed punch and hammer.

the mechanism can be replaced easily too.

Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 12:34 am     Post subject: Hour hand not moving

Thanks! Will try what you suggest or replace the movement. I'd like to save the clock if I can! Your help is very much appreciated!

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 3:09 pm     Post subject: Hour hand loose

I am having the same problems as bellshroomer, and I have tried everything! I have a new mechanism, and I have replaced this unit in the past with no problems. I do not have a stake and the discription is a little vague to me. If I continue to not be able to set the hour hand I will have little choice but to return this unit and that is not why I bought it in the first place. The clock is about 45 years old and was a gift from our daughter.
Please help.
Thanks

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:25 pm     Post subject:

old timer - you are 'hijacking' this thread - the proper proceedure is to start a thread of your own with your problem so things don't get mixed up and we know how you are proceeding. the likihood of returning to this post to view how you are progressing is rare.

on the center of your hour hand is brass bush - this called the 'boss' by a lot of people. it is fitted on very tight by machine.
you have to close the center hole a touch by any means.
My method is to either hammer on a staketo 'rivit' the hole a touch smaller or you can squeeze in a vice to close a fraction. don't squeeze too much - you can always squeeze again but if you do it too much first time you have to open it up again.

please make a new thread to let us know how you get on