VERY loose hands

Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 11:40 pm     Post subject: VERY loose hands

I just picked up 2 of the 10165: Premium Q-80 Clock Movements and find that the hands that came with them as well as other hands that I purchased are VERY loose. Actually, the hour hands push on and are tight, but the minute hands seem to have holes that are much too large. I put the same hands on some other clock movements that I obtained form other sources, and the hands are fine. The problem seems to be the clock movement having a very thin post tip. Naturally, I screwed on the end nut since hands are always loose until you screw that on, but the hands still have a free range of about 10 minutes in each direction.

Has anyone else noticed this problem with that movement? Sadly, it is the only one I see that handles the 3/4 inch thick clock face. Does anyone have any advice on how to make the hole in the hands smaller so I do not waste these clock movements? Maybe some hot glue in the hole? I welcome ideas from more experienced users.

Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 1:19 pm     Post subject: I have the same problem

I have the same problem with the Q-80. I also have this issue with the high torque movement (I make clocks with faces from 12" to 20").

I am considering using E6000 or a 2 part epoxy to tighten up the minute hands. Have you tried the hot glue idea?

Have you tried the US made mechanism? I'm thinking about trying that one to see if it's any better. The Q-80 is made in China & I'd rather go American made anyway.

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:16 pm     Post subject:

Just a generalized suggestion: What I have found with the Q-80 movements is that the minute hand will be loose if the cap nut is not threaded on "straight". I know it seems odd, but if the cap nut threads onto the shaft the slightest bit crooked, it will not properly secure the minute hand. When threaded on straight, the cap nut should seat down over the minute hand, properly securing it. The minute hand nut driver greatly helps with this - however it can also be done by hand. Anytime I find that my minute hand is loose, it always results in removing the cap nut and re-mounting it. Hope this can help to correct the problem...