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Removing Mechanical Clock Hands
Removing Mechanical Clock Hands is fast and easy to do. The following are hand removal instructions for German mechanical movements post WW2.
German Post WW2 wall, mantle and floor models
Removing mechanical clock hands for post WW2, mantle and floor clocks is quite simple. Turn the hand nut to the left while holding the minute hand with your fingers.
Use some small needle nose pliers to loosen the nut first. Once the nut is loose, turn it with your fingers until it comes off.
Then the minute hand will be able to wiggle straight off its square arbor and off of the clock. The hour hand is a friction fit, so just twist the hour hand back and forth and pull toward you until it comes off.
If having a second hand bit, that is only a friction also, so just grab it with your fingernails, twist and pull off.
American Antique time and strike
These type of movements come in two styles. If there is a minute hand nut, the first style is the same as above.
Be very careful not to lose this hand nut. They are very hard to find and replace. The second style of mechanical clock hands will have a pin holding the minute hand on instead of a nut.
This pin tapers, meaning it's fat on one side and skinny on the other. Just grab the fat side with needle nose pliers and yank the pin out. The minute hand will fall out with a washer.
Save the washer and the tapered pin for ease of reinstalling the hands. If these items happen to get lost, Clockworks offers washers and taper pins for purchase, as well as replacement mechanical clock hands.
German Mechanical-Clock Hand Installation
The installation of a German Mechanical-Clock Hand on a German mechanical movement is quite simple. It is simply the opposite of the removal process.
The minute hand must go through some adjustments if you are replacing the movement. Also if the hands are new. This is so it will point to the correct time when it chimes.
Installing the hour hand
First comes the hour hand. The hour hand is simply a friction fit. All you have to do is put the hand on its round post. Then twist and push toward the front of the dial.
Make sure that it is not in contact with the dial at any point during the rotation.
This includes the base of the hour hand. It cannot rub against the hole that is in the clock face. So, the clock can stop at any point if the hour hand touches anything. You can turn the hand to point to whatever hour it is because it is only a friction fit.
Installing the minute hand
Second, comes the minute hand. Install the minute hand by lining up the the square hole in the hand with the square post of the hand shaft. The bottom of the minute hand cannot be rubbing the hour hand tube or the hour hand. Push the hour hand down further onto the tube if the minute hand is rubbing.
Therefore, it is imperative to check the positioning of the hands to ensure they are not touching anything. Once the minute hand is on its square post, it's time to put the hand nut on.
Tighten the nut with your fingers and then use a pair of needle nose pliers to make it secure. It does not have to be extremely tight. However you need to ensure it is tight enough so that the hands do not come loose as they go around the clock.
Mechanical Clock Hands
German mechanical clock hands are sold by the time track diameter. This measurement is important when ordering these mechanical clock hands. To clarify, the dial diameter is the measurement of the time track.
This means from just outside the 9 straight across to just outside the 3. For example, if the time track diameter is 6 inches, then select hands for a 6 inch time track in the drop down list. Hands for a 6 inch time track will have a minute hand of about 2 7/8 long from the mounting hole to the end.
The hour hand, which is proportionally smaller, will come with the minute hand. This measurement is vastly different than the way you measure quartz clock hands. So be sure to follow these directions for measuring and not the ones for the quartz hands.
Ordering Hands
Choose a style of mechanical hands after getting the time track diameter. There is a drop down menu under each style of hand. Look to see if the style comes in the size you need for the clock.
Not all styles of hands come in the same sizes. So you have to look at the different options available. Serpentine and spade are the most popular mechanical clock hand styles.
Remember, the minute hand will be a little less than half of the time track measurement. The hour hand will be proportional in size to the minute hand.
How they are sent
So, when ordering mechanical clock hands, remember that they come as a pair, hour and minute hand. They ship the next business day from Clockworks in Huntington MA USA, via the method that is chosen upon checkout.
Mechanical Clock Chime On Time
These are the directions to get a German mechanical clock to chime on time. This means having the clock hands point to the right spot when the clock chimes.
When replacing a clock movement, or getting new clock hands, either one, you will notice it will chime 5 minutes before it should, or 10 min after, something like this. This page explains how to correct this situation. It is unbelievably fast and easy to do.
Working with the minute hand
After the installation of a new mechanical movement , or if you are just installing a new set of hands, you may notice the clock will not chime at the time it should.
To correct this, take the minute hand off of the clock. This is the longer of the two hands.
With this minute hand off of the clock, turn it upside down and look that it has a square hole where it attaches to the clock. This square hole is in a bushing that will rotate WITHIN the minute hand itself.
The correction
So, all to be done is just use needle nose pliers to turn this bushing ever so slightly. Put the hand back on the clock and see if it’s pointing to the correct place where it should chime.
If it is, then it all set and it will point to the exact place it should be pointing to. If it is still not right, take the hand off and try again. Once you get the minute hand to point to the correct chime you then set it to the correct time.
The conclusion
It is really that easy, there is nothing to do with the clock itself, only the minute hand. In other words, to put it in a silly way, take the minute hand off of the clock and walk to the garage with it.
Take it far, far away from the clock. When in your garage take needle nose pliers and turn the bushing within the hand itself. Then walk back to the clock and put it on. See if it's now pointing to the right spot.
Mechanical clock hand nuts
One of the most common parts a Mechanical clock needs is the hand nut. As we said before, the older the clock the harder things are to find. So, the hand nuts Clockworks offer are for movements made after the 1930's.
Prior to 1930 clock hand nuts
There were not many standards on what the hand nut size should be on the early clocks. However, prior to around 1930 there is no telling what will work. In other words, it is literally trial and error. There was no standard hand nut size.
Subsequently, any hand nut we offer, may, or may not, work. This includes cuckoo hand nuts, American clock hand nuts, or German hand nuts. However, with even all of these assortments, there is a chance none of them will work on the clock.
Post 1930 clock hand nuts
Generally speaking, what we have to offer in the three types of clock hand nuts will cover most of the post 1930 Mechanical clocks.
The cuckoo hand nuts fit about 80% of the post war German made cuckoo clocks.
So, the American clock hand nuts fit many of the mechanical time strikes that were so popular. German hand nuts fit most post war German made mechanical clocks, with the exception being a few large grandfather clocks.
Clocks that do not take a hand nut
However, not all clocks require a hand nut. Some antique mechanical clocks require a clock hand washer and a tapered pin instead. These secure the minute hand as an alternative to the hand nut.
The washer may have a small square hole, or large, oblong or round hole. Clockworks offers an assortment of 100 clock hand washers that includes all the styles above. Use a taper pin to secure the hand with the washer on top of it.
Insert the taper pin into the hole in the end of the minute hand arbor to secure the washer and minute hand to the clock. A taper pin is a small brass or steel rod that is wide on one end and skinny on the other. Clockworks offers them in an assortment of 100 to ensure the right one is there.
German Clock Hand Nuts
German clock hand nuts for post 1950 clock movements. So these will fit Hermle, Kieninger, Urgos, Jauch and more. However these hand nuts will not work on a cuckoo clock. Therefore, Cuckoo clock hand nuts are available on the cuckoo parts page.
This 12 pack of nuts are all the same size and fit the most of the popular German movements such as 340-020 341-020 132-071 130-020 451-050 451-053 1161-853 1161-850 141-040
I have a hello I have a Howard Miller Arthur Umanoff Wall Clock UW 21/5 Howard Miller made in germany, says Zealand Michigan Model 612, wind up pendulum. I need the minute hand and a nut replacement. It kept falling off now I can’t find it. Is this available or is there one compatible
German hand nuts
https://www.clockworks.com/product/german-clock-hand-nuts
James Stoudenmire
40yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a W. Haid movement 351-020. Will these hand nuts work with this movement?
Yes indeed
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
hello.
I think that the diameter of the hand nut I need is even LESS than 2mm and more like 1.5 mm.
I really do not care if the nut is for German or any other movement. I’ve tried that path with serial numbers, movement ID’s etc.
but none of the hand nut are small enough.
Where can I simply order one without all the hoopla? That hasn’t worked up to now?
These fit most post 1950 German mechanical units, say 90% of them.
Prior to this there was no standard and often it is difficult to find the right size.
We do not offer every size, just the most common. As with antique clock parts in general, much stuff is no longer made and sometimes need to be fashioned on the users end
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi. Am looking for ridgeway grandfather clock nut for the hands. The minute hand won’t stay on
Hands for a german mechanical clock
https://www.clockworks.com/?post_type=products&s=german+hands
The hands are measured by the time track diameter (just outside the numerals like outside of the 9 to outside of the 6), the minute hand length will be about half this diameter. Comes also with the shorter hour hand included in the set.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have lost the nut holding on the hands of a Grandmother clock my father made in the 1970s. From what I remember he used German works. The nut is tiny and is somewhere in the house but not showing up at this time. I want to buy some replacement nuts. The ones Clockworks has look big. Is that just the picture?
German hand nuts
https://www.clockworks.com/product/german-clock-hand-nuts
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a Salem branded three-chime mantle clock with a 7-jewel W3 movement made in Germany by Aug Schatz and Sohne, which is missing the hand nut. Will the German nuts fit this clock?
Usually yes
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Will these German clock hand nuts fit a 1970 era Ethan Allen grandfather clock?
Yes it will
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
i have a Gustav Becker Sonnerie Regulator clock and need the hand nuts and compression washer. Which nuts should I order?
These usually work, not always
German hand nuts
https://www.clockworks.com/product/german-clock-hand-nuts
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I need a handnut for an Ingraham mantle clock. Also, I have an A.D. Mougin clock that requires a pendulum. Unusual design.
American hand nuts usually work, not always
https://www.clockworks.com/product/american-hand-nuts
Need pics of the other one that needs a pendulum
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Have a URGOS UW 32/1 Grandfather clock movement. Will these hand nuts work
YES
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I have a 1988 Pearl Grandfather clock and need a hands nut. Can you recommend some thing?
HI
Hands for a german mechanical clock
https://www.clockworks.com/?post_type=products&s=german+hands
The hands are measured by the time track diameter (just outside the numerals like outside of the 9 to outside of the 6), the minute hand length will be about half this diameter. Comes also with the shorter hour hand included in the set.
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
I’m looking for clock hand nut for urgos uw22013 mechanical movement. Any recommendations?
No longer made. Restoration or battery unit only for that one
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello, I’m missing the hand nut for a Hamilton 1050-020 movement. Would the hand nuts on your website, SKU: CP9, fit? I’v measured the threads on my clock and it measures 2mm across. Thank you for any help you can give me.
German hand nuts
https://www.clockworks.com/product/german-clock-hand-nuts
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Based off everything I’ve read above, I believe these should fit my clock but would appreciate confirmation before I order, my clock is a post 50’s hermle with a 12cm 196 movement, and I don’t see the 196 listed above.
Thanks, Conner
Yes should fit
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hello, I have a “grandmother clock” sold to me in 1992 by Haus of a 1000 Clocks in Germany. I’m missing the hand nut but I don’t know the brand of clock. If I bought these German hand nuts from you, will they fit? Thanks!
Yes
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Will these nuts fit a ridgeway movement?
Hi,
Yes they will
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hi,
Will the minute hand nuts in your pack fit a Hermle 1051-030A movement?
Hi,
Yes these will work for that movement
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Hand nuts: You sent me a package of hand nuts (B4D2) all have the same thred size and all are too big. can you please send something with smaller size center hole?
Hi,
That is not a Clockworks.com order number or a valid product SKU. If the order was indeed from Clockworks please reply to the receipt that was emailed asking the same question in that fashion. This way we know everything about the order. Thank you
James Stoudenmire
30yr Clockmaker
Author of Clockworks.com
Thanks. I may be back to purchase the gold ones but will try a nut vendor.
I am looking for a hand nut as the large hand does not stay on the clock. Clock is Howard Miller Anniversary grandfather clock purchased in 1991. Model number is 610-548. Serial number is 11150932. As we remember the nut is black with treads on the inside.
Do not have this in black, brass only. Please order the German hand nuts from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/german-clock-hand-nuts
James
looking for an assortment of clock hand nuts for 400 day anniversary clocks.
Sorry do not have this to offer.
James
I HAVE MENAINGER STUL-UHREN GRANDFATHER CLOCK PURCHASED IN 1978 IN GERMANY. NEED HAND NUT FOR CLOCK HANDS MOVEMENT SHAFT. WILL THESE NUTS FIT?
Yes, unless it is a select few that are the extremely large units.
James
I purchased Urgos UW32340 from you. I need a nut to hold the minute hand. Can you suggest a part number?
Please order the German hand nuts from this link
https://www.clockworks.com/product/german-clock-hand-nuts
James
I have a hermle 340-020 and need hand nut in black. Is this color included in pack that you sell?
Do not have the black at this time
Thank you !
Hi
Have an old wall clock think its German no markings on movement . stripped down and serviced the clock . But misplaced the clock seconds hand nut the shaft thread diameter is 2.4mm
was wondering if you would be abele to help me out please
Hi
Do not sell the hand nuts by size, all we can offer is the German hand nuts from this link and hope one fits https://www.clockworks.com/product/german-clock-hand-nuts
When its prior to WW2 things get tricky. I cant say that I can help in that situation. Best to just find a regular nut in the size needed by a nut vendor.
James
Many Thanks !
James and Donna Stoudenmire http://www.clockworks.com 124 Goss Hill = UPS Mailing PO Box 339 = USPS Mailing Huntington, MA 01050 USA clockworks@clockworks.com
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Will these German Clock Hand Nuts fir Hermle 451-053 movement minute hand shaft?
Yes