I have an antique mantle clock with a loose hour hand which sometimes unexpectedly drops. How can I fix this?

The hour hand usually drops at about the 2 or 3 o'clock position. It's usually o.k. until I try to wind the clock. Then the little vibrations, or whatever, will cause the hand to drop, sometimes all the way down to the 6! If anyone has any knowledge of this sort of thing, I certainly would appreciate some pointers.

Gaspode2007-02-17T19:00:28Z

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Usually the hands are either held by a threaded knob in the center, or more likely just by friction. In the second case, remove the hands by gently pulling them towards the front. You will notice each has a different diameter sleeve which fits over a shaft for that hand (concentric shafts). Squeeze the sleeve gently with fingers or a pair of pliers so that it grips the shaft a little more tightly. Then replace the hands.

?2016-11-11T01:30:58Z

Antique Clock Hands

Anonymous2007-02-17T19:06:08Z

Set the clock so it is right on the hour and the hour hand is pointing exactly at the number and the minute hand is exactly on the 12 so you have the hands aligned properly and apply a drop of Super Glue applied with a tooth pick at two or three places around the hand and shaft.

cowboydoc2007-02-18T02:57:29Z

Gaspode is right. I had this problem with a "Regulator" the hands are pressed on, on most of these old clocks. It's probably fallen off so many times it's lost it's ability to hold on. You may have to apply something like a good glue to hold them on. The hole diameter is probably stretched or the stem is squashed.

Barbra2007-02-25T04:21:36Z

If you don't have a special tool to fix it; you may need to take it to a clock repair place.

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