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

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.

Antique Clock Hands

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.

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.

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

PLEASE if it's an ANTIQUE and you care about it then take it to a professional because, you could devalue your antique clock very easy by doing make shift repairs.

you need to tighten up the screws that holds the hands