How to Replace Clock Hands: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Replacing clock hands can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a task that even beginners can tackle. Whether your clock’s hands have become worn, misaligned, or you simply want to change the style, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Small needle-nose pliers
A small cup or container to hold the hands and hardware
A well-lit work area
Reading glasses (if needed)

Identify Your Clock Movement

There are two common types of clock movements:

High-production factory movements: Both the hour and minute hands simply press on.
American “I” shaft movements: The hour hand presses on, but the minute hand is held in place with a small nut.

It’s important to know which type of movement your clock has to ensure you select the correct replacement hands.

Remove the Hands

Follow these steps to remove the hands:

Remove the battery to prevent the hands from moving while you work.
Remove the second hand (if present) by pulling it straight up or using needle-nose pliers to gently pull it off.
For a press-on minute hand, use your fingers or needle-nose pliers to pull it straight up.
For a minute hand secured with a nut, hold the hand in place and turn the nut counterclockwise to remove it.
Press-on hour hands can be removed by firmly grasping the hub and pulling up. If it doesn’t come off easily, use needle-nose pliers to gently rock the hand back and forth while pulling up.

Be gentle when removing the hands to avoid damaging them or the clock movement.

Install the New Hands

Once you have the old hands removed, follow these steps to install the new ones:

Place the clock movement on a flat surface with the shafts pointing up.
For press-on hands, align the hand with the shaft and press it firmly into place. Start with the hour hand, followed by the minute hand.
For a minute hand secured with a nut, place the hand on the shaft, aligning the flat sides. Secure it with the small nut, turning it clockwise until snug.
If the hands are touching each other, gently bend the hour hand towards the clock face and the minute hand away from the clock face to create clearance.

Remember to handle the hands carefully to avoid bending or damaging them.

Adjust the Time

Once the new hands are in place, you can adjust the time by moving the minute hand forward or backward. Be gentle and avoid moving the hands faster than the clock’s mechanism can keep up with to prevent damage.

With these steps, you should be able to successfully replace the hands on your clock. If you encounter any issues or have concerns about the condition of your clock movement, it’s always best to consult with a professional clock repair service.