Loose Minutes Hand On Hamilton Pocket Watch

[djqsrv]

Hello

I was hoping someone could give me some tips on how to fix a loose minute hand on my 16s Hamilton pocket watch. I do know that the normal procedure would be to use a staking set and close the opening on the hand a little bit so it fits snug again. I don't have a staking set yet so I was wondering if there was a different procedure. Maybe one with hand tools.

Thanks

Daniel

[clockboy]

I use my watchmakers lathe collet. However another method many use is to gradually close it with a pin vice.

 

 

 

 

 

[djqsrv]

Thanks clockboy

Never thought of the pin vice. I might give it a try. They are NOS beautify blued hands so I would hate to damage them.

[awatchintime]

Personally - i would wait until you have the correct tools. Yes- the staking set is what you would need. One or two traps with the right stake and it is repaired.

[clockboy]

Everyone to their own method I suppose. I have a staking set but I have never used it to close watch hands.

[lneck2469]

had the same problem, use my S&K staking set. two light hits and it fit just right.

[watchweasol]

I have also had to do this and used the staking set as there was no tube for the pin vise, but like clockboy i also use the pin vise for the same job. I have also used a 36 hole stake and punch so there are many ways possible  depending on the style and material of the hands and boss, just be careful .