Loose minute hand

[Rixy]

I have been working on a Garrard Westminster chime mantel clock (1955). Have managed to clean it an reassemble it but the minute hand is very loose and the part that fits over the minute arbor pops out easily. Should I fix this with super-glue or is there another way? Have added a photo if that helps.

[tomh207]

I wouldn’t superglue it personally but I am not a clock person so can’t really give much advice. I would suspect though that it would be more about peening it with a staking set to fix it together. Hopefully @oldhippywill be along with some proper and professional advice.

 

Tom

[RichardHarris123]

Interesting because I'm working on my first clock, I would of thought it could be glue if peening isn't possible but I'm looking forward to answers from the experts. 

[watchweasol]

Hi  I am afraid no glue.  the boss needs peening to tighten it up on the minute hand But don't tighten it hard up just yet , just enough to hold it in place. when the clock is finished and the hands are being fitted the position of the bush may need adjusting to bring the hands into line, reason for not tightening it up too hard. To do that fit a square file or mandrel into the hole and move the hand so as to line up. when its correctly aligned then tighten further but not over tighten as you may split the hand or the bush.

[RichardHarris123]

5 minutes ago, watchweasol said:

Hi  I am afraid no glue.  the boss needs peening to tighten it up on the minute hand But don't tighten it hard up just yet , just enough to hold it in place. when the clock is finished and the hands are being fitted the position of the bush may need adjusting to bring the hands into line, reason for not tightening it up too hard. To do that fit a square file or mandrel into the hole and move the hand so as to line up. when its correctly aligned then tighten further but not over tighten as you may split the hand or the bush.

Modern glues are fantastic, so why not?  I'm not disagreeing with you, I just want to know why. 

[Rixy]

I'll give it a try but not sure how to go about peening. Can it be done with everyday tools (I have a pin hammer in my toolbox)?

[RichardHarris123]

5 minutes ago, Rixy said:

I'll give it a try but not sure how to go about peening. Can it be done with everyday tools (I have a pin hammer in my toolbox)?

No, you would need a staking set. 

[watchweasol]

Hi the reason for not glueing it is the need for adjustment, yes modern glues are great but not for bodging clocks. You my need to make a punch or stake to enable you to do the job or both. I have done it. Using a flat plate before but the staking tool makes it easier,, half the fun is improvising and learning new skills.  If you spread the bush a little enough to hold the hand you may have to file the square again to fit the center wheel arbour. It needs care and do not rush it.   Cheers

[oldhippy]

There doesn't look as if there is enough to rivet over. But give it you best shot. Do you have the tools to make one? if so do so. I see the others are against gluing but in your case if you can't make one and riveting doesn't work you are left with gluing. Make sure you clean it first before you glue it. 

You could try here. He is on youtube. Just type in Elliott Clock repairs. He even appears on T V on some antique repair program.  

Specialists in Elliott Clocks 14 Langdale Court Witney OX28 6FG

[Rixy]

Thanks. I'll give it a go and see how I get on (keeping glue as a last resort).

As ever, thanks to all for the advice. Cheers.

[Rixy]

I managed to peen it with a 1/8" punch. As suggested, I did it a little bit at first so I could adjust it and then when happy, firmed it up. It didn't distort the square hole so no need to file.

Time to reassemble!

[oldhippy]

Well done and it looks a nice clean job.

[watchweasol]

Great  better than glue tidy job,, well done.