Introduction
Hand bushings restore proper fit and alignment when the hand holes become worn or oversized. If the bushing is incorrect—wrong hole size, wrong thickness, or wrong material—the hands may wobble, drift, rub the dial, or fail to stay aligned. This guide explains how to choose the correct hand bushing for your mechanical clock.
Understanding What Hand Bushings Do
Correct worn hand holes
Bushings restore a snug fit between the hand and the shaft.
Improve hand alignment
They center the hand on the cannon pinion or hour tube.
Stabilize the hand stack
Proper bushing fit prevents wobble and uneven rotation.
Key Features of Hand Bushings
Inner hole size
Must match the shaft diameter for a secure, centered fit.
Outer diameter
Must fit the hand’s mounting hole without excess play.
Thickness
Controls spacing and prevents rubbing between hands or against the dial.
How to Identify the Correct Hand Bushing
Match the inner hole size
The bushing must fit the cannon pinion or hour tube without wobble.
Check the outer diameter
It must seat firmly in the hand without distortion.
Verify thickness
Too thin causes wobble; too thick causes rubbing or misalignment.
Matching Hand Bushings to the Movement
Identify the movement manufacturer
Hermle, Urgos, and Kieninger use specific shaft diameters and hand‑hole standards.
Match the hand type
Some hands require flat bushings; others use cupped or stepped bushings.
Check hand‑stack spacing
The bushing must maintain proper clearance between the hour and minute hands.
Common Hand Bushing Materials
Brass bushings
Most common and ideal for stable, long‑term fit.
Steel bushings
Used where added durability is needed.
Alloy bushings
Provide improved wear resistance in modern clocks.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Hand Bushings
Incorrect inner hole size
Causes wobble, slipping, or poor alignment.
Wrong outer diameter
Prevents the bushing from seating securely in the hand.
Improper thickness
Leads to rubbing, misalignment, or drifting hands.
Recommended Internal Links
- How to Choose the Right Clock Hand Washers
- How to Choose the Right Clock Hand Nuts
- How to Choose the Right Clock Hour Tubes
- How to Choose the Correct Clock Cannon Pinions
FAQs
How do I know which hand bushing my clock needs?
Match the inner hole size, outer diameter, and thickness to the original hand and shaft.
Why is my minute hand wobbling?
The hand hole may be worn and require a properly sized bushing.
Can I reuse an old hand bushing?
Only if it fits tightly and maintains proper alignment.
Do hand bushings from different brands interchange?
Only if the dimensions match exactly.
Why are my hands rubbing the dial?
An incorrect bushing thickness may be altering hand‑stack spacing.
1 comment
Sir:
I have several clocks that the hands are 3 or 4 minutes past the hour when the clocks strike. How can I adapt the hands or buy new ones so that the hand is pointing at 12:00 when the hour strikes? Are these the bushings things I see advertised?
Thank you.