The Ultimate Guide to Locating and Buying a Missing Clocks Hand Nut

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Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Purchasing a Missing Hand Nut

Step 1: Identify Your Clock's Age and Origin

Why this matters: Hand nuts for movements made after the 1930's have somewhat standardized sizing. However, prior to around 1930 there is no telling what will work. There was no standard hand nut size.

What to do:

• Look for a maker's mark on the movement back plate
• Check the dial for manufacturer name
• Note the case style and construction (helps date the clock)
• Look for patent dates stamped on the movement

Clock origin categories:

• American clocks - Seth Thomas, Ansonia, New Haven, Ingraham, Waterbury, Sessions
• German clocks - Hermle, Junghans, Gustav Becker, Kienzle, Kieninger
• Cuckoo clocks - Usually German, Black Forest region
• British clocks - Smiths, Enfield, various makers

Step 2: Determine What Hand Securing System Your Clock Uses

Not all clocks use hand nuts! There are two main systems:

A. Hand Nut System (Most Common)

• Small brass or steel nut threads onto the minute hand shaft
• Tightens down to secure the minute hand
• This is what you're looking for

B. Tapered Pin System (Alternative) Some antique mechanical clocks require a clock hand washer and a tapered pin instead. A taper pin is a small brass or steel rod that is wide on one end and skinny on the other. Insert the taper pin into the hole in the end of the minute hand arbor to secure the washer and minute hand to the clock.

How to tell which system:

• Look at the end of the minute hand shaft (the center post sticking out from the dial)
• If it's threaded (has tiny spiral grooves), you need a hand nut
• If it has a small hole at the end, you need a tapered pin and washer

Step 3: Measure the Hand Shaft Diameter

This is the most critical measurement!

Tools needed:

• Digital calipers (best, accurate to 0.01mm)
• Micrometer (very accurate)
• Precision ruler with millimeter markings (less accurate but workable)

How to measure:

1. Remove the hour hand (pulls straight off, be gentle)
2. Look at the threaded portion of the minute hand shaft
3. Measure the diameter of the threads (the widest point across the threaded shaft)
4. Measure in millimeters for most accurate results
5. Write down this measurement precisely (example: 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm)

Common shaft diameters:

• 1.5mm - Common on smaller clocks, some British clocks
• 2.0mm - Very common on German and metric clocks
• 2.5mm - Hermle floor clocks
• #0-80 thread (1.5mm) - American small clocks
• #2-56 thread (1.9mm) - American medium clocks
• #4-40 thread (2.3mm) - American larger clocks

Step 4: Identify the Thread Type (If Possible)

This is where it gets tricky for antique clocks.

Thread systems:

• Metric threads (German, post-1960s clocks) - Measured in millimeters
• American threads (USA clocks) - Use number designations like #0-80, #2-56, #4-40
• British Association (BA) threads (British clocks) - Rare, specific to UK

For clocks before 1930: There were not many standards on what the hand nut size should be on the early clocks. It is literally trial and error.

Step 5: Determine the Best Purchasing Strategy

Option A: Buy an Assortment Pack (RECOMMENDED for antique clocks)

This is the most reliable approach for pre-1930 clocks:

Available assortments:

• American clock hand nut assortment - Contains #0-80, #2-56, #4-40 threads (12 pieces)
• German/Metric hand nut assortment - Contains 1.5mm, 1.7mm, 2.0mm sizes (12 pieces)
• Cuckoo clock hand nut assortment - Contains three sizes for German cuckoo clocks (12 pieces)
• Hermle hand nut assortment - Specific sizes for Hermle movements (12 pieces)

Advantages:

• Try multiple sizes without making multiple orders
• Usually contains the most common sizes
• Inexpensive ($5-$15 per assortment)
• Keep extras for future repairs

Where to buy:

• Clockworks.com
• Timesavers.com
• Clock repair supply websites
• eBay (search "clock hand nut assortment")
• Amazon (limited selection)

Option B: Buy Specific Size (For post-1930 clocks with known measurements)

If you have accurate measurements and know the clock's origin:

1. Match your measurement to the appropriate specification
2. Order that specific size/thread
3. More economical if you know exactly what you need

Step 6: Consider Local Clock Repair Shops

Why this works well:

A local clock repairer would likely have one for you.

Advantages:

• Clockmakers have boxes of assorted old hand nuts
• They can test-fit on your clock immediately
• Often they'll give you one for free or a nominal fee ($1-2)
• Expert advice on your specific clock

How to find:

• Search "clock repair near me"
• Check NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors) directory
• Ask at antique shops for recommendations

Step 7: Order Your Hand Nut(s)

Recommended suppliers:

Clockworks.com

• American hand nuts (post-1930s)
• Cuckoo clock hand nuts
• German hand nuts
• Good descriptions and sizing information

Timesavers.com

• Extensive selection including:
  • Item #10408: American clock assortment
  • Item #11269: Hermle assortment
  • Item #19290: Hermle floor clock nuts
  • Item #10539: Cuckoo clock assortment
  • Item #23713: Metric assortment

eBay

• Search terms: "clock hand nut," "antique clock hand nut," "vintage clock hand nut"
• Often find old original nuts that may fit pre-1930 clocks better

VintageClockParts.com

• May have original antique hand nuts from disassembled movements
• Advantage of seeing actual photos of the part

Step 8: Test Fit Your New Hand Nut

When your hand nut arrives:

1. Thread it carefully onto the hand shaft - Start by hand, don't force
2. It should thread smoothly - If it binds immediately, wrong size/thread
3. It should tighten snugly - Not loose, not requiring excessive force
4. Test with hands installed - Make sure minute hand doesn't bind

What if it doesn't fit?

If you bought an assortment, try the next size. They're usually metric. You could buy a box of assorted nuts and see which one fits.

Step 9: Alternative Solutions If Standard Nuts Don't Work

For very old clocks where nothing fits:

Option 1: Modified Nut (Professional technique) I took the #0 nut and with my finest piercing saw blade I cut a radial slot through one flat. Then wedged an old small screwdriver into the slot to open the nut slightly. Got it started a couple of threads, pulled out the wedge and continued to thread it on until seated.

Option 2: Re-thread the Shaft

• A clockmaker can chase new threads on the shaft
• Use a standard thread size
• Make or modify a nut to match

Option 3: Annealed Nut (Advanced technique) Heat a brass nut that almost fits to redness and quench it in water to anneal it. Then thread it onto the steel shaft - the softer brass will conform to the threads. Repeat annealing and threading until it fits smoothly.

Step 10: Proper Installation

Once you have the correct hand nut:

1. Remove the hour hand - Pulls straight off (friction fit on most clocks)
2. Place minute hand on shaft - Square hole fits onto square shaft
3. Thread hand nut onto shaft - Start by hand, turning clockwise
4. Tighten gently but firmly - Don't over-tighten (can strip threads or crack dial)
5. Check hand clearance - Minute hand should clear hour hand and dial
6. Replace hour hand - Press gently onto round post
7. Set time and test - Run the clock, ensure hands don't touch

Quick Reference Chart

Pro Tips

1. Save any old hand nuts from broken clocks - they're gold for antique repairs
2. Buy assortments even if you only need one - you'll use them eventually
3. Keep a small parts organizer with various hand nuts
4. Take close-up photos of your hand shaft threads to show suppliers
5. Join NAWCC - Members often trade or give away parts
6. Check VintageClockParts.com - Original nuts from dismantled movements may fit better than reproductions

Summary

Hand nuts are very hard to find and replace, especially for older clocks. The key to success is:

1. Identify clock age and origin
2. Measure shaft diameter precisely
3. Buy assortment packs for pre-1930 clocks
4. Consider visiting local clock repair shops
5. Be prepared for trial and error with antique clocks
6. Keep extras for future repairs

For most post-1930 clocks, an assortment pack from Clockworks.com or Timesavers.com will solve your problem. For pre-1930 antique clocks, expect to try multiple sizes and possibly need custom solutions.

Good luck with your clock repair!