clock needle

[bunnysZ]

in the process of reconditioning some clocks at the moment ,
how does the needle come out ,

does it just pop of with a bit of force.

[mick znone]

it does , absolutely, use a spoon, but be careful

[Steve Cooke]

Use two spoons so you can exert equal pressure to both sides or you may bend the spindle.

[Pigford]

Tea spoons are favourite, closely followed by dessert spoons, but only use table spoons if really desperate

[chrisu]

DO NOT BREAK THEM !!

[MaineKZ]

I can just see the wanted ad showing up tomorrow.....

come back Mr Rivett - all is forgiven

[02GF74]

i never quite understood how folks can take off a needle then replace it and still expect the clock to read right?

the needle is spring loaded to exerts a force against the magnetic force exerted via eddy current from the rotating disc.

If the needle is not fitted in the exact position (the moment it is removed, the spriong will rotate the spindle so it will be out almost immediately), then the spring force will be either less or greater than before so needle will be out.

or will it?

[hillbilly]

the spring is not under pressure when stopped,it is wound up by the speedo cable when travelling,it goes back to non load when stopped.

[Steve Cooke]

I've removed and refitted five without any problems, using a couple of spoons may sound primitive but it's really effective as it exerts the pressure directly alongside the spindle and the curve of the spoons allows you to use a pivoting action to prise it off, I wouldn't be surprised if Chris Rivett uses something similar because at the end of the day the needle has to be pulled off with something, a pair of pincers would do it but the jaws would have to be ground so the pressure is applied close to the center of the needle. As Hillbilly pointed out needle isn't under load when stopped so as long as it's zeroed when refitted it should be fine. ,Mine have been checked and read true.

[02GF74]

.... interesting - I though the needle was under a little bit of tension so that is rest against the end stop. learn something every day.

anyways, good luck with it and post some pictures.

[Big Fluff]

Both me and Al Marshall have done hundreds, actually I've done thousands.
I use a small pair of curved long-nosed pliers, but small teaspoons or flat-bladed screwdrivers will give the same outcome.