Reducing the size of hole in hands ?

[Paul80]

Hi all.

I have some hour hands that although they were removed correctly when it come to refitting them I am find the hole to now be a fraction too large so the hand is now a loose fit.  These were all removed correctly and it's only the hour hand exhibiting this problem, I suspect they might have been loose before I removed them, as all the affected watches were bought broken from that well known auction site.

Is there a practical way to try and reduce the hole, is only needs a fraction of a millimetre.

I should point out I don't have a staking set which is normally used for this sort of thing, well according to the few YouTube videos I have watched it is, and I cannot justify buying one yet.

Is there another way of shrinking the hole.

Thanks for any input on an this.

Paul

[rodabod]

If you don’t have a suitable tool, then I would suggest trying to find something that works as a similar substitute. You may be able to find something similar to a punch with a concave end which you can press on the underside of the hand’s collet to close it. Not ideal, but if you don’t have suitable tools then there is not a great deal else you can do. 

[clockboy]

Without the correct tool such as a staking tool a successful outcome is going to be difficult. Can the hand be replaced from the selection available from Cousins for example.

[VWatchie]

If you have a Seitz jeweling tool there is a set of "Seitz Jewelling Reducing Hour Hand Hole Tools".

[Plato]

10 hours ago, Paul80 said:

Is there another way of shrinking the hole.

Maybe you could use the Bergeon 3007 collet-tightening tool? Comparatively cheap compared to the specific tool for the job:

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/hand-collet-tightening-tool

[oldhippy]

That tool will cost more than a good second hand staking tool from ebay. 

[Plato]

The 3007? I should have specified used, under £60 last time I saw one for sale on ebay.

[clockboy]

Hands are not made of the strongest metal so even with the correct tool they can be troublesome. A replacement hand is always the preferred option for me.

[Bauertime]

Lightly hammer a screw driver across the hole in a circular pattern to put small dents in the hand around the edge of the hole. It makes the hole a little bit smaller. Just don't hit the screw driver too hard or you cut the hand in two.

[watchweasol]

The cheap answer is a staking block an punch and a great deal of care, too easy to over do it, best option is to replace the hands if practical.

[Paul80]

Hi all.

Thanks for all the replies.

I think given the price of the correct tool, I would be better of of just obtaining replacement hands, don't think I have enough years left to live to justify the cost of those sorts of tools. Perhaps if I started 20 or 30 years ago, but just cannot justify that sort of expense now.

Thanks again.

Paul