Expert: Michael Radi - 11/11/2010

Question
You recently answered someone who wants to replace the Young Town Quartz 12888 PatPend00399849 movement with the recommendation for the mini trigger movement.  I have a bird sound clock and with the same Town Quartz 12888 movement that no longer works.  I have tried to remove the movement and have totally unscrewed the threaded length but the minute hand is snug on the plastic end of the shaft on the clock face surface so that I cannot fully pull the movement out.  Any suggestions?

Answer
The minute hand should either be held on with a small nut or pressed on. If it is held on with a small nut you can grab that nut with a pair of pliers and push the hand clockwise. This should loosen the nut enough for you to unscrew it with your fingers.
If it is pressed on you should be able to pull it off.
If you can't get it off by any means you can cut it off. You will most likely need to get new hands with a new movement anyway.
Let me know if you need more help. A photo of the hand where it mounts would be a great help.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair