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How to Choose Clock Parts

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(A) On our website, a 3-1/2" (90 mm) Clock Insert has a 3-1/2 inch (90 mm) Outside Diameter (#2 in the picture below) and the mounting hole size
(#1 in picture to the left) it goes into can vary by size, but will be less than 3-1/2 inches.
(B) When you find an insert that you like, Click for More Info to see the hole size
(C) The insert will fit into. The listing will also tell you the type of mounting the insert uses. Some have a rubber gasket, others have tab style pressure fit.
Step 1

No we don't. We carry about 150 clock inserts in sizes from 1-7/16" up to 6" outside diameter.

The sizes available are listed on our Clock Inserts home page . In order to provide prices that are affordable, we have had to focus on the most commonly requested clock sizes.

Add some material. Often you can build up the back of your clock insert with something like black electricians tape or some plumbers tape.

So if the clock insert says it fits a 3-inch hole size, you can add material so it more snugly fits in a 3-1/4" hole size.

That will depend on the material you are working with. Sometimes our customers will remove a bit of material to increase the hole size to fit.

Premium Inserts are made with real brass bezels and real glass lenses for a heavier feel a bit better look.

We are highly selective with the products we carry and you will see many fantastic reviews on all of our inserts. See our selection of Premium Inserts here.

Sadly, no. The only information that helps us is the measurements.

Once you have those, click here to shop clock inserts grouped by Outside Diameter and then click for details to see the Inside Diameter.

Sadly, no. We are limited to the options listed. See the above comments for ideas on how to get one to work for you.

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Old hands may not work with new motors, so we suggest choosing hands and a motor.

But we likely have hands that will work great.

Similarly, old motors may be hard to find the exact one - (we don't have a listing of old manufacturers parts to cross-reference), but with our awesome selection you will most likely find a battery-operated quartz motor to make your clock work again.

Measure the Thickness of your Clock Face - you just need a measurement of the material the clock shaft has to go through. What is the measurement A in Figure 2 below? Or in Figure 1, how thick is that piece of wood that's ready for a clock motor?

Our clock movements are listed by type and then by length of the clock shaft - specifically telling you how much material the shaft can go through.

For example, our Q-64, the best-selling high torque movement, will go through 5/8" thick material while also allowing for the mounting nut and washer and. Its overall threaded shaft length is 11/16", which allows room for the mounting washer and nut. The overall shaft is then 1-1/8".

The longest shaft we have is our Q-16 which goes through 3/4" thick clock face material while also allowing for the mounting nut and washer and works with smaller clock hands under 5" long.


Check out this diagram below for a visual aid!


Step 1




If the graphic doesn't help, check out this Video!

PRO TIPS: - Sometimes you will have to remove some material with a chisel or router or another tool to inset your clock movement. OR if you want to bring your hands closer to your clock face, add some material between the movement plastic case and the back of your clock face (like a thin piece of wood)

Bear Woods clock hands are measured as in Figure 4 from the Mounting Hole to the end of the Minute Hand. (In Figure 4 you can see the overall length of the hands pictured is longer) Hour hands are about 2/3 the length of the minute hand. Second hands are sized with the minute hand, and in most cases, we sell them separately - see listings for details.

Check out this diagram below for a visual aid!


Step 1

Choose clock hands based on the size of your clock dial you are working with. In Figure 3 this clock is a 24" clock and the designer chose 10" Clock Hands - generally, you want your clock hands to sit somewhere between the inside and outside edge of your numbers or numerals. So a little less than half the diameter of your clock face is standard.

Clock Mechanisms are in 2 Power Categories - Standard for hands up to 4-7/8" and High Torque for hands 5" up to 18".

If your Minute Hand Measures Less than 5 Inches Long, Choose Standard Power and we consider this a Smaller Clock.

If your Minute Hand Measures 5 Inches or Longer, Choose High Torque (High Power). We consider this a Larger Clock.

A) Regular Step Motion

B) Upgrade to Continuous Sweep

C) Add a Pendulum or Chime (or Both)

These types of actions are available in both the High Torque and Standard Power Clock Motors. Most also have options that are run with AA or C-Cell batteries. C-Cells are like having a bigger gas tank. C-Cell powered motors are more expensive but a popular option.

Note: All movements except High Torque come with free-hanging brackets. For many designs, our Picture Hanging Hardware (click here for details) will be a great option for hanging your clocks.

Mounting hardware always includes a mounting nut, mounting washer, and a hanging bracket if specified, plus a nut or cap to hold your hands on - read on please for specifics.

High Torque Movements include an End Cap in brass color. You can purchase a black end cap separately. You can also purchase an open-end nut separately.

Standard (AKA Mini) movements include a hanging bracket, mounting nut, washer, and an open second-hand nut. You can purchase a black or brass end cap separately if you are not going to use a second hand. Our free hands typically include a set with the hour and minute and second hands but read product info for details, please. Second hands are sold separately with premium hands.

  

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