loose sweep seconds hand not gripping pinion well

[Mikyl]

I welcome any ideas on how to tighten a loose sweep seconds hand that is not gripping the pinion well enough. It spins freely around even though it is fully mounted on the pinion.

[Chewbacca]

Probably best for the technical threads.

[Tools]

Are you sure that it's the correct hand for the movement?

Hands are delicate, but the hollow shaft can be squeezed slightly for a tighter fit .

[Mikyl]

Thank you......the hands are correct......hesitant to squeeze the shaft but that is what it may take

[214270Explorer]

Go to the Rolex Watch Tech area at this site. More assistance will be available there.

[Chewbacca]

And welcome to the Forum Mike ����

[watchmaker]

There’s a tool for tightening hands

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-30...ube-tightener/

Buying a new hand might be cheaper if this is a one off.

There are ways to bodge a fix without buying the tool, but I can’t say that I officially endorse them.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

There’s a tool for tightening hands

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-30...ube-tightener/

Buying a new hand might be cheaper if this is a one off.

There are ways to bodge a fix without buying the tool, but I can’t say that I officially endorse them.

Solid.

[SearChart]

You can carefully tighten them with a pinvice

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by SearChart

You can carefully tighten them with a pinvice

Mind. Blown.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Mind. Blown.

It's just squeezing a small tube bud, no magic here

Just gotta do it very carefully, easy to go too hard and ruin it (been there, many times)

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It's just squeezing a small tube bud, no magic here

Just gotta do it very carefully, easy to go too hard and ruin it (been there, many times)

I’m what you call an open the bottle and throw away the cork man.

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

I’m what you call an open the bottle and throw away the cork man.

Some of us have been there

[Ashton_Horologist]

I personally prefer tightening them in a lathe collet if no Bergeron hand tightening tool is available. I will add that the hand tightening tool is a fantastic tool!

I do wonder, however, if the OP is referring to the pipe actually being loose on the hand, in which case the pipe needs to be re-riveted with a pointed stake.

[bobridley]

Regarding what approach to use for correcting loose sweep hand tubes (more commonly seen in the 60’s – early 70’s vintage watch) all three applications as mentioned in this thread will work.

My thinking of varying calibration applications:
All three methods mentioned in this thread thus far will work with closing a sweep hand tube if more friction is needed.

The first pick (if available) would be to use the Bergeon Tube closer. These collets are nicely rounded, conforming to a tube for closing. Secondly, the torque needed for a delicate closing is more controllable.

The second pick would be the lathe with appropriate chuck. The end result will work, however, due to the three jaw collect, there will be a little more crimping around the tube.

The third pick would be to use a pin vise. Little cost for one of these tools and readily handy at the bench. However, the four-jaw pin vise leaves a defined crimping. It will increase the friction fit, just not as clean.

[Mikyl]

Success....the hand is now on and secure. Thank you for all your suggestions especially the Bergeon tube tighter...great to have access to the pool of experts available in the forum.

[214270Explorer]

Good job, Mikyl