How to Remove the Hands From a Clock Mechanism With a Battery

Remove the battery from the back of the clock mechanism. If the battery is concealed under the back cover of the clock mechanism, remove the cover by sliding or unscrewing the small screw holding it in place. Press the positive end of the battery toward its negative end, compressing the spring that holds the battery in place. Lift the battery out of the clock. Turn the clock mechanism face-up.

Unfold a paperclip so it is in the shape of an "S." Slide one end of the paperclip over the second hand and position the paper clip so its curve goes around the clock's shaft, just under the second hand. Lift the second hand straight up, off the shaft. Depending on the style of the clock mechanism, you may find a small thumb-screw on the shaft, just under the second hand. Remove it by turning counterclockwise to expose the portion of the shaft holding the minute and hour hands..

Use the paperclip to remove the minute hand. Repeat to remove the hour hand.