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How to Fix E. Howard Atomic Clocks

E. Howard Atomic Clocks are both new and vintage in style, with the vintage models requiring repairs to the inner and outer mechanisms of the clock. The inner and outer mechanisms work together in synchronized fashion. If one part of the clock is not functioning correctly, the other parts of a clock may not function as well. The clock parts may need to be replaced, adjusted or fixed. The mechanisms within the clock may need oiling, or the outer metal hands of the clock may be prone to rust damage, if not properly cared for.

Things You'll Need

Small pliers
Clock oil
Feather duster
Clean soft cloth
Spray air
Metal craft paint
Small paintbrushes

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the back of an E. Howard Atomic Clock. Use a small pair of pliers, if needed. Work on a flat table space, so clock parts do not roll off the table while you're working. Check the spring of the clock to see that it is functioning correctly. Replace the spring if it's worn or old. Oil the spring's gears and pivot points, being careful not to over-oil those sections. Place the back cover on the clock once it's oiled. Oil the clock every three years.
- 2
  Check the front face of the clock. Examine the hands to see that they are moving freely. Oil the hands at the hub if they are stuck together. The hub is the middle section where the hands revolve. Remove the minute hand from the clock, and place a small amount of oil on the hub section. Replace the hand after oiling, and tighten the nut that holds the minute hand back in place. Make sure not to over-oil this section.
- 3
  Clean away any dust from the white part of the clock face using a feather duster or a clean soft cloth. Try using canned air to reach stubborn layered dust on vintage E. Howard Atomic Clock models. Touch up the black numerals once the clock is cleaned, if they are faded.
- 4
  Use craft-quality metal paint and a small paintbrush to fill in the lettering. Use dark black paint or a paint color close to the original. Fill in scratch marks on the clock face if it is white, using white paint and a separate small paintbrush. Do not apply too much paint, just enough to fill in any unsightly marks and to touch up the clock's appearance.
- 5
  Make sure batteries are replaced on E. Howard Atomic Clock models that are modern and battery operated. Always use quality, heavy-duty batteries. Once all repairs are made, hang the clock back up on the wall.
- 6
  Adjust the time on the clock when it is in position. Move the small minute hand to the hour you want the clock to sound, if your model E. Howard Atomic Clock is a sounding clock. Wind the hour hand counterclockwise around the face dial one time, resting the hand on the numeral 12. Do not overwind it.

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