My Smiths Tempora mantle clock is striking 3 minutes early (ie at 12,27,42 and 57 minutes). I've taken off the minute hand but it sits on a square section shaft therefore only allowing 15 minute adjustments (90 degrees).Is there anything I can do?

Tim McC, March 2010

Remove the minute hand, insert a small square file in the central hole, clamp the file in a vice, and carefully rotate the minute hand forwards so that it is going to be at 12 when replaced on the dial. The hand is a friction fit on the square, but take care not to bend the hand.

Derek, March 2010