How to Set Analog Clocks

Analog clocks are often called dial clocks. They are often preferred over digital clocks because they use batteries and do not fail when the electricity is out or if they become unplugged. Analog clocks must be set before they can be used to keep accurate time.

1. Find the small gear behind the clock. It may be located on the side of certain models.


2. Pull out on the gear with one hand, and turn the clock so that the face of it is facing you. Hold it with your other hand and turn the gear clockwise to turn the minute hand. If the gear is too small to turn with your fingers, you can use a pair of tweezers or pliers to turn it instead. Every time the minute hand passes the 12, the hour hand with move to the next hour. Turn the gear until you have set the clock to the right time, and press the gear back into the clock.


3. Find the alarm hand on the clock face. It will be shorter than the other hands and may be a different color.


4. Locate the gear on the back of the clock that is labeled "Alarm." Pull out on the gear and turn it clockwise to turn the hand of the alarm. When the hand reaches the time you want to set the alarm for, push the gear back into the clock.


5. Locate the "On/Off" switch on top of the clock. Move the switch to the "On" position to set the alarm. When the alarm goes off, turn the switch to the "Off" position.