Best High Torque Clock Motors for Big DIY Clocks: Powerful Movements for Large Faces
Looking for high torque clock motors to drive oversized hands on large wall clocks? This guide highlights five strong options, each suited to big faces and thick panels. Ideal buyers include repair technicians, hobbyists building custom wall clocks, and DIY enthusiasts tackling oversized clock projects. The entries focus on long shafts, strong drive power, and compatibility with various hand lengths and panel depths. Below, you’ll find quick-fit notes, who each product is best for, and practical cautions to consider before you buy.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Youngtown High Torque Long Shaft Clock Movement Kit | Clocks needing 12″ hands with a long shaft | 23 mm shaft, 12 mm thread, 10 mm–450 mm hands |
| TIKROUND Youngtown 12888 High Torque Movement | Repairs or replacements for thick panels | 28 mm shaft, 15.4 mm thread |
| MakerTick High Torque Clock Movement | Oversized 36″–50″ clocks, large hands | 17.7″ hands, 5/8″ threaded shaft |
| Hicarer High Torque Long Shaft Movement Kit | All-purpose high-torque replacements | 23 mm shaft, includes 2 pairs of hands |
| DEEWISH Large Wall Clock Movement (DW-12888-I) | Very large dial applications, 450 mm minute hand range | 16-18 mm center-to-center hand layout, 23 mm shaft |
Youngtown High Torque Long Shaft Clock Movement Kit
The Youngtown kit is designed for high-torque operation with a long spindle to drive long hands. Best for projects that require hands up to 12 inches (minute) and 8 inches (hour), with a total shaft length around 23 mm and a thread length of 12 mm. Suitable for clock panels 5/32″ to 5/16″ thick. This option is ideal for DIY builders replacing a heavy movement in medium-to-large frames.
- Best for medium to large clock faces with long hands
- Long shaft supports extended hand lengths
- Original 2-hook design helps secure hands
Caution: Ensure your clock panel thickness matches the 12 mm thread length to avoid mounting misalignment.
TIKROUND Youngtown 12888 High Torque Movement
This long-spindle quartz movement is suited for repairing or making clocks with thicker frames and larger panels. It features a total shaft length of 28 mm and a 15.4 mm thread, making it a strong candidate for 9–13 mm thick clock panels. Best for projects where a robust replacement is needed and ample weight-handling is required.
- Best for thick clock panels and large retrofit jobs
- Solid core for reliable long-term operation
- Metal hook included for secure mounting
Caution: Check panel thickness to ensure compatibility with the 15.4 mm thread length.
MakerTick High Torque Clock Movement
Designed for oversized DIY clocks, this movement accommodates extra-long hands up to 17.7 inches. It uses a 5/8″ threaded shaft and supports faces from 36″ to 50″ in size. Battery-operated, it combines high torque with long-term stability for large wall clock builds.
- Best for oversized clocks from living rooms to offices
- Extra-long minute and hour hands for dramatic displays
- Stable, high-torque operation for reliable timekeeping
Caution: The large hands require a properly balanced clock design to avoid bending or misalignment.
Hicarer High Torque Long Shaft Movement Kit
This kit includes one movement, brackets, gasket, washer, hex screw, and two cap nuts, providing a full setup for smooth operation. The hour and minute hands measure up to 5.2 inches and 6.9 inches respectively, with a total shaft of 23 mm and a 14.6 mm thread. Suitable for 9–13 mm clock panels. Ideal for versatile clock repairs and new builds requiring long hands.
- Best for complete parts set with mounting hardware
- Includes two pairs of hands for flexible designs
- Appropriate for mid-size to large frames
Caution: The included second-cap parts may require careful alignment during setup.
High Torque Long Shaft Clock Movement Kit (Hicarer)
With a primary 23 mm shaft and 10–450 mm hands capability, this kit supports a range of large hands. It is a straightforward replacement for 9–18 mm thick clock panels and includes two pairs of hands for versatile styling. Good for DIY repairs or custom build outs on medium-to-large clocks.
- Best for varied clock hand lengths with a single kit
- Simple, elegant design supports multiple styles
- Long shaft enables longer hour and minute hands
Caution: Verify hand-hole compatibility with your existing clock face before installation.
DEEWISH Large Wall Clock Movement (DW-12888-I)
This movement targets very large clock applications with an I-shaft design and a 23 mm shaft. It supports minute hands up to 450 mm in length and has a 12 mm thread length suitable for 5–9 mm thick clock panels. Includes essential mounting components and a durable build for large-scale décor projects.
- Best for giant wall clocks with long minute hands
- I-shaft design provides reliable torque
- Comes with necessary hardware for installation
Caution: The kit does not include second hand support, so plan for a no-second-hand configuration if needed.
High Torque Clock Movement Kit With 17.75″ Minute Hand
Designed for large clocks 36″ and up, this movement offers extra-long hands (hour about 11″, minute about 17.75″) and a total length of 23.81″ to accommodate massive faces. It provides quiet, non-ticking operation suitable for living rooms, studios, and commercial spaces. Battery-powered for easy setup.
- Best for very large, decorative wall clocks
- Extra-long hands deliver bold visual impact
- Quiet operation supports residential and office use
Caution: Size and weight considerations are important; ensure mounting supports are adequate for the oversized hands.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For High Torque Movements
- Panel thickness and shaft length: Match the clock panel thickness to the movement’s shaft and thread length. A mismatch can cause loose mounting or misalignment.
- Hand length compatibility: Ensure the desired hour and minute hand lengths are within the movement’s supported range, especially for oversized displays.
- Torque and power needs: High torque is essential for long hands and heavy clock faces. Consider the intended clock size and weight when selecting a unit.
- Mounting hardware: Some kits include brackets, gaskets, washers, and nuts. Verify you have all necessary components or be prepared to source extras.
- Second hand support: If you require a second hand, confirm that the movement supports it. Some kits specify no second hand.
- Electrical considerations: Battery-operated movements simplify installation but ensure battery type and replacement access match your setup.
- Aesthetics and compatibility: For decorative clocks, alignment of the hands and front-end aesthetics should be considered to avoid visual misalignment.
FAQ
- What is high torque in clock movements?
High torque refers to stronger drive power that can rotate long or heavy clock hands without stalling, especially on large or thick clock panels.
- What hand lengths do these movements support?
Hand lengths vary by model; some support very long minute hands up to around 17–18 inches, while others accommodate longer hour hands. Check the product’s center-to-tip measurements.
- Do these movements require special mounting?
Yes. Most kits include brackets, gaskets, and nuts. Proper mounting alignment ensures reliable operation and avoids hand rubbing.
- Can I replace a movement in an existing large clock?
Yes, provided the new movement matches the panel thickness, shaft length, and hand compatibility of your existing setup.
- Is a second hand supported by all these models?
No. Some models are designed without a second hand. Verify this feature if you need a second hand in your clock design.