A tapered clock pin of brass or steel is inserted through the end of the arbor on which the minute hand rotates.

Between the pin and the minute hand is a collet (washer).

To remove the hands, carefully remove the pin with a pair of long nosed pliers. Remember that being tapered, it will only come out one way. If there is not enough protruding to get a grip of, you can push it out with another smaller pin. The collet, minute hand and hour hand can then be pulled off. Sometimes the hour hand has a clip or small screw retaining it.

 

Repairing Your Own Clocks by Mervyn Passmore