How to Dial a Rotary Phone_Computers and Electronics_Common Sense of Life

Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Using a Rotary with a Phone Cradle Dial

1 Remove the handset from the cradle.
2 Place the handset to your ear and listen for a dial tone. The dial tone should be a mid-ranged, constant pitch.
- If you do not hear a dial tone, something is wrong. 3 Ways to Diagnose Landline Phone Problems
3 Place your finger on the first number you wish to dial. Each number has a corresponding hole that will allow you to place your finger in to begin dialing that number.
4 Rotate the dial clockwise until your finger touches the metal stop.
5 Remove your finger from the opening. This will allow the dial to return to its original position.
6 Find your second number and repeat steps three through five. Do this for the remaining numbers.
7 Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation.

Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Using a Rotary Phone with a Handset Dial

1 Remove the handset from the cradle.
2 Listen for a dial tone. The dial tone should be a mid-ranged, constant pitch.
- If you do not hear a dial tone, something is wrong. 3 Ways to Diagnose Landline Phone Problems
3 Hold the handset with the dial up. The dial is located between the earpiece and mouthpiece of the phone.
4 Place your finger on the first number you wish to dial. Each number has a corresponding hole that will allow you to place your finger in to begin dialing that number.
5 Rotate the dial clockwise. Push through the metal stop until both the metal stop and the dial no longer move.
6 Remove your finger from the opening. This will allow the dial and the metal stop to return to their original positions.
7 Find your second number and repeat steps four through six. Do this for the remaining numbers.
8 Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation.

Method 3 Method 3 of 3: If the Dial is Missing or Broken

1 Remove the handset from the cradle. Notice the two prongs that rise from the cradle of the phone when the handset is removed. Sometimes you will find a rotary phone that still works, but has a missing or broken dial. Pressing these two prongs down simultaneously is what will allow you to dial the phone despite the damage.
2 Listen for a dial tone. The dial tone should be a mid-ranged, constant pitch.
- If you do not hear a dial tone, something is wrong. 3 Ways to Diagnose Landline Phone Problems
3 Press both prongs down simultaneously to dial stop the dial tone. Releasing the prongs should bring back the dial tone.
4 Dial the first number of the phone number by pressing down on the prongs simultaneously. To dial a 4 you would rapidly press the prongs down four times.
- To dial 0, press the prongs down rapidly ten times
5 Pause briefly.
6Repeat steps four and five until you have dialed all the numbers in the phone number
7 Return the phone to the cradle when you are finished with your conversation.

How to Dial a Rotary Phone