If you look at which way the needle must move, it will give you a clue as to the direction it must turn from the back, CCW. I'm not sure I would risk breaking a small piece of wood off in the end of the drive. If you can turn it by hand with the proper size nail, your drill motor shouldn't hurt it. (I use a small piece of speedo cable left over from some Halda mods from years ago.)

Wes