Cuckoo Clocks - Function, Disassembly and Reassembly 

What was their reaction

@@29ibrahimsayed95 They were delighted. The couple said the clock had belonged to his grandparents, who lived long enough that the couple’s children, now in their 50s, also remembered their great-grandparents owning the clock. By wanting to do good, I hit the jackpot. They also served me cheesecake and tea. :) In a separate, later yard sale, I bought a mantel clock. I asked the owner its history and if it held any meaning for him. He said, “I hate the f****** thing. Every time I slept over at my grandmother’s place it would wake me up.” I’m reading up on the correct settings for the recoil pallet as it either chatters occasionally, or won’t run.

How wonderful for you to do. My great Aunt had one. I found one on line and bought for $40 hoping to get it work. When she passed I bought as much as possible. They were crooked auctioneers..

How wonderful for you to do. My great Aunt had one. I found one on line and bought for $40 hoping to get it work. When she passed I bought as much as possible. They were crooked auctioneers..

So glad to hear this helped you get your cuckoo clock back up and running again (as well as save some money)!!

Glad it helped!

Great to hear! Keep up the good work!!

Thank you so much 😀

Thanks 👍

Glad to hear it!! Thank you!!!!

Thank you!! First off, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading your description of the issue you're having!! Anyway, it sounds like the return spring for the perch wire is either broken or misaligned. Try testing the workings of the movement manually (by hand) and observe the way it functions (or how it's supposed to function, at least!). If it's trying to shut, but doesn't close all the way, there could simply be a lever/wire getting in the way. Check to make sure the bird doesn't have anything behind it that may get in the way of it popping backwards. Take care, and good luck!!

Sorry for the late reply! Bellow tops can be replaced quite easily and inexpensively, and the weights should drop relatively evenly as the clock runs throughout the day. However, since your clock stops, it's either out of beat or the movement needs serviced or replaced. Good luck!

Glad you enjoyed it!

I'm no clock repairman but I have found if the clock is not hung level the pendulum will stop. Also if you removed the works from the case it needs to be re-installed sguare to the case.

Pretty much any synthetic oil that is designed specifically for clocks such as NYE, however I've found the best is the Etsyntha 859 with its applicator tip. As for testing, you can either put just the movement and the chains back into the case, or you can make your own test stand out of some wood.

3 weights usually indicates it also has a music box. After it completes the "cuckoo" on the hour (and also the half-hour depending on setup), the music box starts playing.

It actually isn’t, in this case. A clean, oil and adjust (COA) is commonly done without disassembly. If it requires disassembly, it is now considered an overhaul and would include bushings, pivots polished, etc. However there are plans for a video demonstrating exactly that. 👍

@@BrackenClockWorks from everything i was taught oiling and cleaning are separate things, everyone has their own method but the way i was taught was that oiling every couple years and disassembly and cleaning if you visually see dirt on the pivots when you go to oil or every 8-10 years at which you would inspect holes, but not necessarily have to do any work if wear is not out of tolerance. Not saying i am right, just how i was taught.

@@kwacz I agree with you on these points! When this was purely a hobby for me, I would proceed as you have outlined above. However, since I started doing this professionally, I've learned there are simpler and quicker ways of accomplishing the same task. We recommend a servicing every 5 years and, in most of those cases, a COA is usually all that is needed (if conducted regularly).

Hi how did you clean the movement? I bought some cleaners and was going to soak n brush after soaking. My movement and clock looks exactly like the one in the video but a clock person did tell me it looks dirty. I would rather not disassemble the movement if possible.

The information you have is correct. Most common is the 320g, with some smaller clocks using the 275g. The 420g I don't see often, but when I do, it's usually on a well-worn clock that was "serviced recently" (meaning, their answer to the clock not running was to hang heavier weights on it) or on a non-Regula movement like Cuckoo Clock Mfg Co.

Thanks for the quick response on Facebook and the clock is working great just gotta get the tik-tok working right so the time is right, making small adjustment as we speak, I am sure I will get it right sooner or later.

Kerosene? Oof... I don't recommend using that unless for specific cleaning operations. It could be a few things causing to not cuckoo, however. Something could be rubbing, misaligned, bent, broken, or the movement is simply worn out. I've found it's cheaper to replace the movement rather than repair, in most cases. Good Luck!

As soon as I’m able, I’ll make a video on that! Thanks! (Sorry for the late reply!) This is a simple design I came up with that will handle most cuckoo clocks. The top is an old industrial cutting board from a restaurant, the rest was scrap wood. It also has adjustable leveling feet.

Thank you! Cheers!

It sounds very much like the click, or the click spring, is broken or misaligned. Not the easiest of repairs, unfortunately, as it will require disassembling the movement to correct. You can purchase the entire wheel assembly and replace that, but the easiest solution is to replace the entire movement, and can usually be done for under $100 if done yourself, but there are different types with different pendulum lengths that need to be considered first.

Hi, Peggy! Well, there can be a few things holding it up. It could be rubbing on something if it stops pretty quickly, or it could be out of beat and stopping after a dozen or so swings, or the movement could be worn out. Best case is to work from simplest solution to the more complicated. Open the back and make sure nothing related to the pendulum is rubbing on anything, first. Then next would be to listen to the beat. If it's evenly ticking but still stopping, then you know the movement is probably worn out. Another thing is to check and see that the chains are properly seated in the sprockets. If the movement is worn out, a replacement is usually available, but it depends on manufacturer. Regula is still made today, Herr just recently went out of business, and Cuckoo Clock Manufacturing movements have been out of production for a few years. In most cases, if it isn't a Regula, you can use a Regula movement as a replacement but will require some alterations to the case or even some of the inside components, but nothing too labor intensive.

@@BrackenClockWorks Thank you so much for your prompt response. I appreciate it. I just had the clock movement cleaned /oiled and the bellows repaired. Now that I have at home and assembled it, For some reason the pendulum stops And I can hear it ticking, but not loudly. I'm thinking it's the way I have the cuckoo clock against the wall and will need to screw it in better. Any recommendations for screwing it flush to the wall? Also someone told me that the chains should not be on the floor so I will have to screw it to the wall high enough. I will check out your responses. It seems to be even late ticking but still stopping.

Flush against the wall is a bit important but it would have to be tilted forward quite bit for it to cause issues. Use a good screw to hold it to the wall, like a typical drywall screw, where you can adjust how far the clock is tilting by screw it in to the wall a bit more. And you want the bottom of the case to be at least 60 inches from the floor, best at 6ft or 72 inches. Chains touching the floor isn’t critical.

@@BrackenClockWorks I think the only solution for why my pendulum will not swing back-and-forth for long periods of time, is that it must be out of beat. I have tried everything else and I know that my movement is not worn out. Can you give me any suggestions for if my pendulum is out of beat? When I take the pendulum off the wire it will tick on its own and move back and 4th for long periods of time but it will stop. It will not continuously move back-and-forth consistently. When I put the pendulum on, it Will not last long and stop. Whereas, I take the pendulum off and the wire moves back-and-forth quickly And will last longer than if the pendulum was off. It has to be a simple fix. I don't want to have to take it to the repair shop again as it's quite pricey! Thank you so much

Replacing a worn out movement destroys the uniqueness of an antique cuckoo clock. Re-bushing and, if needed, re-pivoting is the way to go. Specials skills are needed, but it keeps your clock authentic. I do like your video and will subscribe momentarily.

Is the end of the chain stuck inside the movement? Are the hooks still attached?

@@BrackenClockWorks The hooks are still attached, but pulled right to the top.

@@gordonpirie6466 Try taking a separate length of chain and attach it to the link with the hook on it, then remove the hook and then you'll be able pull the chain through to pinch that one link back together.

If you tried getting it set in beat and it still won't stay running, and the cuckoo isn't striking properly, it's probably time for the movement to be serviced or replaced, unfortunately. Good luck!

Sounds like the lift lever isn't lifting high enough for the rack to drop, or the rack is stuck on something. Unfortunately, this is all on the front of the movement, so taking the movement out is the best way of finding out what is going on.

Can I send backside photo to look it.

Is the clock mechanical or battery driven?

Mechanical, exactly same as the one you’re working on

Also another video shows the mechanism being cleaned in soapy water, is this recommended?

If the repeater lever (trip lever) doesn't make it go off, it could be too close to the hour/half hour, or there is some other issue preventing it from going off. As for cleaning, soapy water is fine as long as the water is removed as completely as possible before final drying, otherwise it will cause rusting of the steel parts. You can use Dawn dish soap, or Simple Green, both mixed in warm (not hot) water to clean. Use an old toothbrush to scrub out the old oil and dirt. Keep in mind it won't shine up as nice as in the video without proper cleaning solutions and ultrasonic machines, but using the above method will do the trick as long as the movement isn't totally worn out. Cheers!

Just an update since we last spoke, the Cuckoo clock is working once I reassembled it and popped it back on the wall with the trip lever. However, the pendulum stops swinging after about 15 to 30 seconds. Any ideas?

Thank you for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it! As for preserving the wood, usually just clean it by dusting, and using a mild cleaner (such as Totally Awesome from the dollar store lol). Depending on the finish, I may even opt for using Old English to hide scuffs or scratches, and sometimes I use a polish called Bristol Cream Polish made by Mohawk. I use a soft paint brush to apply, and re-brush with a clean one. Use a paper towel to clean the brush off in between swipes. For replacement parts, it depends on your location. If you're in the US, Merritt's or Timesavers sell the parts, as well as entire replacement movements. Another source is Butterworth if you have access to their site, which you can inquire with them about, as they mostly sell to professionals. All the suppliers have websites to order from. Cheers!

Glad I could help!

You're very welcome, Karen!!

*Rogers!

Thank you so much!! Glad you liked it!! And I’ve never been compared to Mister Rogers before, this really made my day!! ☺️

@BrackenClockWorks Definitely meant as a compliment :) Mr. Rogers helped form my character for good.

1st correction: I had the time train weight on the wrong end of the chain. Now pendulum works. But I still can't pull the chain up when the weight reaches the bottom.

Sounds like you're almost there... Double check the weights are in their correct orientation. Usually, the time and strike trains will have the weight hanging on the left end of the chain, and the trailing end on the right. If you verified this is correct (as well as the trailing end of the chain is still accessible through the bottom of the case) it could be a wire or lever jamming into the sprocket, or the ratchet on the sprocket is seized or jammed.

Sorry for the late reply!! Been super busy as of late, including moving into a new place. Anyway, the plans are in place for such a video, however I'm still getting the bulk of my workshop put together, as well as sorting out other small issues before I forge ahead with it. Stay tuned!

The link is in the video description. Very useful tool!! 👍

Thats not how chemicals work buddy. Actual compressed air brings water with it which is way more dangerous than an EXTREMELY unreactive refrigerant

@@melody3741 They didn't used to add the bitterant, so I did use them on antiques. Now I have to use a hand-blown I don't know what they're called, like what you blow dust off a camera lens with. Air only, it doesn't matter if the chemical is reactive or not, it's still an unnecessary chemical on antique wood - not a good combo.

Hope this helps!! And yes, the lift levers should have closed loops at the end. Good luck!

There are two places that I know of, in the US, that can supply the new pendulum for you: Merritts.com or Timesavers.com. The important thing is to know what length of pendulum it would've had. Perhaps you could call or email them and they can help you pick out what you need. Good luck!

As a matter of fact, I do! It's through our shop in NE Ohio. Check the channel "About" section for links to our Repair Shop.

Cuckoo clocks are usually designed with hooks that are larger than the holes through the bottom of the case to keep them from being pulled too high. If the clock is still functioning, then there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

@@BrackenClockWorks thank you🥹

We do, indeed!! We're located in the Cleveland, OH area, and the shop is called Lakewood Clock Repair. You can google search us or you can find our shop links on my channel page.

Like yourself, I found my 1st cuckoo clock at a yard sale for $10. Had it repaired by someone and once I got it home I installed the movement, weights and the bellows. Right now I'm having issues with the pendulum. I found that the click needs to be flush on the wall so that the pendulum will move back-and-forth correctly. I'm going to see if that is my issue. But i push the pendulum it will move, but stops and I can hear a faint TikTok. My bird is working and cuckooing. My movement is clean and oiled so I don't think it's the movement being worn out. My husband will install my cookoo clock on the wall when we find a Stud in the wall to attach the clock firmly. Once I get the clock on the wall I'm hoping my pendulum will work.

@@peggykitting6036 If the pendulum stops, the mechanism probably just needs to be cleaned and oiled. There are plenty of RU-vid videos that will direct your path. Good luck!

@@DrMardo I already had it professionally cleaned and oiled. And i had the bellows replaced. After I got it back from the repair shop, I put everything together, put it on a wall with a stud and a good nail. The weights are on correctly. But when I put the pendulum on it does not consistently move back-and-forth. It stops for some reason. When I take the pendulum off and move the wire back-and-forth, it Moves back-and-forth quickly And will continue for longer than an hour and then it stops for some reason. Could it possibly be out of beat? What do I do if it is out of beat? Also I'm trying to figure out how to set the clock time. The cuckoo bird door is Cuckooing but the time is not set. Could that be the problem?Thank you so much

@@peggykitting6036 Hello again, I am surprised that the clock repair person didn’t run the clock long enough to discover the problem you are describing. But then again, a lot of businesses today don’t have the customer service that was once common. Cuckoo Clock must be absolutely level - meaning not too far to the left & not too far to the right. If the pendulum is not centered properly, it can stop swinging. I usually will place it on the wall and then step back and eyeball it to make sure it is level. If the pendulum stops moving, what I have done in the past is to put an additional weight on the chain that controls the clock. You can use a safety pin to secure it to the chain. This does two things. One, it gives the clock enough weight/energy to keep the clock moving. That’s why I asked about the cleaning. If there is dust and grime on the gears, the clock will stop almost every time. The second thing it does is confirms whether you have the correct weight on the chain. If the weight is too small for the clock, it can’t provide enough force to keep the pendulum moving. As for setting the time, is it the minute hand that is incorrect or the hour hand? If it is the minute hand, it is attached to the stem on a square peg. Move the minute hand forward until it cuckoos at the hour. Now unscrew the brass nut from the stem and gently pull the minute hand off and then set it back on the stem at the 12 o’clock position and replace the brass nut. If it is the hour hand, the stem is tapered and you can gently pry the hour hand towards you with your fingernails and it will become loose and dangle on the stem. You can simply move it to the correct hour and again just gently place a little pressure each side of the hour hand and secure it back on the tapered stem. Hope this helps and good luck!

@Peggy Kitting - Just a slight addendum to what DrMardo was saying: The clock doesn't necessarily need to be level to function (as pointed out near the end of the video). The importance is in the even beat (tick) of the pendulum. As far as weights, if the clock is supposed to run for 1 day (most common), the weights should be between 275 - 320 grams (which is usually marked on the weight itself). If heavier weights are needed, it's probably time for the movement to be serviced or replaced. Good luck!

The chains could have been shortened during that repair. However, always make sure the clock is hanging at a height of at least 6 feet from the bottom of the case to the floor for maximum run time. If, indeed, they are shorter, new ones can be purchased rather easily. They are specific to the type of mechanism you have - i.e. Regula, Hubert Herr, etc.

If you verified the chain is sitting on the sprocket correctly, the fix for that depends on the configuration of the clock. If you have a roof mounted music box, the set screw on the winding wheel (sprocket) has probably loosened causing it to turn freely, or the click (ratchet) has an issue that keeps it from grabbing properly. If the music box is mounted on the side and there's a wheel (gear) that interacts with the bottom of the movement, a set screw could be the main culprit or it isn't lined up with the other wheels correctly. It could also still be a click issue, however. All of these solutions will require taking everything out of the case to fix, however. Good luck!