How to remove a Cuckoo Clock Works 

So happy to hear you story on the fallen Cuckoo. With all the pulling, when winding this clock every day, I would suggest to find a stud in the wall for hanging your cuckoo clock Tame the Math and Science Demon

@@justmike57 Good suggestion. By the way, if anybody else ever has a stuck ratchet wheel, it was one doozy of a job getting it unstuck. The stuck wheel was so difficult to see through the clockwork mechanism. I finally spotted, at an awkward angle, a little tab that seemed bent the wrong way. But then I couldn't get a screwdriver in past the posts holding the Regula works together, at least not and have the head at the right angle to pry the tab up. I finally used the probe of my chef's thermometer, which was just long and thin enough to fit into the tiny space and lever the tab up. I've never felt such triumph as when that balky wheel finally turned again. (If I'd been you, I would have made a video showing exactly what I did but I was so amazed I'd done it, I was afraid to touch the thing again!)

Glad it was helpful and if you need other questions answered about your clock, I do have an email address below the video and try to check it once a week or more Valerie Bridgeman.

Thanks for watching! I have been helping others on RU-vid that have questions on fixing their clocks. Thank you again for stopping by Shark Girl.

This clock was a Goodwill find. I got it cheap enough that I could not go wrong. Thanks for stopping by Stephanie Pooch

Hello Mrs Green Thumb. I thank you for a great comment because that means a lot to me

I do understand Wendy, some people should just take the clock in, but my they are expensive to get them worked on.

I do hope you got the clock working again. Yes, it is great to work on clocks during the winter months with the snow and rain. If you get the clock going again, I am sure your grandparents would be smiling at you for your accomplishment.

Hello there Anibel from Chile. So happy to hear you repaired your cuckoo clock.

I use Ronell Clock Company to buy most of my parts Gorp27. Glad you got it passed down to you and you are trying to fix it right.

Yes, with the music box, it is a little harder to make sure your adjustments are correct. If you have any other questions about your clock and the repair, I have an email address below the video Kenneth Iman.

Thank you and thanks for watching Bob Doering

It must have not sunk in right away Roy. Thank you for being there.

Welcome to my channel today detecting4Life. Hope you enjoyed your stay

Yasmin, I am very happy to hear of your fond memories of a Cuckoo Clock. My grandparents also had a colorful, fancy one with the birds below that would rock back and forth when the Cuckoo Bird came out.

Thank you! You too my good friend. God Bless

You are so welcome! If you have any other questions, go to my newest video and below I show my email address. Thanks for stopping by Nicholas Chan

Wow your vlo k look so beautiful in unique I love the style pretty good job guys

Welcome Dave, Happy to see you drop by today. If you ever need help with the clocks, you have my number

Thank you Richard and I hope it help people that want to fix their clocks

You are quite welcome Backyard Gardening

Hello Kathleen Elliot. You never know when someone will bring their clock to a thrift store and sell it cheap like this one that I bought for $12 dollars

@@justmike57 I will be looking for one for sure. Let you know when I do. Thanks Mike.💚

So nice of you Maily California.

Well Hello to Spain. LAMAGIA, thanks for stopping into my channel today

There are a lot of people out there that are interested in getting their clocks working again None of your Business, and I am here for them

This is why I just got started making videos in my spare time on the cuckoo clocks. I have plans of many more repairs coming up. thank you so much for watching 핑크콩pinkkong

Noesa Mahipus , Thanks for stopping by to check out my channel

Thanks for the visit Madiha Fashion Design

Thank you John Ames, and thanks for stopping by today

That is great Meriem Planet, So that must mean it is still hanging on the wall then. Thanks for stopping by

Well just the same Jamaicagirl123, I am still happy you stopped by to say hello

You might need new winders where the chain rides, or the little clickers might be stuck and just need cleaned Diane

@@justmike57 How can I tell? Will I need to take it apart?

Yes Diane, once you get the works out. look at the winder and turn it slow to see what it is doing, you should see on the winder a little ratchet like clicker. Use a small pick or screwdriver to move it and see if it is stuck, or moving to slow, or just gone

These clock are all different ages that I have worked on. From the 1930 to 1980's. The cuckoo clock is considered a dirty clock because of all the openings in the box. Chains pull dust in, pendulum and cuckoo bird let dust in, so it all depends on how clean the air is around the clock. (Close to the kitchen isn't a good thing either). They say your clock should be oiled every 5 years and check for how dirty or dusty your clock is and blow it out every oiling. If your clock doesn't get oiled and stops, then that is a good time to clean the movement.

Hey Dan. I do believe you are talking about the spring that make the bird come out. I have found that this might need oiled as well. I have taken that wire, and wrapped it one more time, and the bird SNAPS closed stronger when he has finished his time count. I would say to oil each part that swings the bird first before attempting the one more wrap. Hope this works for you Dan Goldman.

Big thanks to you AB's Kitchen Recipes & Vlogs. God Bless

Yes I have and with the music man, it runs the value up on the clock. If you were to shop for more clocks, I would suggest to look at the 8 day clocks, but more value there again.

Thank you Comfortable Feeling

Yes it is And many more that I have. Thanks for stopping in Mini Ong.

You are right about installing the chain before you put it in the clock. I do it both ways so people can see what they have to do to get the chain back in the clock. I never heard of a worn wire loop. I do look at them, but never notice them worn so I will also have to look at that part of the wire. I do have the legs to work on the clock that came with the pieces so you can hang your clock out in the open to watch it run. At the moment I am finishing the mud in the Washington Room, where I work on the clocks. when I am done, I will be more settled I hope and can do as you say and run the clock a while before installing the movement. Thanks for the great comments and will try to remember your suggestion on the wire. I have videos ahead so am in no hurry to get the room done.

I would need to see a picture of the Spring. For anything that would look like a spring, would be wrapped around the bar for the bird to spring back inside the clock. Or there are trip wires that will help reset levers on the clock works. I do hope this might help you Katie Ansorge.

@@justmike57 Thank you so much for your reply. This spring is much larger than the ones you mentioned. I'm thinking it may not belong to the clock at all and somehow it ended up in my container! I will hang on to it just in case. Thanks!

Thank you for watching Mythinh Vlog.

You're welcome! I do hope this video helped you with your clock Ray DuBois.

Do they still make cookoo coco puffs cereal, lol? Your ticker sounds fine to me and what a lady you are on your channel Miss Southern Belle.

Thanks for stopping in today Vabasser Outdoors. And thank you for the great comment

You are so welcome Frankie and thanks for stopping in

Thank you Face World. You are so kind.

Sorry, I am late here, You grab a hold of the sides of the hour hand, and twist while pulling up. The hour hand is wedged on there only. Hope this help you Gretchen Gund

Thank you very much AB's Kitchen Recipes & Vlogs.

You slide the hour hand on like a wedge, then the minute hand and only some of them have the washer, before the nut.

There are still windup clocks out there for the ones that either have great memories or want something special. This is another reason I love the Cuckoo clock. Thank you very much for stopping by SCG77

lol, No Abstract Possibilities, I only shave every other day. Some of the snow melted, then snowed again last night. We have about 4 inches at the moment and 15 degrees

Do you get a lot of snow?

@@AbstractPossibilities First day of snow was 1 inch, 3rd day we were around 3 inches and last night brought the snow to 4 inches and clear right now. Each year is different. In the old days a foot and a half was about normal. Nowadays it could range from 2 inches to 10 inches

If they are still original, They should feel the same to pull. It could be worn out in the holes the winder shaft fits in and needs a new bushing, or as simple as a little oil or light grease in the winding area. Check for any slop in the winder, (See if it moves back and forth a bit on the shaft.

@@justmike57 Thanks for that, I' inclined to think somebody's kids have been pulling on it!

There is a way. But some clocks don't like it because the trigger wires will fall down to far and hang up the gong and all. You can try it, just disconnect the lower part of the wire to the Bellows from the two trigger wires or better yet, use cotton and tape over the area that the bellows blows out on the side of the clock to soften or stop the flow of air coming out.

@@justmike57 . Hey, i tried the 2nd option of using one of my wife's make-up remover pads, cut it in half and taped it over the opening of the two bellows; it works great and I only here the gong now, thanks for that tip!

I use a real Clock Cleaner Mix. You can buy it on Ebay in smaller abouts, than the gallon I buy it in. Clock Cleaning Concentrate Non-Ammoniated and Ammoniated.

Thank you so much Anina Kuhinjica.

Have you had this clock running every day, or is this clock new to you? There is a chance that you can oil the winder where the clicker is. The only problem is you need to that the movement out. If you do, take pictures of the wires to the bellows so you can get the wires back on the arms that lift the bellow wires. This would be a good time to oil your clock on both sides because they should be oiled every 5 years and blow the dust out.

The dishwasher thing might work, but what if you start to loose parts and not know it until it is to late. And you would have to stay on top of it, so you can get it dried right away. Other words, I wouldn't do it, but it is yours and you can try whatever you like Jeff

Most all my cuckoo clock videos will show how I do the chain with the works out of the clock. Watch that part to understand what you are doing with the winder and how not to get the chain stuck in the works. I don't know which one, but one of the videos show me installing the chain with the works already in the clock. Just remember to secure the chain after you get it installed so it doesn't fall off again while you are fixing the other chains. A pipe cleaner, found in the craft section will work just fine Iris H. My email address is below the video.

Great and I tried but it seems the rs gear is locked doesn’t move much , what should I do in this case? To replace the chain again, how do I get gear to move ?

Thank you My Nature My life My Passion

Hello, I have 2 clock don t work , I will like to fix them but I have try , and that not work, I think that will need new movement. Because when I put the wheigt the drop of to fast. Any ideas?? Thank you for all the information.

I would like to, but need to find a clock that needs new works for the clock Rennie Testeman. The thing to remember is when bending the wire, make sure the wire is in the closed position... as if the bird is back in the box. Easy to bend the wire, just make sure the measurement is close so you can do the final adjustments with the works in place Rennie Testeman.

Thanks and sure Miền Trung VN

On my Newer videos I have my email address if you would like to send pictures or questions on the clock H.D. Rider.

@@justmike57 I sent an email to you. A picture of the inside of my clock. The clock has a boy and a bird. I cleaned the works as best I could like you said. I replaced the bellows, oiled it and put back together. But there is a wire I don't know what it does. It's been a while since I started this project. I am pointing to the wire in the picture. The email I sent it to was, justmike2575@gmail.com

Some clock put the wood covers over the whistle area to make the sound softer because they can't hear the T.V. as well with the clock going off every 1/2 hour. There are a lot of people that can't stand any kind of noise. If you don't want to hear it cuckoo, then lock the birds door with the little wire just above the door. I love to listen to my clocks.

@@justmike57 , in our correspondence's I keep forgetting to tell you something I discovered. Like I said, my cloak had been in storage for years , but kept in a room at my shop where the temp varied. I'm in South MS, and we also have high humidity. Anyway, the chains were covered with a light rust and my wife suggested soaking them in vinegar. Where that came from , I don't know. I'm the fixer. I let them soak about 8 hrs , the vinegar turned nasty and I was then able to take some 0000 steal wool and rub them down. It did a good job cleaning the chains.

For the bellows, I am guessing you are talking about the whistle box as well. Just make sure you get the high and the low note whistle boxes as a pair. Get a length that will fit in your cuckoo box and watch for the direction the bellows open so they will be easy to hook up to the wires. (If you were only talking about changing the Bellows on top of the whistle box, just measure how long they are and order them as a pair). Just buying a movement that is used, the only thing you need to watch for is the arm for the bird is the right height so the bird will reach the door. As for taking your movement apart, cleaning all the gears and plates and putting the movement back together, (Take Pictures! Many pictures. Pictures are your friend). There are three timing issues you need to work on. 1. Getting the Pac-man looking disk to stop with the lever in it's mouth. The warning pin needs to hit the other lever to stop that gear at the right time. 2. The star wheel that controls the the gong hammer and two lift arms for the bellows. If this star wheel screws on, that is an easy adjustment. 3. The snail adjustment. Watching my videos, most of this here and above shows you what you are looking for to get things right. The number (1.) is the important one and the hardest one of them all, but not that bad. Just watch where your warning pin on the wheel gear is when the Pac-man mouth is ready to receive it and stop everything to see where that pin is. I don't like doing it, but the Pac-man is wedged on the shaft and can be turned to get the lever to drop in it's mouth when the warning pin is stopped by the other lever. I do hope this helps. I don't check my email that often, but I do check it and Below the video you will find my email address if you have questions and pictures to show me what trouble you might be having.

@@justmike57 Thanks for the suggestions. It will help me a lot.

The cost to buy the outside parts of the clock can start adding up. The head or top of the clock can run from 20 to 45 dollars, depending on the clock. The weights can add up and if they are missing, what is the right weight to buy? The Pendulum will cost ya also, How are the chains, are the bellows good? A lot is on how much you really like the clock. Check out ebay for some of the quick pricing or go to RONELL CLOCK COMPANY, info@ronellclock.com , This is where I buy most of my parts from

The Spring is the gong that gets hit every time, before the bird Cuckoo's. It is attached to the backboard of the clock. There will be a wire with a hammer that comes from the works that hits the gong George Lassier.

Carburetor cleaner leaves a , maybe, oil like residue, Brake cleaner, cleans and dries fast, but not saying to use that, but if you were, I would still use Dawn dishwashing soap to finish it off. They sell a clock cleaning fluid just for clocks, but most people only are cleaning one clock, so there again I would use the Dawn Soap, even though it doesn't clean it all the way and might take time to work the oil back into where the gears turn. Just in case you want to buy some, it's called Clock Cleaning Concentrate - Non-Ammoniated or Clock Cleaning Concentrate - Ammoniated

@@justmike57 , thanks Mike. I used Dawn and then used a air hose to dry off. It's still sticky. I don't know what whoever used to lubricate this clock with. Somebody has been into it. The pendulum has a very small nail or brad driven through the Oak leaf. I thought the leaf is supposed to slide up and down to adjust the timing. I didn't see a Tree brand to indicate the Black Forest, but it does say, made in Germany.

Thank you Diaa Abrheem for stopping in.

I do have some for sale as I get them cleaned and video them for RU-vid. I will set an asking price on them as they come out for you Del-Rio. Sad the other one is missing in action.

You shouldn't have to take the movement out. Just watch the video with the movement out and see how I string it back in, so that way you know what you're trying to do. You will have to remove both ends of the chain, Hook and Ring, Then see which way the winding wheel turns to know what side to start the chain on Tina Williams.

@@justmike57 Thank you!! I got a five-leaf small cuckoo used. I'm hoping it is just the chain since it wound up, but doesn't wind down! I love the video!! It gives me confidence that I can tinker with it!

Thank you TV maayan. I am glad to meat you

Thank you Ricardo & Antonia - In the kitchen we are fire

You are on the right track, to clean and oil the works. Sounds like you have the right weight, when the cuckoo isn't so fast.

Many many thanks Habib Pharmacy.

The first thing is to take the back off and see what is moving when you turn the hands. Unless they said it was serviced recently or the clock is in running order, you might have to learn a few things. 1. When the clock is hanging on the wall, listen for an even tick-tock. If it sounds off, move the clock a little to the right or left until you hear the even sound. You should hear the clock ticking easily. 2. Was there any packing material inside the clock? Check the bellows for clips to hold them shut in transport. Check your pendulum wire to make sure the wire and saddle above is sitting down and not hung up. If you go to my channel and click on the playlist, you will find a cuckoo clock section that some of those videos will help.

​@@justmike57 I'll have to check that out. I don't remember seeing anything on the bellows and no packing in the clock. I moved it from one side to the other and it ran at least 30 secs or longer and then quit.

They sell all the wires you need at clock parts online. Or you would find a thin wire that is easy enough to bend around the hole and door nail. When looking online, look for Cuckoo Clock parts if you decide to go that route and end up with a package of 10 or more. Thanks for watching Francis Cole

Do you have an email I can correspond with you at? I’m cutting my teeth repairing cuckoos because I’ve always loved them. One question I have, is how often do you feel the need that a movement needs bushing? I have all the hand tools and have successfully bushed a handful of movements already. My question is I had bought about 15 movements that were deemed “unusable” I strip them down, clean them, lightly polish the pivots and check the holes for wear. Cuckoos run loose to begin with. At first I thought I would be rebushing almost all of the movements. But out of 10, I’ve only done that to two of them. The rest run great on the stand with good pendulum amplitude. This tells me that repairmen have become lazy and just put new ones in. It doesn’t take much to strip it down and clean it either. So I’d like your experience.

@@franciscole3039, I just got a Gmail account. Go to my latest video and you will see it below the video or about section. On how often do they need cleaned, all depends on how close to the kitchen it is and how dusty or dirty the house is. Most the time, you can get 5 to 10 years between cleaning and oiling. The cost to take you clock into a repair shop is high enough, and they have to give a guarantee on the workmanship so I am sure that is why they just put in new. I have even had to change the bushings on some of the clocks just to keep the original works because to me, it has more value.

Just Mike I just put 2 bushings in a movement the other day, and it’s up and running nicely. I was wondering how common it was for a cuckoo bushing to fail as they are rather loose to begin with. I too keep all the original movements and plan to keep it that way. What hushing method do you use?

@@franciscole3039 The very old Cuckoo clocks, I have only had to change bushings in one. the rest were case clocks. I don't ever hush my clocks. I like to hear them and after a while, you will sleep right threw the cuckoo, just like people that live near train tracks, they learned to be comforted by the noise.

Not sure, but if you used the Dawn Dish Washing soap, and scrubbed the works with a toothbrush, it will take some time to get the clock running again. Because the movement was not taken apart all the way, and I understand that some people can't do that, The new oil has to work in and start loosening the leftover old oil and dust. Just make sure the pendulum has an even tick tock sound to it when you start the clock, then as it stops, start it again. As long as you don't overdue it, you can also add a little more weight to the ticker side of the clock to help get the clock started again. All of this should take under a week to solve the problem of not working. I do hope this helps you Jeromiks

So, is the grinding that you are talking about, the chain is hitting the sides of the holes of the case? Even falling off the wall, and it still runs, it should be a matter of getting the case squared up again Vickie Reno

@@justmike57 when I pull the chain down its slips a little and grinds like its going backwards its the bird cuckoo chain not the time chain

@@vickiereno4762 There could be a chance the works might be bent or something is caught in the winding gear. If you would like, you can email me pictures of your clock and the inside works. Can't always tell what is wrong, but might give me hints of what is up Vickie.

eurocharger, as long as you have a good hold of the clock box, the chain is the easiest part to do. You just take your time and not be in a hurry. It helps to have some good light or the day light hours to make things easier.

www.ronellclock.com/ and download their free catalog. On page 87 you will find the Bellows that always come as a pair.

For the wire in the top of the Bellows, you have to use all the wires and u-nails from the old bellows. The wire is sharp and you can push it in with a needle nose pliers. the bellows wood is soft. You are right about replacing both bellows so they operate the same and not sound funny. The washer normally goes on after the hands are already on, then the nut. Some clocks don't have the washer.

@@justmike57 There are no u-nails, just the wire in the old bellows. Thanks Mike for helping me out. I can't tell you how many times I threatened to throw that clock away, but my wife said she wanted on a wall even if it didn't work. I love to fix things, but never attempted a clock, much less a cuckoo cloak. I've got all my parts and I'll clean the gears one more time with Dawn. Wished I could post you a before and after picture. Just saw your reply about your email. I'll give send a a progress report and few pictures when I finish.

Most of these clocks I have, do have age to them and I am sure the cuckoo clocks out there have stories to tell Bubbles Butterfly

I couldn't help you there on the age of the clock, but sounds like a beautiful clock. I have only seen pictures of clocks like this. Sounds like you have made the clock a very happy home and so happy you are enjoying your clean and updated paint job Norwaywildlife.

Hello Mud Deep

Rolly. To get your cuckoo clock to speed up, Take the pendulum off, then take your thumb and push the bobber UP the stick just a very little bit and replace the pendulum. Watch the time for 24hours and see it you need to go farther or need to go back down to slow you clock.

Just Mike thank you I will do that

Thanks for watching Excavator Games

Well, I am not sure of that Bob because it is a smaller/newer cuckoo clock. Others that will be coming up might hit that range though

@@justmike57I guess I meant it is number 1.000,000,00 made.

Oh, I get it. Wouldn't that be cool

timesavers.com/account.html You can find new ones here on this site.

Thanks for stopping by today TỔNG HỢP ĐTA TA

So, Thomas, what do you mean I am doing it all wrong? For the normal 1 clock owner, that would like to get their clock going again, I think I did a pretty good job getting them on their way to getting the clock running again.

Nice you came out to check out my Channel Frankie Thank You