Cuckoo Clocks - Function, Disassembly and Reassembly

This video is all about cuckoo clocks, and is an introduction to their function, disassembly and reassembly. This does not, however, cover how to disassemble the movement, but more of how to remove the internal components from the case safely. The various processes and information in this video can be utilized for a variety of repairs, as well as installing a new cuckoo movement when the old one is worn out.
Thanks for watching and, as always, feel free to Like/Dislike the video as you see fit, and utilize the comment section below for any questions or feedback!
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[@Mars-zgblbl]

Thanks for this! Your video really helped me to disassemble an old clock without damage, and get it running again. I picked up this cuckoo clock at a yard sale. The guy looked to be around 70 and said he hadn’t seen it run for about 50 years. At first I was going to buy it from them, but since it seemed to hold memories for him, and it’s just a hobby for me to bring timepieces back to life, I decided to fix it up for them for free. Took down the guy’s name and brought it home. It was filthy inside - the works were black with kitchen grease and at covered in at least a 1/4” thick layer of dust. My “before” photos were difficult to discern because the parts were so caked in dust. I put the parts in the ultrasonic cleaner, reassembled with online help and oiled with Moebius grease. Had to figure out the warning wheel, and now it’s running and gonging for the first time in 50 years. It still needs new bellows but that looks simple enough. A handful of carved wooden parts had broken off and I’ll restore those; and replace a broken hand. Then it’s good to return to the old guy and his wife. Can hardly wait to see their reaction.

[@29ibrahimsayed95]

What was their reaction

[@Mars-zgblbl]

@@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.

[@dawngibson3816]

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..

[@dawngibson3816]

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..

[@girishbharihoke7967]

Simply superb

[@brianfooshee4368]

I have used this great tutorial again and again to remind me what I am doing each time. It never speaks too far above my expertise, but also never talks down to me, while still covering everything I need.Well done!!

[@maitai1180]

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen produced, and your "Mister Rodgers" affect is enough to want me to build a cuckoo clock repair shop! Thank you so much!

[@maitai1180]

*Rogers!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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

[@maitai1180]

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

[@smurphy8168]

Thank you so much. The chain came off one of my spockets. I was able to fix it using your detailed video. Awesome!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Glad it helped!

[@josephgallo9422]

Thanks so much for the very clear step by step detailed explanation to help me revitalize my 3 cuckoo clocks and unlock some of the mysteries of their operation.

[@jackoshaw]

My friend brought a Cuckoo for me to work on... Got it aprt and had to look at your video!... Thanks You!... It's up and running..

[@robinholmes8390]

My friend! Thank you so much for this video. My stepfather bought this exact model clock at a yard sale for my mother 15 years for $10. But it came completely unassembled. He passed before he got a chance to put it together. This has actually really piqued an interest in horology for me. I will be assembling it as soon as I can repair one broken bellow. Best walkthrough tutorial ever!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Glad I could help!

[@ianoliver4290]

Marvellous tutorial. Followed your instructions including an 8hr dip in ammonium solution for the movement and clock oiling afterwards.Fitted a new set of bellows and hey presto I've heard the first cuckoo of Spring! Been a few years since our cuckoo 'cuckooed' and your video gave me the confidence to tackle the job myself. Saved me the wait of about 6 months and around £350+ at our local Horologist. Many thanks.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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

[@DavidGrub]

Your video gives me the confidence to work on a cuckoo clock I inherited. It is a Bachmaier & Klemmer from West Germany. My grandparents brought it over from Germany, then it went to my father and now to me. After my father died, I had it stored in a box in the bedroom until we built an addition. When the addition was done, I hung it on the wall. It works, but sometimes runs for hours...other times for just minutes. It probably needs a good cleaning and oiling.

[@DrMardo]

Hi there! About a year ago, I bought my first cuckoo clock at an estate sale. It needed a little TLC, as it hadn't been running for quite a while. Since then, I now have eight cuckoo clocks and with help from folks like yourself, I have been able to learn a lot. These clocks have become my passion and I am enjoying the pleasure that they bring. Thanks for the video!

[@peggykitting6036]

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.

[@DrMardo]

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

[@peggykitting6036]

@@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

[@DrMardo]

@@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!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

@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!

[@EivinSukoi]

Awesome tutorial , this is my second Cuckoo Clock that I can service myself thanks to you and other people on these platforms.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Great to hear! Keep up the good work!!

[@CedricSantizo]

This helped me understand the mechanics of the clock, its parts and how to inspect it to see everything is running ok. Great video shots by the way!

[@simonnomis5302]

have one from my dad ...45 years and still sings..

[@foxpup]

Excellent walk-through. It's amazing how similar this and the other two clocks I have worked on before are. The design sure has stabilized through the years. :-)

[@yogamomma7163]

Thank you! I actually have one that you showed at the beginning. I’m looking forward to getting it working. I didn’t see which side the weights should be on

[@jollygrapefruit786]

It's genuinely fascinating to me how much thought has to go into a functioning cuckoo clock that can count each hour, on the hour, and remain accurate.

[@irynalange8124]

great explanations, it sure helped me out.

[@olivermundy4220]

Most helpful! Having had some success in re-animating a friend's eighteenth-century longcase clock, I have been asked to do the same service for her cuckoo clock which appears very similar to this one; I should now be able to work with confidence (once I can get it off the wall; somebody seems to have glued it there!). I was interested to see that the striking mechanism is of the 'snail and rack' type rather than the older 'count-wheel' which is still found in many cheap clocks even after 1900. On the other hand, the method of adjusting the pendulum bob up and down is extraordinarily crude; by contrast, even the cheapest kitchen clock has a threaded nut or thumbscrew below or within the bob.

[@karenboyd5360]

For Pete's sake! I never even considered that. I never even looked to see if I can bend the links apart! Another thing that may be odd is the far left chain and the one next to it are the clock. But the next one 3 and the one next to it are not connected. When I lift the weight, it's the chain to the far right that I pull. In other words, the two ends of the music and cuckoo mechanism aren't next to each other. I just think it's odd. And since you have been so kind, I'll say thank you and I don't think I'll have to bother you, again!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

You're very welcome, Karen!!

[@abstractvlog]

This was highly enjoyable to watch! Mystery solved! ❤

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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

[@sleepyvessel1848]

So glad I found this, I’ve got an old clock that I found in a thrift shop that I want to breathe new life into. It thankfully has the pendulum and a weight, but I’m uncertain as to how many weights it should have. I’d also like to know how to identify the clock, it only states that it’s made in Germany on the mechanism, and there’s a “41” written on the inside.

[@Djexekl]

Amazing, Excellent and professional job

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Thank you so much 😀

[@rd9831]

Good photography.

[@harolddsouza9643]

Awesome video, I have exactly the same clock looking forward to servicing it.

[@gaiuscoleman8815]

Really enjoyed that, thank you.

[@Paul-yk8bj]

Nice to see you back hope you are well, good presentation never done a cuckoo clock before you made it look so easy hope to see you soon take care

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Thanks 👍

[@7yaya754]

This video is well done, easy to follow and understand, congratulations. Even if the movement is not the same one as the nice Hubert Herr I am repairing, it has been very useful. I still have not found the solution to have the cuckoo door coming back completely shut once it has completed the proper amount of "back and forth" operations, it remains desperately open ! I can see in the bird's eye that he is not happy to always stay outside after having accomplished his duty, and therefore lacking privacy...Any hint would be extremely welcome. My movement is a simple one, ringing one time at half hours, and ringing as many times as necessary at the o'clock positions. It is marked 41 GB in painted characters inside the box. I guess there must be some spring somewhere that needs fine-tuning, but can't find it.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!!

[@l.l2725]

Thanks for this video, I was able to disassemble my clock and put back together, but pendulum keep stopping, don't know why

[@easycrider7453]

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.

[@mahmoudmamakifohad4475]

Very good work

[@TheHeadlessHorseman]

I just inherited my parents cuckoo clock from black forrest. It doesn't work. Two of the bellows at the top are torn and the clock only runs for about 25 seconds before the pendulum stops. I am curious if the weights should move evenly. I see the one weight seems to be stuck all the way up. The other weight lowers as I turn the clock hands manually. Thanks for the video this has given me some good pointers on how to maybe gets things going

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!

[@whitestroke1]

Great video! After watching, it looked easy enough and it was. Hopefully mineral oil I used for lube won't mess things up.⏳

[@gordonclark1581]

I have a 3-chain cuckoo. Have oiled and reassembled it. The problem is I can't pull up the time and strike weights when they reach the bottom. Can't see any levers causing sprockets to lock up. What would cause this to jam?

[@gordonclark1581]

Great video. I have a 3-weight Regula clock. It didn't work when I got it. Chains were off the sprockets, among other problems. I disassembled and oiled it and reassembled it using your video. Now I can't pull the weighted chains up and the pendulum won't keep moving. Something stuck in the time train?

[@gordonclark1581]

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.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@rehorneman]

Any idea when you will do a video of how the strike train works. You video of the time train was excellent.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!

[@TheRealLavelo]

My grandma had a cuckoo clock and I managed to get it out

[@davidestocchero9445]

Thankyou for shearing. One question: does the coucou sounds the hours? I mean it sounds one time at one o’clock, two sounds at two o’clock, etc etc or always it sounds twelve times?

[@RiderCoach09]

Great video! Very well done! Thank you, I have a family heirloom cuckoo clock which I am attempting to repair as it does not gong nor cuckoo. I have twice before paid hundreds of dollars to have it repaired. Since I am retired, I do not have the disposable income to have it repaired by some one else. However, I do have much more time than money. Your video has given me the confidence and encouragement to attempt to repair it myself. Two questions: 1.What do you use to preserve the wood? and 2.You mentioned "...replacement parts are readily available..." what sources do you recommend for replacement parts? Again: Great video - Thank you!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!

[@rodmcintosh5902]

Excellent video...thank you. The only thing that bothers me is that the pendulum only works when the clock is uneven on the wall. The clock in this video is almost identical as mine...

[@kj5521]

it not to bad taking it apart i fixed mine took a little bit or work working fine now had for 20 years

[@davidbrick626]

Excellent video! So helpful!

[@mattjones5987]

NOTE: if the clock is an antique do not use a can of compressed air. They no longer contain just air, and you don't want to spray a valuable antique with chemicals.

[@melody3741]

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

[@mattjones5987]

@@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.

[@rudolfjooste8833]

Thank you Now i as a beginner can try to assemble my clock which was disassembled when I received it at no charge For sure this video will be watched a few times but I think I will manage Only difference I see is the movement lifting arms ends are open and not bend holes like the ones in the video Must I bend them close n wires that runs to the bellows are fitted?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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

[@Guicepp]

Incredible video! Thanks a lot! Il try to repair my old damaged clock. This will help a lot! How do you replace the Clock face disc. Is it glued to the clock? Of is there a nail.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

The face is nailed on, typically with 3 nails. Replacements can be found at various suppliers such as Merritt's and Timesavers. Good luck!

[@Guicepp]

​@@BrackenClockWorks Thanks a lot for telling me! Il try to gently pry it loose

[@leog3062]

Thanks for the video, really helpful!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@twkolejofil]

I have such a clock after my grandpa, who was a watchmaker. Its bird has even movable wings! But I definitely need to eventually wash the movement and oil it because it has some trouble to open the door...

[@gemini2s]

Thank You for the instruction video. The change in mine was pulled to tight. Would you advise me how to I fix without spending 200$ for repair?

[@ILIKEUALOT]

I have 2 that i bought used, am goi g to attempt, thank you for this info!

[@mariannecunningham]

Great video! I was given two cuckoo clocks and I got one working perfectly after many attempts. Now I'm trying to figure out how to replace left bellow paper or whole part. Is this something that I could do? Please and thank you!

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Thank you!! You can replace the entire top portion of the bellows. If you're in the US, you can order them from timesavers.com or merritts.com. The important thing is to measure the length and width of the tops and match them as closely as possible to the sizes available. The old ones can be pried off, clean up the top with a bit of sandpaper, then use a hot glue gun to put the new tops in after putting the old pins and levers into place. Just make sure they're in the correct orientation beforehand! It's a bit tricky to do, but not as bad as one might think. Perhaps I'll do a video on that in the future! Good luck!

[@mariannecunningham]

@@BrackenClockWorks please do i was hoping you already had one but couldn't find Would it be easier to replace the whole piece and not just the top of bellow? If so should i replace both left and right?

[@karenboyd5360]

I have clock - weight-driven, of course! Years ago an old man repaired it and I don't know what problems he found. I have always wondered if all 3 chains are the same length. It no longer runs 24 hours on one complete "wind"

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@kwacz]

nice video, but you should also have included movement disassembly as well as it is essential to properly clean the movement.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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. 👍

[@kwacz]

@@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.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

@@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).

[@melaniesmall2112]

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.

[@russm8488]

Nice video, I appreciate you taking the time here. My clock has a lever on the right side to silence the clock. I cannot get the workings out because of this lever. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@hunterbates9539]

When cleaning the movement (gears) what is the best oil to use and best way to use it…also if the clock isn’t currently running once it’s all cleaned how to I test to see if it’s back to working?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@miguelvillalobos4348]

Excelent video.

[@way2fast4u]

Hello Nice video. Where can I purchase a set of them bellows. Thanks

[@BrackenClockWorks]

If you're in the US, you can order them from timesavers.com or merritts.com.

[@kacenka9500]

WOW

[@adrianos973]

Love your video, just bought an old cuckoo clock , the second chain it keeps running loose and the door doesn’t close once the cuckoo strikes. Any tips on what I should look for to fix it ? My cuckoo is similar as the one on your video . Thank you 👍

[@ThaiNguyen-fd2dl]

How do you clean clock movement? Put all of it into an ultrasonic cleaner or can i use brake cleaner to clean?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

I use ultrasonic cleaning machines for most of the work I do. Brake cleaner "can" work, but I personally would hesitate using it when proper solutions are available. At the time of this video, I was using Zenith 251NA, which I highly recommend despite it being rather expensive.

[@flightharbinger7218]

Great video! My cuckoo clock is quite old and probably needs parts. I was wondering if you fix other peoples clocks for a fee?

[@SAModzielnie]

Very good work, podoba się!

[@Pip1966-xf9nn]

Hi I have just brought a clock with this same movement. Can you tell me which chain holds the weights. For instance if I am looking from the front. Mine came without chains on. Thanks Phil

[@FritsvanDoorn]

Great video. Thank you. Can you tell me where to find how the mechanism works so that it cuckoos one the half and full hour. Thank you. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@alexoshhh]

hey man great tutorial but can you tell me how much these weights way its a regula 25 ive heard they use different weights some 275g some 320g and some 420g

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@karenboyd5360]

The chain on the far right is always about 5 inches long when the one on the left which is for the actual time is at the end of it's links. The one in the middle is bout half-way between when the clock stops. That's why the question as to whether they're different lengths.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Ah ok I see what you mean now. When fully wound, the loose chains hanging down should be about the same length. The one for the music box is usually a bit longer. You could take the extra bit of chain from the music box side (the far right) and add it to the time chain on the left to give you a bit more time.

[@mitchz11]

the chains should all end up more or less at the same level over 24 hours. The chime chain will drop more from 7 to 12 o'clock and less from 1 to 6 o'clock If one is only half way down, I'd say that it would be the music train and it's most likely only playing on the hour rather than on the hour and the half our! (Guess how I know that? My musical cuckoo clock has a mind of its own and randomly misses playing on the half hour. When I go to wind it up I can see whether it has played every time or not by how much the weight has dropped.)

[@stefanleontin9972]

Great video. What material using for repair Bellows(sound) up pieces

[@BrackenClockWorks]

There is specific material available from clock suppliers to replace it, however I've found it quicker, easier and more cost effective to just replace the entire top with an already assembled part, which are also available from clock suppliers. Just measure the top and order the closest to that size, pop the old one off and glue the new one on with a hot glue gun. Cheers!

[@stefanleontin9972]

Thank you very much

[@superdrs1960]

Thanks for sharing. I have my parents clock from Germany, late 1960’s, it is missing the pendulum. Any suggestions where to get one ?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!

[@cengizertek2829]

Thank you 👏👍

[@rakeshchoahan]

Hi Sir, I saw your video, I also have this cuckoo clock which is made in Germany, it was running fine for many years but the clock is still running fine, cuckoo is not ringing, I opened it and poured kerosene After cleaning it and setting it again, the clock is working, the cuckoo still hasn't worked, the bell paper is also fine.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!

[@ambigioz]

Thanks for the video, very informative! I have exactly the same clock and somehow the right chain doesnt hold the weight and falls off. the chain is correctly in the gears, but somehow the gears do not hold the weight. Any idea what could cause this?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@legsofsteel1]

What is the link to thar screw holding screwdriver?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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

[@lucasferronii1961]

The cuckoo's call is too fast or the pine cone is too heavy or you have to adjust it so the gear turns slower for the friendly cuckoo's call 👌

[@davidduff7690]

Got a clock from a friend that was missing the bellow lift wires. Obtained two replacement wires from a repairman but I don't know how to determine proper length of each wire. It is a Regula movement stamped 25/76 so I know it is a one day clock. Any advice or direction to an applicable video.

[@piccolodaimojr.2986]

I have a 3 weight coocoo clock, and Ive been told by my grandfather not to pull the weights too far up, but I accidently pulled the left weight near the top. Will the clock be ok or does it require dissembling and reesembling?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@piccolodaimojr.2986]

@@BrackenClockWorks thank you🥹

[@bluebonnetjasmine969]

I recently bought my first cuckoo clock off ebay. Seller said it works nice but needs to be properly cleaned and oiled. But I have no idea exactly how to do that except try learning by watching videos like your's. The pendulum won't stay swinging. I can't remember hearing the gong sound when it coo cood. The seller didn't know if it was 1 day or 8 day. The weights say 1500 et. How can you tell if it's 1 day or 8 day cuckoo clock? Thank you.

[@pt4242]

interesting. thanks. i see that this clock only has two weights - correct? i've seen a clock with three weights and wonder what the difference. i have not had a chance to take that clock down from the wall and check its innards.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@johnfindley1188]

What type of clock stand are you using?

[@scrambaba]

On my clock the bird and door are always in the open position and the minute hand can’t be moved. What should I do?

[@bigmuller1]

I notice you have a test stand....have you any ideas etc to build one..cheers

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@thomashorabin7554]

hi im trying to repair a cuckcoo clock but the right hand wheel wont turn when i put the the chain and weight on

[@andreacc7795]

well I'm trying to see where the weights go one is already attached to like a key chain ring then there are 3 chains two chains have a ring at the end the 3rd one does not?

[@KnowYourselfIsOnlyWay]

Can we slow down star wheel a little, the strike of the gong is so fast?

[@LOLO-vu9qi]

Hello, please what is the weight of the ballast in the chain?

[@player-mz1tp]

I can't figure out why my wooden leaf stops swinging back and forth on my cooking clock ???

[@clintrodger]

Thanks!

[@peggykitting6036]

My clock all of a sudden stopped ticking. The pendulum stops. The chain on the right won't move. It's like stuck. What's wrong? It was working for a long time although I never could adjust or figure out the correct time.

[@morganus62]

I do not know if you watch your comments but I have a question about a cuckoo clock of mine that I am tryign to repair its a 25-86 series, I had to replace the verge and clutch (I think that is what it is called). got it on and now put back together using your videos but now the clock makes a clicking sound but no other sounds. The bellows do not bellow and it has me puzzled. If you can help me it would be appreciated.

[@morganus62]

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.

[@rehorneman]

Thanks I will watch for it.

[@vjm1145]

Where can i get some parts for a mi-ken. ?

[@jacqueso8424]

I just tried my hand at an old 1 that never worked. Started repairing other parts like the crown, the numerals( making my own ) i washed the cuckoo as per guidance from YT videos, but it stopped working. The escape wheel seems to jump a teeth all of sudden

[@rasheedpm1063]

Really 🆒& great 👍❤️

[@BrackenClockWorks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@zacharyanguiano4232]

Would anyone know why the cuckoo would shake when the new hours arrives for it to ring

[@benfleck6081]

Why does it seem like all the pieces are not coming off the whole bar is pulling out when I try to pull the minute hand off

[@escapematrixenterprisejacq7810]

Mine still wont stay swinging. Also the bird is not coming out when it hits the hour or half hour ....I want to cry, my bird doesnt even come out if I move the hands. I dont even had a manuel trip arm

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!

[@burakdag7976]

Merhaba bende de sizdeki guguklu saatin aynısı var fakat sarkacı ve kozalağı yok. Size zahmet sarkacın uzunluğunu ölçer misiniz? Sarkacın ve kozalağın Ağırlığı ne kadar? kaç gram? Kendim yapmak zorundayım😢

[@xcriações]

Very good

[@drmisfit]

my cuckko o is not coming out very far i have just fitted a complete new mechanism

[@buckybadger26]

I have a 3 weight cuckoo clock the chain is coming down freely no tension on the musical/ dancer chain. Any idea on how to fix so it won’t drop freely?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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!

[@gordonpirie6466]

The left hand chain will not come back down after being pulled up. My bellows are glued in place as well as the screw. Any way to release that chain without removing the movement?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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

[@gordonpirie6466]

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

[@DrMardo]

@@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.

[@peggykitting6036]

What does it mean when the pendulum won't keep moving back and forth?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@peggykitting6036]

@@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.

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@peggykitting6036]

@@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

[@billtrefts9238]

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.

[@fancypants4u-mg1dw]

do you do this for others?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.

[@dogbreath180]

Do you have a physical location for repair?

[@BrackenClockWorks]

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.