What Are the Strings for on the Bottom of a Cuckoo Clock?

The strings on cuckoo clocks have essential purpose.

Cuckoo clocks have been around for centuries. Their simplicity is part of their longevity. In today's world there are two types of cuckoo clocks: the old-fashioned gravity-driven type, and modern battery-driven types. The strings or chains on the bottom of a gravity powered clock are part of the clocks working mechanism, while the strings on a battery-powered cuckoo clock are purely aesthetic, and have no real function.

How They Work

The strings on a cuckoo clock are attached to weights. These weights are wound around gears in the clock; as the weights drop, they turn the gears at a precise measured rate. The constant pull of the weight is consistent and reliable. The ratio of the mass of the weight and the time it takes for the weight to drop is calculated to the particular clock to ensure its precise sounding on the hour.

Attachments

The strings are all the same length, but are affixed to objects that have different weights or mass. Some of the weights are shaped like pinecones or other woodland objects, while other cuckoo clock weights are the standard brass cylinder shape. The strings have a small brass ring on the bottom; this prevents the string from unwinding if unattended. The ring stops the clock when the ring hits the gears on the clock.

Functions

A cuckoo clock has three distinct functions. Therefore, usually there are three weights with three strings that double back. It might appear that the clock has six strings, but in reality it has only three that wind through the gears and double back down. The heaviest weight will be on the far right string as you are facing the clock; this weight runs the cuckoo sound and operates the cuckoo doors and the pendulum on the clock. The middle string runs the hour hand, and the string and weight on the far left runs the minute hand.

Length and Days

String length depends on what type of clock you have. The longest of the strings are for eight-day clocks. This means that every week, usually the same day, the clock will need to be wound. The clock is wound by pulling down on the loose end of each string individually. As you pull down on the string, the corresponding weight will rise up to the bottom of the clock. All three strings should always be wound the same day, individually one at a time. If you have a one-day clock, the strings will be much shorter and will need to be wound every day.

Height and Level

It should be noted that cuckoo clock strings should hang perfectly vertical. If there is any variance whatsoever in the level of the cuckoo clock, the clock will not keep accurate time. The clock should also be hung at a level at which the strings have plenty of room to fall before they hit the floor or any other object. If your clock has batteries, your strings won't move at all--put this clock anywhere you like.

References

• Black Forest Hill: Clock FAQ