How to Put Chains on Gears of Cuckoo Clocks

Putting a chain back on a cuckoo clock's gear is possible but not easy to do. If, however, you do not have access to a clock repair shop that specializes in cuckoo clocks, and if you are patient by nature, it may be worth your while to give it a try.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A strong light; A crochet hook or homemade wire hook; Willingness to try and try again!

1. Pull all the chains full up, remove the weights, and tie the chains securely together at the bottom of the clock so that they will not move at all, otherwise all your chains will fall off when you turn the clock upside down for step two.

2. 
   Inside the Clock

   Turn the clock over and remove the back. Now take a close look inside the housing. You will see gears. You will see your fallen chain caught on the bottom gear' s axle. Your goal is to thread the fallen chain back onto its gear. Stick your hook inside the clock and find out which direction the gear turns.

3. 
   Up and Over the Gear

   Now comes the hard part. Turn the clock upside down - first make sure you did step one and removed all weights and tied up the good chains - turn the clock upside down and using your hook, work the fallen chain up and over its gear. It might help if you turn the gear with your finger as you gently pull on one side of the chain to help it to "catch". Once you have balanced the chain up and over the gear, pull both ends of the chain taut and carefully turn the clock back upright. Hang the clock back on the wall and untie all the chains. Hang the weights. Pull the weight on the chain you just fixed all the way up to match the other weights. Set the pendulum in motion. You should be ready to go.

[sherrykbrown]

on 9/22/2009 Why won't this article print off?