How to Make a Cuckoo Clock Work

A cuckoo clock is a pendulum clock, just like a grandfather clock, but on a much smaller scale. Well cared for, these clocks can keep accurate time and add charm and character to your home. The weights on the cuckoo clock drive gears that keep time in accordance with the swinging pendulum on the clock. The pendulum on a cuckoo clock swings two times per second.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cuckoo clock

1. Care for you cuckoo clock properly. Dry dust regularly, using a soft cloth for larger areas and a small, dry brush for detail work. Avoid furniture polishes and waxes when caring for cuckoo clocks.

2. Oil the mechanisms of your cuckoo clock approximately once every three years. Purchase a good-quality clock lubricant. Avoid machine oils and other lubricants, and only use one specifically made for clocks.

3. Remove the movement from your clock, carefully disconnecting all chains. Allow yourself plenty of time for this process. If you are concerned, consider taking detailed digital photos to make it easier to reassemble your cuckoo clock.

4. File and snap the point off a hypodermic syringe. Using the syringe, carefully oil all moving parts of your cuckoo clock movement. A single drop of clock lubricant should be adequate to oil the entire clock. You can also place a drop of lubricant on a glass surface and apply it to the cuckoo clock movement with the point of a needle.

5. Take your cuckoo clock to a clocksmith approximately every five years for a full once-over to keep it running its best.

Resources

• Oiling a Cuckoo Clock
• How German Cuckoo Clocks Work