How to Replace a Cuckoo Clock Pendulum

Cuckoo clocks are popular novelty clocks. A small cuckoo emerges each hour, on the hour, to call the current time of day. Cuckoo clocks are pendulum clocks. As the pendulum swings, it slowly advances a series of internal gears. These gears move the hands of the clock. If the pendulum is missing, the clock will not work. If the pendulum is working incorrectly, the clock will not keep proper time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cuckoo clock pendulum

1. Check the movement on the cuckoo clock. A cuckoo clock may have either a one-day movement or an eight-day movement. If the cuckoo clock must be wound each day, it has a one-day movement. If it is wound only once every eight days, it has an eight-day movement. "Winding" a cuckoo clock consists of pulling down on the chains to reset the weights.

2. Select a pendulum that is approximately 7 inches long, if the cuckoo clock has a one-day movement. Choose a pendulum that is approximately 8 to 10 inches in length, if the clock has an eight-day movement. Most parts dealers will identify available pendulums as either one day or eight day.
   
   Choose from a variety of artistic styles, such as pendulums that feature maple leaves, oak leaves, hearts or small carvings of chalets. These decorative features should be matched to the overall appearance of the clock.

3. Use the hook at the top of the new pendulum to attach it to the bottom of the cuckoo clock. The hook attaches directly to the pendulum leader, an oblong wire loop that hangs down from the center of the clock. The pendulum loop is noticeably larger, and more oval in appearance, than the small round loops that are used to attach the weights.

Tips & Warnings

• If the hands on the cuckoo clock are touching each other, the pendulum will not swing. Gently separate the hands to start the pendulum moving again.
• Do not drop the cuckoo clock while you are working on it. The gears inside the clock are extremely sensitive to any sudden motion and may be knocked out of position.

References

• Cuckoo Clock Features
• Cuckoo Clock Guide
• Hanging a Cuckoo Clock Pendulum Diagram