How Do I Set My Cuckoo Clock to Ring?

Cuckoo clocks are easy to maintain once they are set.

Traditional cuckoo clocks operate with a chain-weight system. The weights, hanging by chains at the bottom of the clock, are the key to movement within the clock. The weights, which drop over one day or an eight-day period, must be pulled back toward the clock to keep it running.



The first weight, along with the pendulum, provides the clock timekeeping function; the second weight controls the cuckoo and movements; and the third weight controls the music. The music and cuckoo sound on the hour and half hour for one-day clocks and on the hour for eight-day clocks.

Things You'll Need

• pencil

Instructions

1. Remove any packaging left on the outside and inside of the clock. Check the clock for any obvious signs of damage; if you find any, send the clock in for for repairs.

2. Hang the clock straight, vertical and flush to the wall. Check that all chains and weights are attached correctly to the clock and that there are no kinks or knots in the chains.

3. Turn the longer hand counterclockwise until the hour and minute hands point to the correct time.

4. Push the pendulum to one side to start the clock. If the clock is hanging straight and positioned correctly on the wall, the pendulum should swing freely and you will hear an even tick-tock. Adjust the clock's wall position if necessary. Set your clock using an accurate time source after each pendulum adjustment.

5. Wind the clock, following directions in the owner's manual. Pull the chains behind the weights gently and evenly.

6. Monitor the clock's operation and cuckoo sounds. If your clock runs too fast, move the pendulum disc down a little on the pendulum; if it runs too slow, move the pendulum disc up.

Tips & Warnings

• If a chain has slid from the chain-wheel inside the clock, a reliable clock shop can reattach and balance the chains and weights.

• A 24-hour clock must be wound once a day; an eight-day clock must be wound weekly.

• If the clock has a night shut-off switch, it will be located on the bottom of the clock or to the left side of the clock. Turn the sound on by pushing the lever down.

• Mark the position of the disc on the pendulum once the clock is running smoothly; if the disc moves, the reference mark will help speed up future adjustments.

• Once the clock is positioned straight on the wall, it helps to mark the position using a pencil for alignments.

• Do not move the hour hand. If you accidently turn the minute hand to the right, wait until the end of the first cuckoo-striking on the half and full hour before continuing.

• Do not turn the clock upside down or the chains will shift out of line or fall off the chain wheel.

• Never pull on the weights or the clock will get damaged; always use the free end of the chain to wind the clock.

• Do not move the silencing lever while the cuckoo calls or the music plays.

References

• The Clock Depot: Cuckoo Clock Operations Guide
• Big Ben Clock Gallery: Set up instructions for the Cuckoo Clock
• Clock Works: Cuckoo Clocks
• Black Forest Gifts: Cuckoo Clock Setup
• Cuckoo Kingdom: Instructions Cuckoo Clock

Resources

• Grandfather Clocks 123: Cuckoo Clock Operations Guide
• River City Cuckoo Clocks: Clock Care and Setup Instructions
• Bill's Clockworks: Modern Cuckoo Clock Instructions
• Bill's Clockworks: Antique Cuckoo Clock Instructions