Cuckoo Clocks - Frequently Asked Questions

How does the cuckoo clock work?

Mechanical Cuckoo Clocks are driven by the gravitational pull of weights that hang on chains under the clocks. The weights drop over either a one-day or eight-day period and provide the clock's functions. To keep cuckoo clocks working you have to pull up the weights from time to time. The cuckoo clocks have either two or three weights.

Two weights mean the cuckoo clock will strike the half-hours on a coil gong at the same time the cuckoo bird "calls out" the half-hours. If a cuckoo clock has three weights then it will also play a melody on the hour and, in some cases, the half-hours as well. 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. On non-musical clocks the third weight is absent. Read about the Cuckoo Clocks and learn about their history and how they work.

Where to place my Cuckoo Clock?

The clock must be mounted at a height and in an area where the weights can drop freely to the floor (about 5-6 feet). The clock will still operate with less room for the weights to drop, however you will need to "pull" the weights more often.

Also, clock must be placed in a correct position so that the pendulum can swing freely. The correct position of the clocks also is when the "tick-tock" of the pendulum is even. If your clock looks straight and level, but does not want to run, try tilting the cottage a little to the left and listen for a steady "heartbeat". If it stops running, move it a little to the right, until you hear a steady "tick tock".

Hints:
If your clock is hanging on a nail that is too long, it may interfere with the inner workings of the movement. Be sure your nail is no longer than 1/2 inch from the wall and is at an upward angle.

How to wind my cuckoo clock?

To wind you clock, you just need to pull up the weights. Place one of your hands on the clock to steady it, and with your other hand, pull down on the free end of one chain (not the weight), bringing the weight on the other end up to the bottom of the clock gently. Do this for each weight. This needs to be done each day.

Hints:
- Never pull up the chains while the clock is cuckooing or playing music.
- It is impossible to overwind your cuckoo, however you may damage the chains or ratchet mechanism if you continue to pull on them once the weights have reached the base of the clock.
- Rewind the clock before the weights reach the floor.
- For best results, wind the clock at about the same time each day.

Setting the Hands

For setting the correct time turn the minute-hand (longer hand) around to the left. NEVER move the hour-hand (small hand). If you turn the minute-hand around to the right, always wait for the end of the cuckoo-striking on the half and full hour. In the case of a music-clock, always wait for the end of the music.

Hints:
If the hour hand (the smaller hand) is loose, it can be tightened by pressing towards the center opening on the clock dial.
Never turn the hands without the clock running.
Never turn the hands counterclockwise.

My Cuckoo Clock doesn’t keep accurate time

The accurate time of the clock can be regulated by the pendulum. If the clock runs too fast, take off the pendulum and slightly move down the leaf/shield. Hang back in the pendulum and try the clock. If it still runs too fast, repeat the aforementioned. If the clock runs too slowly, take off the pendulum and slightly move up the leaf/shield. Hang in the pendulum and try the clock. If it still runs too slowly, repeat the adjustment.

Cuckoo synchronization

If the cuckoo calls the wrong hour, pull up the weights, then proceed as follows. Move the minute hand forward to the next hour or half hour. Repeat this until the cuckoo calls out an hour 2:00 or higher. Remove the right weight. Move the minute hand clockwise until the hands point to the hour which the cuckoo just called. Replace the right weight. Set the hands to the correct time, pull up the weights and start the clock.

Make you Cuckoo Clock silent

Most clocks have a handle to keep the clock silent. The handle is either at the bottom of the clock or at its left side when hanging on the wall. To silence the clock you have to push the handle up/in. To listen to the sound again you have to pull the handle or push it down.
Do not move the silencing handle while the cuckoo calls or the music plays.

If clock does not run:
- Make sure weights are up.
- Make sure clock is ticking evenly. If not, move bottom of clock to left or right until the ticking is even.
- Make sure pendulum hanger wire is not rubbing on slot in case bottom. If this is the problem, make sure the clock case is flush against the wall, or shim out the top or bottom of case if necessary.

If you have checked all of the above, your clock could just need a good cleaning and lubrication.

If cuckoo door does not close:
Look inside the back of the clock and make sure the wire which lifts the cuckoo bird’s tail is under the tail, not above it.

Learn also about:

Cuckoo Clocks - The cuckoo clocks are clocks of the past, present and the future, still much loved by children and grandchildren. They are still based on the original designs and are hand carved by skilled craftsmen. Read about the Cuckoo Clocks and learn about their history and how they work.

About the Clocks - According to the encyclopedias, clock is an instrument for measuring or indicating time, especially a mechanical or electronic device having a numbered dial and moving hands or a digital display.

Atomic Clocks - Atomic Clocks are the most accurate clocks in the world. They are accurate to within ten billionths of a second and you will never need to resetting, adjust for Daylight Savings Time or bother with the date. If you want to know more about the atomic clocks, read about their history, how they work and why we need them.

Grandfather Clocks - The Grandfather clocks are more than just clocks. They can be a piece of fine furniture, a family heirloom, and probably one of the most impressive clocks you will have. Fortunately, the Grandfather clocks are no longer just for the wealthy, and now anyone can own one of these gorgeous clocks. Read about Grandfather Clocks and learn about their history, how they work and how they got their names.