Cuckoo Clock Move in Day

Today is the day the Cuckoo Clock finally moves in. What is there to consider?

There it is, the box with the longed-for cuckoo clock and with it come the questions. How do I actually hang a cuckoo clock? Do I have to assemble the clock? How do I get the clock to run? etc.

Don't panic! We have the answers. Read on for Black Forest cuckoo clock instructions for set up and troubleshooting.

Unpacking the Clock:

 

 

Before you begin, place your cuckoo clock face down on a soft, padded surface. Never remove the clock from the box by pulling on the figurines, carvings, or other decorative parts. Always hold the clock by the frame.

Follow these cuckoo clock setup instructions:

  1. Carefully remove the clock, pendulum, weights, and instruction leaflet from the box.
  2. Open the latches on the back panel and remove the panel.
  3. Remove the wire clamps from the bellows, being careful not to bend any movement wires.
  4. Remove the paper strip from the strike gong.
  5. Make sure the wire loop is guided through the slot at the bottom of the clock case.
  6. Replace the back panel and close the latches.
  7. Attach any carved top pieces or decorative parts, if included.
  8. Hang the cuckoo clock securely. For mechanical cuckoo clocks, make sure there is enough space below the clock for the chains and weights to descend freely.
  9. Unlock the cuckoo bird door on the front.
  10. Release the chains and make sure they hang freely without knots.
  11. Attach the pendulum and weights.
  12. To wind a cuckoo clock, gently pull the chain down so the weight rises. Never pull on the weights.
  13. Give the pendulum a gentle push and listen for an even “tick-tock” sound.

Now that Your clock is up on the wall and the Cuckoo is telling You the time - find information about setting the right time and more in our "FAQs & helpful info" section.

Download our Set-up PDF

The Cuckoo Is Not Calling

 

 

If your cuckoo clock is not cuckooing or not chiming, the cause is often easy to fix.

Check that:

  • The cuckoo bird door is unlocked.
  • All packing materials and shipping clips have been removed. 
  • The chains are hanging freely and are not tangled. 
  • The weights are attached and the clock is wound.
  • The night shut-off feature is not turned on.
  • The pendulum is swinging freely and not rubbing against the case or wall. 

If your cuckoo clock stopped working or the cuckoo clock pendulum stops, listen to the beat. The clock should have an even “tick-tock” rhythm. If the sound is uneven, gently adjust the clock case slightly left or right until the ticking becomes steady.

 

Cuckoo Clock Setup FAQs

How do I set up a cuckoo clock?

Carefully unpack the clock, remove the shipping materials, hang it securely, attach the pendulum and weights, wind the clock if needed, and start the pendulum with a gentle push.

How do I hang a cuckoo clock?

Use a strong screw or wall anchor, preferably installed into a wall stud. Make sure there is enough space below the clock for the chains, weights, and pendulum to move freely.

How high should I hang a cuckoo clock?

Mechanical cuckoo clocks should be hung high enough for the weights to descend freely, which is often about 6 to 7 feet above the floor. Battery-operated cuckoo clocks have decorative weights, but they do not move, so battery-operated clocks do not require the same hanging height.

How do I wind a cuckoo clock?

Gently pull down on the chain to raise the weight. Never pull on the weight itself. Depending on the model, your clock may need to be wound daily or weekly.

How do I set a battery-operated cuckoo clock?

Insert the correct batteries, set the time according to your clock’s instructions, attach the pendulum if included, and check the sound or night shut-off settings.

Why is my cuckoo clock not cuckooing?

Make sure the bird door is unlocked, the clock is wound, the chains are not tangled, and the night shut-off feature is turned off.

Why did my cuckoo clock stop working?

A cuckoo clock may stop if the pendulum is rubbing, the beat is uneven, the chains are tangled, or the clock needs to be wound. Adjust the clock slightly until the ticking sounds even.