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How to Fix a Winding Music Box

Music boxes are devices that play music when a spring is turned to play a disc, record or cylinder. Music boxes date back as far as the 16th century in Switzerland, according to BRS Group, Inc. Music boxes that use winding keys are considered wind-up boxes. With time and use the boxes may get worn and break. Fixing a wind-up music box is a delicate process. There are many small parts which, if damaged, will ruin the box. Great care must be taken when repairing a wind-up music box.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Pliers
WD-40
Pin point oiler

Instructions

Spring Issues
- 1
  Help the spring unwind if the box will not wind up any further. The spring has been wound too tight and must have the tension taken off to work properly. Carefully wind the key in the opposite direction, just like when it was playing, to relieve tension. Do this slowly and carefully as not to damage the spring, gears or key.
- 2
  Wind the key on the music box to tension the spring. If necessary, help the spring unwind by turning the key in the opposite direction. Repeat this step two or three times to see if the music box will return to normal functioning.
- 3
  Apply WD-40 using a pin point oiler to the key winding stem if the key and spring remain stuck. (Pin point oilers have long needles to apply material; you can find them at hobby stores.) Let the music box sit for a few minutes, then try to play it.
- 4
  Apply WD-40 using the pin point oiler to the top, center, and base of the governor endless screw assembly. The governor endless screw assembly will be toward the bottom of the music box to one side of the combs. Governors come in many different varieties. The screw threads should be visible in the governor.

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