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How to Set up a German Cuckoo Clock

Cuckoo clocks are mechanically driven clocks that use the physical principles of a pendulum's swing to keep time. They are so named because they imitate the call of the cuckoo bird to announce the hour. Cuckoo clocks are commonly associated with the Black Forest region of Germany and neighboring Switzerland, where they originated and continue to be crafted with masterful precision. Setting the time and machinery is a simple procedure that you can do at home if you exercise proper care.

Things You'll Need

Small screwdrivers
No. 8 or No. 10 wood screw
Power screwdriver
Stud finder

Instructions

Preparing the Clock
- 1
  Open the back panel of the clock.
- 2
  Remove any shipping clips from the tops of the whistles or paper from the clock's gong. Unlatch the cuckoo door.
- 3
  Replace the back and latch it shut.
- 4
  Untwist any wires or twist-ties holding the chains and remove them.
Hanging and Installing the Clock
- 5
  Drive a No. 8 or No. 10 wood screw into a stud in the wall where the clock is to be hung, about 6 to 6 1/2 feet from the floor to allow room for the chains to hang. As you do, angle the screws downward into the wall at a 45-degree angle.
- 6
  Place the pendulum on its hanger at the rear bottom of the clock.
- 7
  Hang a weight on each hook on the chains.
- 8
  Start the clock by gently pushing the pendulum to one side. Adjust the clock's timing by tilting it from side to side until it ticks evenly.
Winding and Setting the Clock
- 9
  Steady the clock with one hand and gently pull down on the chain with the other until the weight on the other end is fully raised. Repeat for each weight chain daily.
- 10
  Gently move the minute hand clockwise to the correct time, pausing at the 12 and 6 positions for the cuckoo chime. If your clock features a cuckoo to chime the quarter hour, pause at the 3 and 9 positions as well. Move the hour hand clockwise into its place and reset the weights if necessary.
- 11
  Adjust the bob's vertical position on the pendulum to speed up or slow down the clockwork machinery. Moving the bob up will cause the clock to run faster, while lowering it will slow the clock's timing and movement.

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