Do Cuckoo Clocks Need to Be Oiled? — Cuckoo Clock Maintenance

If you have a Black Forest cuckoo clock, you might be wondering if it needs to be oiled and how often to keep up with this maintenance.

In our previous blog, we discussed how to unbox your cuckoo clock, what things you need to do to get it ready for hanging, how to mount your clock and set it up, so it is running smoothly. Setting up your cuckoo clock is the most time-consuming part of owning this timeless piece of German history. Maintenance, after it’s up and running, is not difficult — but that’s not to say cuckoo clocks don’t require some care during the time you own them. Here, we share how to keep your cuckoo clock in tip-top shape.

Related: How Do Cuckoo Clocks Work?

How Often Should I Oil My Cuckoo Clock?

As a general rule, cuckoo clocks should be oiled every two to three years; average wall clocks need to be lubricated every three to five years. Oiling keeps everything running smoothly, so don’t skip it. We recommend posting a sticky note on the back of your clock, listing the dates of any maintenance. Also, set a calendar reminder on your phone or desktop, so you don’t forget when it’s time to oil your cuckoo clock.

Why Do I Need to Oil My Cuckoo Clock?

Anything with gears and metal moving parts will need to be oiled, just like parts of your car. You need to keep up with the oiling maintenance on any mechanical clock because if the movements get dry, it will cause severe damage to the clock. Not to mention the clock will not work correctly, and metal will be grinding against metal. Inside the clock’s delicate movement box are carefully placed “oil sinks,” or oil wells, next to the plates and pivot holes where the axles connect. These oil sinks lubricate the clock in all the right places.

What Kind of Oil Should I Use on My Cuckoo Clock?

The best oil to use for your cuckoo clock is one that is synthetic and high quality. Since you don’t need to oil your clock often, it’s best to buy dedicated oil for clocks instead of using just any old oil. The oil designed for clocks should stay put — as opposed to the oil used for things like sewing machines, which is intended to spread. So you may think you can use whatever oil you already have, but we suggest buying the correct oil — and never use WD40 on your cuckoo clock. You can find the right oil easily at many online retailers or visit your local clock store. A popular oil brand that comes highly recommended is Liberty. The clock oil has a long needle at the tip that can maneuver into hard to reach places and place the oil in the right spots.

Where and How Do I Oil the Cuckoo Clock?

We recommend sending your cuckoo clock to a professional for the oiling service as its inner workings and parts are more complicated than your typical wall clock. During this maintenance, the clock gets cleaned of excess dirt and dust build-up and old oil, as well as replenishing the oil. They can also tell you if something else is amiss with the movement box.

But if you feel confident enough to maintain the cuckoo clock yourself, be very careful. You’ll need to open the back to access the movement box and specifically the pivot points. Wipe around them gently with a soft cloth to remove any excess dirt and old oil deposits. Using a pivot cleaning stick, you’ll clean the area more closely. Do not use Q-tips for this. Place a drop or two of oil in the oil sink, but do not overfill — and be careful not to disturb other working parts of the clock.