How to Fix the Hourly Chime of ROKR Cuckoo Clock (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve assembled the ROKR Cuckoo Clock but it fails to chime at the correct hour, you’re not alone. Many DIY crafters experience this problem immediately after assembly. Fortunately, the fix is simple and can be done without special tools or dismantling the entire kit.

This blog presents a step-by-step guide so you can restore the hourly chimes of your ROKR Cuckoo Clock. Let’s jump straight in.

This guide comes from @MartinsAssemblyHaven, and you can also watch his videos for better solutions.

Step 1: Check the Bird and Chime

The first step is to check that the actual bird and the chime are working as they should be. Go to the back of the model, as that is where you’ll be powering your kit. You can use a Type-C USB cable that you can plug into the bottom of the kit, or you can insert three AAA batteries into the battery pack.

Next,  go to the front of the model. Press down the little button at the bottom of the kit. If the little bird jumps out and does its chime and goes back in, then you’re set.

Next, push the step at the front of the kit and hold it down. The light should blink twice or four times. If it blinks twice, the hourly chimes are on. If it blinks four times, that means the hourly chime is off.

If the bird and chime don’t work properly, it could be a result of miswiring or a malfunction in a part. You can order spare parts for replacement if you need to.

Step 2: Stop the Pendulum

Grab a long screwdriver with a small tip and stop the pendulum. At the back of the model, there’s a screw sitting on a black wheel that you can turn using the screwdriver.

Every time you turn anticlockwise and as soon as it passes its internal hour, the chime should start working. Even if the clock is incorrect to the chime, you’ll need to test it.

Step 3: Disconnect the Power

Take the batteries out or unplug the Type-C USB cable. Then, plug the screwdriver back into where the screw is sitting on the black wheel and turn it anticlockwise slowly until you hear a small, gentle click.

As soon as you hear the click, stop. Hold the screwdriver in place so that the wheel doesn’t turn any further.

Step 4: Calibrate the Clock

Go to the clock face at the front of the kit. Ignore the ‘second’ hand and focus on the ‘hour’ and ‘minute’ hand. Move the ‘hour’ and ‘minute’ hands together to any hour, like 12, 1, 2, or 3. Make sure both of them are at any of the hours to calibrate the clock.

While still holding the screwdriver in place, turn it anticlockwise to set the exact time that you’re placing the clock hands. Keep turning as soon as you hear the click.

Step 5: Turn The Power Back On

Go to the back of the kit, insert the three AAA batteries into the battery pack or insert your Type-C USB cable. The clock should be working now. You can turn on and off the chime to test if everything is perfect.

The cuckoo clock is working well.

You can further test if chiming will happen at every hour, pop the screwdriver into the back of the kit to turn the screw anticlockwise until it hits the next hour to see if the chiming occurs. Repeat the process to be sure if chimes at every hour.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

• If the screw doesn’t move easily, stop. Don’t force anything, as forcing may damage internal parts.
• Over-rotating the screw might misalign the mechanism. Instead, make small, incremental adjustments.
• Make sure the ROKR Cuckoo Clock is level. If it is sitting unevenly on a wall or surface, it may affect the pendulum, which may in turn affect timekeeping or chime accuracy.
• This mechanical clock doesn’t require lubrication. However, if you want to lubricate parts, make sure you use clock-specific oil.

FAQs

What if my clock chimes on the half-hour but on the full hour?

Chiming at half an hour could indicate that the screw at the back of the kit is misaligned. Go to the back of the kit, disconnect the power, set the hands to the intended hour and use a screwdriver to turn the screw anticlockwise until you hear a gentle click.

What if the chiming is delayed or late?

A delay of a few seconds is normal for mechanical models like the ROKR Cuckoo Clock. However, a long delay may mean that the pendulum is swinging too slowly. Check that the clock is level and that the pendulum is swinging freely.

Do I need to lubricate my kit?

Not necessarily. ROKR mechanical 3D puzzles are designed to run dry. Adding oil can cause dust buildup and stop the clock. If you feel the parts are stiff, go for clock-specific oil only to make the parts move freely.

Should I use the screw to change the time every day?

No. It is only used for initial setup or troubleshooting. Once you’ve set your chime to the hour, everything should be running smoothly. Daily time adjustments can be done using the ‘minute’ hand.

Do I need to dismantle the clock to fix the chime?

Absolutely not. This guide provides a quick, simple fix that requires no dismantling.

Why is my Cuckoo's sound weak?

If your cuckoo sound is weak, check for cuckoo arm clearance, pendulum strength, or over-tightened parts. Loosen overly tight connections to get things running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

The above steps present a detailed guide on how to restore proper hourly chimes on your ROKR Cuckoo Clock. It’s quick, effective, DIY-friendly, and most importantly, requires no dismantling. So, the next time your clock isn’t chiming at the right hour, do not panic. Following these steps will help you get it done in no time.

Aktualisiert am 1. Dez 2025