Cuckoo clock hanging in Exeter
Professional cuckoo clock hanging services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
20-30 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Cuckoo clock hung absolutely level with proper clearance for the chains and weights. Mechanism tested to make sure it works before I leave.
Not Just Any Wall Clock
Cuckoo clocks are proper mechanical timepieces. They need special treatment.
Hang a normal clock wonky and it just looks bad. Hang a cuckoo clock wonky and it won't work - the pendulum needs to be perfectly vertical or the whole mechanism fails. Plus you need the right height for those chains to drop without hitting the floor.
💡 Pro tip: Cuckoo clocks are heavy, especially when you add the weights. Use proper wall fixings, not just a picture hook, or it's coming down.
Why It's Worth Getting Right First Time
| ✅ Done Properly | ❌ DIY Attempt |
|---|---|
| Perfectly level | Pendulum won't swing |
| Right height for chains | Weights hit floor or can't reach to wind |
| Secure fixings for weight | Falls off wall |
| Mechanism tested | Doesn't work, no idea why |
What's Included
🔧 The Service
- Measure chain drop needed
- Assess wall type and select fixings
- Hang absolutely level (checked with proper level)
- Test pendulum swings freely
- Check mechanism works
- Quick demo of winding/adjusting
📦 You Get
- Working cuckoo clock on your wall
- Correct height and level
- Secure mounting
- Knowledge of how to wind it
- Traditional charm in your home
Pricing
| Complexity | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 8-day clock | 20-30 mins | £60-£85 |
| Large/ornate clock | 30-40 mins | £85 |
| High position needing ladder | 30-45 mins | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Depends on size and position.
Perfect If...
✅ Inherited clock - family heirloom needs hanging properly
✅ Old house - lath and plaster walls need expert touch
✅ High ceiling - need proper clearance for chains
✅ Want it working - not just decorative
Why Choose Us for Cuckoo clock hanging in Exeter?
Hung absolutely level (essential for mechanism)
Correct height for chain/weight clearance
Tested pendulum swings freely
Secure mounting for weight
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
I'll measure the chain length and work out the right height. Check your wall type and where you want it.
Step 2: Mounting
Drill and fit proper fixings rated for the weight. Hang the clock case absolutely level using a proper spirit level.
Step 3: Testing
Attach pendulum and weights, set it swinging, make sure the mechanism works. Quick demo of how to wind and adjust it.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to hang it yourself? Here's what you need to know:
🔧 Before you start
- Measure the chain/weight drop length fully extended
- Add 30cm clearance - that's your minimum height from floor to bottom of clock
- Find a stud or use serious wall plugs - these are heavy
- You'll need: drill, spirit level, strong fixings, ladder probably
📏 Getting it level (critical!)
- Mark position on wall (remember - chains need clearance below)
- Use a long spirit level - cuckoo clocks MUST be perfectly level
- Check level both ways (side to side AND front to back if possible)
- Even 1-2 degrees off and it won't work properly
- Drill, fit wall plugs rated for 5-10kg minimum
- Hang clock, check level again
⚙️ Setting up the mechanism
- Hang the pendulum on its hook inside
- Attach the weights to the chains (usually different weights for different chains - check manual)
- Set pendulum swinging gently
- Listen for even tick-tock (if irregular, clock isn't level)
- Wind the chains up by pulling the free end
- Set the time carefully
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not checking level carefully enough (most common problem)
- Using weak fixings (these are heavy!)
- Hanging too low (weights hit floor)
- Hanging too high (can't reach to wind it)
- Forgetting to attach pendulum (clock won't work)
💡 Pro trick: Some cuckoo clocks have tiny leveling screws on the bottom of the case. If yours does, you can fine-tune the level even if the wall isn't perfect. But it's still better to hang it level in the first place.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🕰️ Mechanical clocks need regular winding - usually every day (1-day movement) or weekly (8-day movement). If you let them run down completely, no problem - just wind and restart the pendulum.
Sound too loud? Many cuckoo clocks have a lever to turn the sound off at night. I'll show you where it is.
Pendulum won't swing? 99% of the time it's because the clock isn't level. Even slightly off-level stops it working.
Old/antique cuckoo clocks might need a specialist clock repairer if the mechanism isn't working. But I can hang them properly and test if the mechanics work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cuckoo clocks need special care when hanging?
They're mechanical - if they're not perfectly level, the pendulum won't swing properly and the clock won't work. Also need correct height so the chains/weights have room to drop without hitting the floor. Get it wrong and you'll be adjusting it constantly.
How much clearance do the chains need?
Depends on the clock, but typically need 1.5-2 meters clear drop below for the weights. I'll measure your clock and advise on the best height. Too low and the weights hit the floor, too high and you can't reach to wind it.
Can you hang it on lath and plaster walls?
Yes - actually very common in older Devon houses where these clocks look perfect. Lath and plaster needs careful drilling and strong fixings because cuckoo clocks are heavy (especially with the weights). I've done loads in period properties.
Will you test it works before you leave?
Absolutely - I'll check the pendulum swings freely, the mechanism ticks, and the weights drop properly. Make sure the cuckoo actually cuckoos if it's wound. No point hanging it if it doesn't work.
What if I need to wind it or adjust it later?
I'll show you how before I leave - how to wind it, how to adjust the time, and how the cuckoo sound works. Most are straightforward once you know. I'll give you a quick demo.
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