
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to unscrew the screws at the base of the music box. Remove the outer casing and isolate the mechanism. Add a comment Step 2 Gently wipe the mechanism with a cloth to get rid of any settled dust particles. Make sure you wipe all the open and accessible surfaces of the mechanism.
Full Answer
Can a music box mechanism be repaired?
Repairing a music box movement (mechanism) can be a tricky task and the repair of the better larger mechanisms should be considered only by someone familiar with how these music box mechanisms work.
Where can I find wind up music box repair parts?
TheMusicHouse.com has a large variety of wind up music box repair parts for sale for the finer and larger musical antiques and can have certain broken parts fabricated or possibly repaired. These may almost restore a music box to its former glory with optimum sound and performance.
How do I clean the mechanism of my Music Box?
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to unscrew the screws at the base of the music box. Remove the outer casing and isolate the mechanism. Gently wipe the mechanism with a cloth to get rid of any settled dust particles. Make sure you wipe all the open and accessible surfaces of the mechanism. Be extremely careful when cleaning the comb and the drum.
Can a music box be restored to its former glory?
These may almost restore a music box to its former glory with optimum sound and performance. Finding the right music box replacement part for sale in our music box repair department and the correct repair procedure will ensure a renewal of your enjoyment as its beautiful sounds and mechanical behaviors are restored.

Can old music boxes be repaired?
Cases can be repaired by any competent local woodworker. Because your music box is at heart a fine musical instrument, the integrity of the case is directly related to the volume.
How do you fix a music box that won't play?
0:131:21How To Fix an over wound Music Box in 5 seconds Part 1 by ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd give it a little lift. And it works so now just a minor adjustment. The pliers and we're fixedMoreAnd give it a little lift. And it works so now just a minor adjustment. The pliers and we're fixed so that's how you can fix a music box in five seconds or less be sure to visit.
How do you repair an overwound music box?
0:363:54Part 2 - How to Repair or Restart an "over wound" music box movement ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm just gonna use. A small screwdriver here and I use a white towel on the bottom. So that if anyMoreI'm just gonna use. A small screwdriver here and I use a white towel on the bottom. So that if any of the little pieces fall out very easy to see.
How do I fix my music box spring?
Add lubricant to the spring if the spring is rusted or too old. Using a light lubricant such as WD-40 will be less damaging to the other components of the music box. Add a little bit at a time, and allow two minutes between additions to let the lubricant work its way through the mechanism.
Can you Overwind a music box?
Introduction. The extensive use of a music box and winding the main spring excessively will lead it to fail. This failure is caused because the music box mechanism gets jammed, and then, you are no longer able to enjoy its beautiful tunes.
How do you oil a music box mechanism?
Feed the bushings and moving parts a heavy weight clock oil like castor oil. Use a stem grease on the governor worm. WD40 and 3-in-1 oil are contraindicated: stay away from them. The pins on your cylinder will digest the notes more easily if you lubricate them, too.
What kind of oil do you use on a music box?
Lubrication. To 'oil' music mechanisms I use Alum-a-Lub exclusively, an aerosol that is a lubricant, cleaner and protection all in one. Never use an oil, as that may clog up the mechanism over time.
What is the inside of a music box called?
the movementThe inside of the musical box is called the movement. Normally made of steel and where sound is being produced. Strips of protruding metal on the comb is called the teeth. The revolving part of the movement where the tunes are imprinted on using metal pins.
How do you remove rust from a music box?
The rust may be removed by physical cleaning using emery cloth or abrasive paper.
How does a music box spring work?
2:338:02How a Wind Up Music Box Works - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen the spring unwinds the axle turns in the opposite direction and the six tooth is the Paul'sMoreWhen the spring unwinds the axle turns in the opposite direction and the six tooth is the Paul's which rotates the larger plastic gear with it this rotation drives.
How do you fix a snow globe music box?
3:3432:46Fix A Music Box (Snow Globe) Mechanism Movement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat I discovered was that this base piece it holds the music box in here is actually put out with aMoreWhat I discovered was that this base piece it holds the music box in here is actually put out with a very light adhesive.
How does a music box work?
A music box works by rotating a metal cylinder with protruding pins that pluck the individual prongs of a steel comb. The sounds that resonate from the vibrating prongs are the notes we hear—lower notes from longer prongs and higher notes from shorter ones.
How do you make a music box comb?
0:595:03How to make Cylinder Music Boxes {www downloadshiva com} - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey bake the combs over flames. And then plunge them into a cool oil to create a thermal shock thatMoreThey bake the combs over flames. And then plunge them into a cool oil to create a thermal shock that hardens the steel. With a flat tool they direct melted lead into a mold positioned under the comb.
How do you fix a snow globe music box?
3:3432:46Fix A Music Box (Snow Globe) Mechanism Movement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat I discovered was that this base piece it holds the music box in here is actually put out with aMoreWhat I discovered was that this base piece it holds the music box in here is actually put out with a very light adhesive.
How does a music box work?
A music box works by rotating a metal cylinder with protruding pins that pluck the individual prongs of a steel comb. The sounds that resonate from the vibrating prongs are the notes we hear—lower notes from longer prongs and higher notes from shorter ones.
How do you make a music box from scratch?
1:376:07Building a Homemade Music Box (Christmas Gift) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo there's going to be a wall there. And then I've got the top. And this separating wall here andMoreSo there's going to be a wall there. And then I've got the top. And this separating wall here and the music will play by just cranking this it'll be shorter I'll put some pegs in the middle.
How to unscrew a music box?
Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to unscrew the screws at the base of the music box.
Why does my music box fail?
This failure is caused because the music box mechanism gets jammed, and then, you are no longer able to enjoy its beautiful tunes. However, the music box that you have loved and cherished over the years can still be salvaged.
How to release tension in spring?
Slowly turn the winding key in the opposite direction to release the tension built-up in the spring.
How to spin a governor fan?
Gently push the governor fan with your finger tip to assist its spin movement.
Can you salvage a music box?
However, the music box that you have loved and cherished over the years can still be salvaged. This guide will help restore your music box to mint condition with some easy-to-do steps that will assist the restoration of the mechanism.
Can a comb break?
Be extremely careful when cleaning the comb and the drum. The comb is delicate and can break when too much pressure is applied. The threads of the cloth can get stuck in the pins of the drum.
How to save an overwound mechanism?
Overwound mechanisms (key cannot be tightened further) can often be saved/restored by injecting some Alum-a-Lub, let the object sit for some time, and try to start the mechanism by turning the key backwards and/or by shaking or tapping the part where the mechanism is, mostly the bottom, to try to free the governor.
How to clean otagiri?
My first choice is to clean them with a soft cloth in warm, but not hot, water with dishwasher detergent. But be careful! On many objects the colors are painted on without a primer and can easily come off in contact with water and a cleaning action. Err on the safe side, better to have a dirty object than an object with some of the color washed away. This problem of colors washing off is often true for objects from countries other than Japan, specially Taiwan, from the seventies and eighties. Objects that are glazed over, as many of the Otagiri products are, do not have this problem and can be more easily cleaned and restored to an original state.
Can you use oil on a music mechanism?
To ‘oil’ music mechanisms I use Alum-a-Lub exclusively, an aerosol that is a lubricant, cleaner and protection all in one. Never use an oil, as that may clog up the mechanism over time. Alum-a-Lub may be found at your local hardware store, but if not call their phone # 1-800-369-0342 (leave your telephone number, they will call back) and ask for a local distributor/user or send them a check and they will UPS the article to you. Their web site with all information is: www.alumalub.com.
Can you clean a music box with a cloth?
The problem is that for best results you still have to use a cloth to rub the object and clean it and cannot do that in the cases it may rub off the colors. In general, cleaning is good, but to have a music box still fully colored is much better.
Do you need the same music mechanism for a music box?
For many music box enthusiasts, having the same music mechanism may not be that important and it may be more important to have a working mechanism. Many of the larger hobby shops (at least in the U.S.A.) stock new (Sankyo) music mechanisms and provided you get a similar one (holes to match, etc.) you can just install them in the same way as ...
