How to Repair Wind-up Music Boxes

How to Make a Song for a Music Box
Published: Sep 8, 2010
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
1 minute read

Music boxes can be difficult to repair. Sometimes the combs, cylinders and other parts made to play a specific tune, especially for older music boxes, can be difficult or impossible to replace. If your music box isn’t winding up, or if the music plays slowly or not at all, there are a few things you can try before contacting a professional repairman.

music box image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Pin Point Oiler
  • Lubricant
  • Carefully wind the music box key in the opposite direction. This will reverse the damage of a spring that has been wound too tightly.

    Try winding the key as normal. If your music still doesn’t play, go on to the next step.

    Apply a few drops of a lubricant such to the stem of your winding key.

    Allow the lubricant to sit for a few minutes, before winding the key to play your music. If it still doesn’t play normally, proceed to the next step.

    Apply a drop of lubricant to the top, base, and center of the endless screw, connected to your music box’s air brake, using a pin point oiler.

    Allow the lubricant to sit for a few minutes, then wind the key to play your music.

    Christina Sloane

    Christina Sloane has been writing since 1992. Her work has appeared in several national literary magazines.

    Sponsored
    Our Pastimes Logo

    A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

    Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

    Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.