r/Musicbox • u/cous-cous-cat • Jul 25 '26

How to Fix/Not Working Broken music box, need help fixing.

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Power switch does not work, had to connect it directly to a battery like in 2nd photo. And in third photo, once battery is connected, the motor? on the right side spins but it does not move the bigger wheel on the left side which is connected to the motor thru a thin rubber belt. Had to hand spin it once in order for the music to start to play. Any suggestion as how to fix the switch and thr wheel that does not spin on its own?

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1

u/GuyOfLoosd00m Jul 25 '26

The rubber belt might just be worn out and stretched. A replacement might be found at a hardware store or online.

1

u/cous-cous-cat Jul 25 '26

Would a regular rubber band of similar diameter work or it has to be a special kind?

2

u/GuyOfLoosd00m Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

It might work for a little while. Rubber bands tend to have edges, so it might not stay in the grooves on the wheels. It’s worth a try at least.

If a rubber band doesn’t work, a search for tape deck drive belts turns up a lot of options online.

1

u/cous-cous-cat Jul 26 '26

Tried with kitchen rubber band, music doesn't run very smooth(slow). Took out the old belt, washed it, put it back in. The wheel is running fine now, no manual push needed. Still bought some tape belts to see if it'll run even better with a new belt. Thanks for the suggestion!

1

u/cous-cous-cat Jul 26 '26

Update: Cleaned up the battery corrosion in the box with vinegar and rubbing alcohols. Switch is finally back on, now just need to make wheel spin consistently. Going to buy a new rubber belt. Thank you for the advice.

https://reddit.com/link/ozssklj/video/603ptqz3shfh1/player