If you can figure this out, you will likely be able to write a book and make some serious money. I've seen this question asked many times and have never read anyone that has completely solved it in a way that works for everyone that didn't, as you put it, involve duct tape or an ax!
I've heard my roosters crowing when I took puppies out to potty at 3AM. It's pitch black dark in and around their coop and they still crow. They are crowing when I wake up at 5AM each morning.
I'm guessing you are asking because the crowing is bothering you and/or the neighbors? I suspect the best you can do is to super insulate the coop so that they don't sound as loud from outside the coop
If light is getting into the coop at night, you could try darkening the windows at night - but like I said, dark/light/hour of night does not affect my roosters and they crow regardless.