How to Move a Grandfather Clock

How To Move An Ancestor Clock

  1. Understanding Protective Materials
  2. Delicately Moving the Clock 
  3. Gently Remove the Glass First
  4. Label Everything 
  5. Padding is Essential
  6. Check Your Grandfather Clock


1. Understanding Protective Materials

Proper materials are needed to safely transport a grandfather clock. Before moving the clock it is a good idea to measure the clock's weights. Knowing the weight of the clock will allow you to move it safely. Packing paper and bubble wrap are good materials to use when moving a grandfather clock. Grandfather clocks are among one of the heaviest articles of furniture. These clocks are often more valuable and fragile than other grandfather clocks.


2. Delicately Moving the Clock

Moving a grandfather clock is something that must be handled with extreme care. The grandfather clock has a lot of fragile and delicate components. As a result, moving a clock like this one of the more difficult things to move. Before touching the grandfather clock, remember that bare hands might cause damage. The oils that are naturally present on the skin will tarnish the brass and glass pieces of the clock. Always wear gloves made of cotton when touching the internals of the clock. 




3. Gently Remove Glass First

Remove glass shelves and pack them first. Pack each glass component by itself. Even if they seem sturdy, they could chip or crack during transport. Wrap glass items in thick packing materials. Mark the wrapped items as ‘fragile’. Cover fragile items with protective wrapping before placing them in the box. Wrap cardboard and bubble wrap between the hammers and bells. Install the foam blocks or cardboard above the pulleys between the clock cable.


4. Label Everything

This puts tension on the cables, keeping them out of the way. Remove the pendulum and weight with care. Take extra caution here. Be careful not to damage the spring or movement kit. Avoid leaving the weights inside of the clock, as they can move around and break the glass. Label each weight as left, center, or right. Do this immediately to avoid confusion later on especially if you are going to place it into storage or warehouse.



Grandfather clock movers


5. Padding is Essential

Make sure there is enough padding between the chains and cables. If the cable weight is heavy, removing it may be a good option. This will prevent internal damage when you move the clock. If they are not removed, they could become tangled during transport.

Cable and chain-driven mechanisms are especially important to keep safe. Secure loose panels with tape to prevent them from swinging open during transport. Pack the pendulum along with the rest of the parts in the original box. Some clocks have removable hoods that you can remove to prevent damage. With your moving clock, do not remove protective coverings throughout its movement.

A custom-built padded crate is the best option when moving a grandfather clock. Moving blankets are less expensive and do not provide equal protection.

Shipping specialists with a USDOT number can place valuable items in crates on-site. They also help with ensuring valuable items during transport. You can increase the protection of moving grandfather clocks.


6. Check Your Grandfather Clock 

To check if your grandfather clock is working well after your move, you may set it up and hear how it chimes. If it sounds as good as before, you know either you or your movers did a great job transporting it. Remember that a grandfather clock may not operate properly unless you place it on a flat surface. Before winding the clock, ensure that you've removed all protective padding. Also, be sure that every component is properly attached. This will secure the chains, pulleys, or tensioners that ensure proper operation. Make sure you hire a licensed mover with correct insurance and truck license when moving high-value items such as grandfather clocks.  


Do not pack the weights together and do not place them inside of the clock’s case to avoid damage.

 

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