How to Move a Grandfather Clock
Grandfather clocks are a striking addition to any home. Their intricate craftsmanship is not only elegant, but comforting, reminiscent of an earlier time. Unfortunately, this same artistry also makes them a challenge to move. Their tall, heavy structure is brittle and prone to tipping. Their internal components are also delicate and can be easily damaged without proper precautions. Many homeowners prefer to rely on professional movers for this reason, someone with experience transporting these types of valuable items. However, if you prefer the DIY approach, here is a step-by-step guide on how to move a grandfather clock.
Gather Your Supplies
For the most part, moving a grandfather clock doesn’t require any special packing material. Almost everything you need can be purchased from your local hardware store or moving company.
- Bubble Wrap
- Packing Paper
- Packing Peanuts
- Furniture Blankets
- Cleaning Cloths
- Packing Tape
- Masking Tape
- Twist Ties
- Ziploc Bags, For Screws and Other Small Parts
- Screwdrivers, Philips and Flathead
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Dolly or Hand Truck
One especially important item is cotton gloves. Glass, brass, and wooden surfaces are easily smudged by the natural oils in your skin. Cotton gloves provide a soft, clean barrier that protects your clock’s internal and external components.
Remove Glass Panels
Never move a grandfather clock without disassembling it first. Start by unscrewing the front and side panels. Remove them gingerly and wipe them down with a cleaning cloth before wrapping them in bubble wrap and placing them inside a moving box padded with packing paper or Styrofoam peanuts. Make sure to write “FRAGILE” on both sides after taping it up.
Tie Cables and Chains
Grandfather clocks are powered by weights, which control their chimes, timekeeping, and striking mechanisms. The weights are attached to a series of pulleys by either a chain or cable. As the weights descend, they drive the gears and sprockets that keep the pendulum in motion. To prevent them from tangling, wind them up and secure them with twist ties or masking tape.
Remove the Clock Weights
To prevent the weights from banging against the clock case, remove them one by one. In most cases, the weights are specially crafted and not interchangeable. Each one has to be put back in the exact same position, so label them when you take them out (left, right, center). Like the panels, they should be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper and placed in a padded moving box.
Unhook the Pendulum
Gently reach inside and stop the pendulum by taking hold of the rod. The top of the pendulum is normally attached to a suspension spring with a simple hook. There may be a small pin holding it in place, which you’ll have to remove first before lifting it out of the clock. Wrap the pendulum like the other components and place it in a box as well. Pendulums are around three feet, on average, so make sure you have a box long enough to fit yours.
Wrap the Chime Rods
In a grandfather clock, the chimes are typically located behind the clock face. They’re a set of metal rods or tubes. Though they don’t have to be removed, they tend to ring whenever the clock shifts. To keep them from making noise during the move, you should wrap them in a layer of bubble wrap. Access the chimes through the side panel. Chimes are delicate, so be careful not to wrap them too tightly, just enough to prevent the chime hammers from striking them.
Move the Clock
Once the inner components are secure, close and lock the front door. Then wrap the clock in furniture blankets, secured with packing tape. Grandfather clocks can weigh up to 300 pounds, so never try and move them without at least one other person.
Grandfather clocks should never be stored or transported on their side, either. The top of the clock contains a number of fragile items, such as the suspension spring and the timing mechanism. Laying the clock on its side stresses its components, possibly causing them to bend, snap, or become misaligned. Transport it in an upright position on a dolly. Some grandfather clocks are up to eight feet tall, so it’s always a good idea to measure your doorways to be sure they’ll provide sufficient clearance. Avoid sharp turns and bumps if you can.
Grandfather clocks are too large for an ordinary van, so you’ll need a moving truck with a ramp. Lifting the clock into the cargo bed will be extremely difficult otherwise. Use tiebacks to secure it to the side of the truck, so it won’t topple over while in transit.
Reassemble the Clock
Reassembling a grandfather clock is a straightforward process. Repeat the steps above in reverse order. Unwrap the chimes. Reattach the pendulum. Replace the weights in their original order. Untie the cables or chains and then screw the glass panels back into place. Check each component for dust, dirt, or smudges as you place them back inside. There shouldn’t be any, but if you spot some, wipe them away with a cleaning cloth. Finally, rotate the hands counter clockwise until they’re at the correct time.
Help Moving a Grandfather Clock Long Distance
North American Van Lines is a full service moving company, with the knowledge, resources, and experience to transport your belongings safely to your new home. We understand moves are stressful, which is why we go out of our way to help make them as smooth as possible. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery - there isn’t anything we can’t handle, including grandfather clocks. Our teams work with you to make certain everything is transported and reassembled according to your exact specifications. Make your move simple. Call us today for a free quote!
