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Tips To Help You Move A Grandfather Clock

6 June 2016 by David Diaz

If you have a great deal of collectibles and antiques in your home and you need to move, then you may be very concerned about all of your precious things making it from one home to the next. If you have a grandfather clock, then you are right to be concerned. Your clock may be worth as much as $13,000 depending on the condition, features, and age of the clock. To help preserve your investment, follow the tips below.

Remove The Weights Immediately

Before you even move your grandfather clock to the other side of your living room or bedroom, you will need to remove the weights and pendulum from the clock. You will see three different weights, and each weight has its own function. The one on the right powers the chime, while the left powers the strike of the hour hand. The middle weight allows the pendulum to move. All three weights are heavy, and they fall from the top to the bottom of the clock after it has been wound. Each weight is usually slightly different from the others. Open the doors of the grandfather clock and label each weight. Label them left, middle, and right so they can be returned to the appropriate spot after the clock has been moved. 

Since the weights power the clock, the clock will stop working when the weights are removed. Removal of the weights must occur first for a variety of reasons. If the weights are able to swing, they can very easily damage the inside of the clock. Also, the weights can place extra stress on the small chains that are attached to them. This can break to the clock parts or movements, which may cause irreparable damage.

Weights can be removed and wrapped in blankets. However, you will want to place some cotton gloves on your hands before releasing them from the small internal chains and hooks. Most grandfather clocks will have brass weights. Brass can start to form tarnish if the metal is exposed to the oils on your hands. The pendulum can be removed from the clock at the same time as the weights.

Inspect The Movement

You can lay your grandfather clock down flat when moving it. This is often wise, because many of the clocks are over six feet tall. This means that they can tip easily. This is especially true since the clock will be top heavy once the weights and pendulum have been removed. However, you cannot simply lay down the clock without investigating the movement. Most grandfather clocks will have either wooden or glass sides on the right and left of the clock. This allows you to access the chime and movement area of the clock. Release these small panels. 

Look behind the clock for a small hammer and a number of metal chime rods. Usually, the hammer will sit just behind the rods, so it can strike them when the clock chimes. The chime rods can be knocked out of place fairly easily. This can cause a chiming issue and it can also damage the delicate movement clock pieces as well as the hammer. To prevent this from occurring, look for a small metal bar that can be slid down against the chimes. This bar will secure the chimes in place. 

If the clock panels are made from wood, then replace them. If they are glass, then keep them out of the clock. The panels can be wrapped in blankets. Make sure to inspect the door of the clock as well. If it is made of glass, then remove it and wrap it separately if you can. If not, then gently place a blanket behind the door to cushion it. Afterwards, the clock can be laid flat and wrapped in its own blanket or secured in a crate or large box. Just make sure to place a good deal of cushioning around it. For more help with your move, contact local moving professionals for assistance.

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