How to Move a Grandfather Clock Safely: A Comprehensive Guide

The stately grandfather clock, with its timeless elegance and resonant tick-tock, is more than just a timekeeping device; it’s often a cherished family heirloom, a symbol of heritage passed down through generations. However, the thought of moving such a large, intricate, and delicate piece can be daunting. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or simply rearranging your living space, the task requires careful planning and execution. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to safely moving a grandfather clock, ensuring its safe journey and continued legacy, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or considering professional assistance. The key themes we’ll cover are disassembly, meticulous protection, careful handling, secure transport, and precise reassembly.

Understanding Your Grandfather Clock

Before attempting to move your clock, it’s essential to understand its mechanics and structure. Grandfather clocks, also known as longcase or tall-case clocks, are freestanding timepieces that feature a weight-driven pendulum.

• Types of Grandfather Clocks: There are primarily two types of movements:
  • Eight-day movement: These clocks require winding once a week and are typically driven by two weights. Most modern grandfather clocks use this movement.
  • One-day (30-hour) movement: These clocks need to be wound daily and usually have only one weight, which drives both the timekeeping and striking mechanisms.
• Key Components: Familiarizing yourself with these parts will help you understand the disassembly process:
  • Pendulum: Regulates the timekeeping.
  • Weights: Provide power to the clock, hung from the escapement using cables or chains.
  • Chains or Cables: Connect the weights to the clock’s mechanism.
  • Clock Face: Displays the time.
  • Hood or Bonnet: The case that houses the clock mechanism and clock face.
  • Chimes: Produce musical sequences using a series of hammers and rods.
• The “Tick-Tock” Legacy: Before the 20th century, pendulum clocks were the most precise timekeeping devices available and often served as the time standard for homes and businesses.
• Inspection: Before you begin moving, it’s vital to conduct a thorough inspection. Look for:
  • Cracks, loose parts, or missing screws
  • Damage to the glass panels
  • Any existing issues with the clock’s mechanism
  • Take photos of any pre-existing damage for insurance purposes
  • Note any fragile areas that could complicate the move

Preparation: Tools and Supplies

Gathering the necessary tools and supplies is crucial for a smooth and safe move. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Gloves: Cotton or soft cloth gloves to protect delicate parts.
• Protective Materials: Bubble wrap, packing paper, and moving blankets.
• Packing Tape: To secure wrapping materials and boxes.
• Heavy-Duty Dolly or Hand Truck: For moving the clock’s body.
• Moving Straps: To secure the clock to the dolly and in the truck.
• Moving Boxes: Various sizes for different components, including a large grandfather clock box, if available.
• Scissors: For cutting tape and packing materials.
• Permanent Marker or Label Maker: For labeling parts and boxes.
• Cable Ties: To secure chains.
• Cardboard: For added protection of glass and edges.
• Cleaning Cloths: For wiping down the clock after the move.
• Moving Truck with Loading Ramp: Necessary for upright transport.
• Twist Ties or Elastic Bands: To secure cables or chains.
• A Long Piece of Laminate: For protecting and moving the pendulum
• Optional: Foam pieces or slack wrap peanut crumbs for extra support.

DIY Packing Material Options: If you don’t have access to professional packing materials, you can use household items. For example:
* Old newspapers or magazines can be used instead of packing paper.
* Towels, blankets, or clothing can be used in place of moving blankets and bubble wrap.
* Cardboard from old boxes can provide extra protection for glass and edges.

Step-by-Step Guide: Disassembling Your Grandfather Clock

It is critical that you disassemble the clock. Attempting to move it without taking it apart first can cause significant damage to the clock and its intricate mechanisms.

• Stop the Pendulum: Gently stop the pendulum from swinging to prevent any damage.
• Secure Chains or Cables: Depending on your clock’s mechanism:
  • Cable-Driven: Reach inside the side panel and gently wind the weights almost to the top. Insert folded packing paper or foam above each pulley to secure the cables in place. The cable should be tight when you try to move a weight.
  • Chain-Driven: Wind the weights three-quarters of the way up, but no more, as this could damage the sprockets. Secure the chains with cable ties below each sprocket.
• Remove the Weights:
  • Label each weight with its position (left, center, right) using masking tape and a permanent marker.
  • Carefully unhook the weights from the pulleys or chains.
  • Individually wrap each weight in bubble wrap, packing paper, or moving blankets.
  • Place the wrapped weights in a secure moving box.
• Remove the Pendulum:
  • Gently unhook the pendulum from the pendulum guide at the top of the clock.
  • Wrap the pendulum carefully in bubble wrap or packing paper.
  • Important Note: The pendulum should be moved horizontally to avoid damage. Place on top of a piece of laminate and secure it with packing paper and tape to hold it in place.
  • Wrap the pendulum guide with packing paper and secure it with tape.
• Secure Chime Rods and Hammers: Use foam, bubble wrap, or cardboard to hold the chime rods and hammers in place, preventing them from moving during transport. This will help protect the striking mechanism.
• Remove Glass Panels, Shelves and Ornaments: If possible, carefully remove any glass panels, shelves, or decorative ornaments.
  • Wrap each piece separately with bubble wrap.
  • Place them in a moving box and label it “fragile”.
• Remove the Top of the Clock: If the top (hood or bonnet) of the clock is removable, carefully take it off, usually by sliding it forward.
  • Wrap it with bubble wrap and place it in a separate moving box.
  • Wrap the clock face with a protective cover or cloth.

Packing the Clock Body

• Initial Protection: Reinstall the front and side glass panels, if you removed them.
• Protect the Glass: Use cardboard cutouts or bubble wrap to cover the glass panels, securing them with masking tape. This will prevent any direct contact with other materials and protect the glass from scratches.
• Wrapping the Clock:
  • Wrap the entire clock body with moving blankets, securing them with packing tape.
  • For extra protection, slide a large, open-ended moving box over the clock.
  • If using a custom crate, ensure the clock is held snugly in place with fitted styrofoam or other cushioning material.

Moving Your Grandfather Clock

• Enlist Help: Do not attempt to move a grandfather clock by yourself. They are heavy and bulky. Have at least one, preferably two, people to help.
• Use a Dolly: With assistance, tilt the clock backward slightly to slide it onto the dolly.
• Upright Position: Always keep the clock upright during transport. Never lay it on its side or front, as this can damage its mechanisms.
• Secure the Clock: Secure the clock to the dolly using moving straps to prevent it from moving or tipping during transit.
• Loading and Unloading: Use the ramp to carefully load the clock onto the moving truck and then, upon arrival, unload it again, making sure it is in an upright position. When loading, have two people push from the bottom while one guides it at the top.

Reassembling and Setting Up Your Grandfather Clock

• Careful Unpacking: Unpack the clock components carefully, making sure not to damage any of the parts.
• Reassembly Instructions: Follow the disassembly steps in reverse to reassemble your clock:
  • Place the body of the clock in its new location.
  • Reattach the pendulum.
  • Hang the weights in their correct positions, using the labels you made earlier.
  • Remove any packing material inside the clock and from the chime rods.
  • Replace the glass panels, shelves, and decorative elements.
• Leveling the Clock: Use the clock’s leveling feet to ensure it’s standing straight and stable. A level clock is critical for the proper operation of the pendulum.
• Starting the Clock: Gently start the pendulum swinging. Set the time by slowly moving the minute hand clockwise.
• Calibration: Monitor the clock’s timekeeping over a couple of days, and make any necessary adjustments by turning the nut at the bottom of the pendulum rod to fine-tune its accuracy. Turning it clockwise makes the clock run faster; turning it counterclockwise will slow it down.
• Post-Move Inspection: Once the clock is fully reassembled, inspect the clock again for any damage that might have occurred during the move.

Hiring Professional Movers

Moving a grandfather clock can be a challenging task, and sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Consider hiring professional movers if:
* Your clock is valuable, antique, or particularly fragile.
* You are moving long distance.
* You lack the experience or physical capacity to move heavy objects safely.

• Types of Professional Movers:
  • General movers Many moving companies are trained to handle fragile items, but they might not have specific experience with grandfather clocks.
  • Specialty clock movers: These movers have the specific experience and equipment to safely move grandfather clocks.
  • Piano movers: Some piano movers may also have experience moving grandfather clocks.
• Questions to Ask: When contacting moving companies, ask:
  • Do they have experience moving grandfather clocks?
  • Are they licensed and insured?
  • What packing materials do they use?
  • Do they use air-ride trucks for long-distance moves to minimize jostling?
• Cost of Professional Movers: The cost to move a grandfather clock professionally can vary based on distance, size, age and value of the clock. Generally:
  • Local moves can range from $400 to $1,250.
  • Long-distance moves can average $1,250 to $4,890.
• Peer-to-Peer Shipping: This option can be more affordable for long-distance moves, but it involves risks. You may not be working with professionals, and there is no guarantee of expertise or experience. It is best to consider this option only for less valuable or newer grandfather clocks.
• Consolidated Freight Shipping: For long-distance moves, consolidated freight is often the safest way to ship a grandfather clock. With this method, your clock shares space on a truck with other shipments, and the service is usually provided by licensed and insured professionals, some specializing in transporting antique or grandfather clocks.

DIY Solutions and Hacks

If you are moving your clock yourself, there are several ways to reduce risk and keep your costs down:
* Alternative Packing Materials: Use household items as alternatives to traditional packing supplies, as discussed in the “Preparation” section above.
* Creating DIY Padding: If you don’t have bubble wrap, you can use crumpled newspapers, old towels, or clothing to create padding. Wrap these items around fragile parts and secure them with tape.

Special Considerations

• Environmental Factors: Temperature and humidity can affect the clock’s wood and mechanisms. Avoid storing the clock in extremely hot, cold, or humid environments, as this may cause damage. Keep the clock away from direct sunlight.
• Long-Term Storage: If storing a grandfather clock for an extended period:
  • Wrap the clock in moving blankets and store it in a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage from humidity and temperature changes.
  • Remove the weights and pendulum and store them separately in a safe place, as these components can get damaged if not properly stored.

Troubleshooting

After moving your grandfather clock, you might encounter some common issues:
* The clock is not chiming: Check that the chime rods are not touching and that they can move freely.
* The clock is not keeping accurate time: Ensure the clock is level and the pendulum is swinging freely. Minor adjustments to the pendulum may be required.
* The pendulum is not swinging properly: Check that it is correctly attached to the pendulum guide and that there is nothing obstructing its movement.

If you are unable to resolve these issues yourself, consider consulting a professional clock repair technician.

Insurance and Liability

• Importance of Insurance: It is essential to have insurance coverage for valuable items like grandfather clocks during a move. Damage can occur during transit, even if you are extremely careful.
• Types of Coverage:
  • Basic Moving Insurance: Most moving companies include some basic moving insurance.
  • Additional Insurance: For valuable or antique grandfather clocks, consider purchasing additional coverage to protect against loss or damage.
• Claims Process: If damage occurs during the move, contact the moving company and file a claim as soon as possible. Provide detailed documentation of the damage along with photos.

Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Moving a grandfather clock often comes with its own set of unique challenges and stories. One person recounted how they successfully moved their antique clock across state lines, only to discover that it wouldn’t chime in its new home, which required the assistance of a local clock repair expert. Another shared how they learned the hard way the importance of marking each weight, leading to an afternoon of trial-and-error to get the clock running again. These stories, both successful and unsuccessful, underscore the need for preparation, caution, and attention to detail when moving a grandfather clock.

Conclusion

Moving a grandfather clock requires patience, preparation, and a meticulous approach. By following these steps, you can ensure that your treasured heirloom arrives safely at its new destination. Whether you decide to undertake the move yourself or hire professionals, taking the time to properly disassemble, pack, move, and reassemble your clock will preserve its beauty and legacy for generations to come. Remember to always keep the clock upright, use the proper tools and techniques, and when in doubt, seek expert help.