Moving A Grandfather Clock

Do All Grandfather Clocks Have to Be Disassembled Before Moving?

Yes, disassembling the clock is essential. Failing to disassemble your grandfather clock before carrying it will likely result in damage.

If you skip disassembly, that will damage your clock’s pendulum or weights. A big part of learning how to move a grandfather clock is proper disassembly for safe transport. While you don’t have to completely take the clock apart, some delicate parts must be removed and packed separately. Take these steps to disassemble your grandfather clock before moving.

1. Remove the Side Panels

If your clock’s side panels are removable, it’s best to pack them separately. Remove the side panels by sliding them up and inside the clock case. Tilt to remove and set them aside for packing.

2. Remove and Label the Clock Weights

While wearing gloves, carefully unhook each weight, and inspect the bottom to see if it’s labeled. If weights aren’t labeled, you must label each one (L, C, and R, for left, center, and right, respectively, is sufficient) for correct reassembly.

3. Protect Any Cables or Chains

Your clock’s moving parts are controlled by cables or chains. If your clock is cable driven, insert several pieces of folded moving paper against the pulleys and wind the clock weights all the way to the top of the clock. For a chain-driven clock, wind up the weights halfway and insert cable ties below the sprocket of each set of chains. Fix the ties in place. The object of doing this is to keep the cable or chain tight against the bracket holding the movement.

4. Remove the Pendulum

The side panel of the clock is used to access the pendulum guide. Use one hand to grip the pendulum guide from the side panel and the other hand through the front door to gently unhook the pendulum from the front. Avoid using excess force while unhooking the pendulum. After setting the pendulum safely aside for packing, secure the guide by wrapping it with several sheets of protective material like soft packing paper and securing it with tape or rubber bands.

5. Protect the Chime Rods

Chime rods are fragile items. They’re also hard to replace. To avoid breakage, position small pieces of bubble wrap between the chime rods and secure with tape.

6. Pack and Protect Your Grandfather Clock

It’s essential to learn proper packing techniques when determining how to move a grandfather clock. Each part of your grandfather clock needs to be carefully packed and protected against vibration and damage during travel.

It’s essential to learn proper packing techniques when determining how to move a grandfather clock. Each part of your grandfather clock needs to be carefully packed and protected against vibration and damage during travel.

Individually wrap the pendulum and weights in packing paper, then wrap them in thick moving blankets. Secure the bundles with tape before placing them into sturdy packing boxes of the right dimensions. Use masking tape to affix thick cardboard pieces over the glass panels in your clock. Consider adding bubble wrap for an extra layer of protection, especially if you’re moving it a long distance.

After securely packing all the moving parts, you must wrap the entire body of the clock. Use moving blankets to wrap the entire body of the clock without leaving any areas unprotected. Secure the furniture blankets with packing tape. Be sure to avoid allowing the packing tape to touch the clock’s surface as it could damage the clock’s delicate finish.

7. Unload and Reassemble the Grandfather Clock

When you have moved the clock to its new location, reassemble it in the opposite fashion as the disassembly process. As you install the glass components, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges. After assembly is complete, wind the clock and start it using the pendulum.