Pro Mover’s Tricks: How to Move a Grandfather Clock Safely

Pro Mover’s Tricks: How to Move a Grandfather Clock Safely!

If you’re moving a grandfather clock to any other location, your every step would require careful planning and execution. Considering its hefty size and multiple components, you should first familiarize yourself with the entire process. After all, one wrong move can damage something invaluable.

That said, let’s explore this guide about how to move a grandfather clock safely so it keeps functioning smoothly in its new setting. Keep on scrolling down below!

Things to Remember When Moving a Grandfather Clock

Here are a few things that you must remember for secure transit of a grandfather clock:

• Moving Checklist: Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials needed for packing and moving the clock. Also, confirm the availability of a vehicle or a moving service that can accommodate your grandfather clock according to its size.
• Condition of the Clock: Inspect your clock for any broken parts or issues with its structure. If found, repair the damages before transportation to avoid further complications. 
• Measure the Dimensions: Take measurements of the clock’s height, width, and depth. Simultaneously, measure the doorways, staircases, and hallways in both your current and new locations to ensure the clock will pass through them easily. 
• Upright Transportation: Always transport the clock in an upright position to avoid disrupting its mechanism. Also, use straps to secure it against movement inside the truck.
• Unpacking and Setup: Once at your new location, carefully unpack the clock and wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust before reassembling it. Consider having a professional clockmaker adjust and set it up to ensure it’s in perfect working condition.

How to Move a Grandfather Clock Safely: A Comprehensive Guide

Let’s explore the step-by-step process for moving a grandfather clock so it reaches your new residence in a top-notch condition:

Materials Required

Your toolkit must have the following items to transport a grandfather clock safely:

• Moving blankets
• Pulleys
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Straps or ropes 
• Gloves
• Labeling materials 
• Moving truck 

Steps

The following steps on how to move a grandfather clock will help you execute the entire process with precision:

1. Rent a Small Box Truck

You’d require a vehicle to transport your grandfather clock to any other location. A modest-sized box truck with a loading ramp is a good choice for this purpose. 

However, make sure you compare quotes from different providers when selecting a rental company. This will help you identify the most cost-effective option and make an informed decision. 

2. Look for a Helping Hand

Since grandfather clocks weigh heavy, it is advisable to ask for help from your friends or family to manage everything effectively. 

In case, no personal assistance is available, you should consider professional help. There are many moving companies that offer practical solutions, like hourly labor-only movers. 

3. Get Familiar with the Grandfather Clock

Although different varieties of grandfather clocks exist, their basic mechanism and structure are similar. Thus, you must get familiar with all its components before planning a move. These include:

• Pendulum: Oscillating back and forth, it plays a crucial role in the clock’s timekeeping mechanism. The pendulum guide supports its movement. 
• Hanging Weights: These are typically three in number and provide the power for the clock mechanism. A set of chains or cables supports and lowers these weights, functioning similarly as a pulley.
• Glass Side Panels: Positioned at the clock’s top section, these enhance the grandfather clock’s visual appeal. Moreover, the glass panels also provide visibility into the clock’s inner workings. 
• Glass Front Panel: The front panel also allows a view of the clock’s internal mechanism, adding to its aesthetic and functional design.

4. Disassemble the Clock’s Parts

When thinking about how to move a grandfather clock, always plan to disassemble its detachable parts like glass panels, clock hands, etc. Also, wear gloves for safe removal. 

To transport these components, bubble wrap them properly and shield them with additional padding. Moreover, it’s crucial to place them in a box marked as ‘fragile’ to alert movers of their delicate nature. 

5. Secure Tie Cables or Chains

After you remove the weights, the cables or chains may get tangled while moving the clock. To prevent this, reach inside the clock through the side and wind the weights almost all the way up. Then, hold the ends of the cables or chains together and secure them using packing tape or a twist tie. 

6. Remove Weights

Once you tie the chains, remove the weights one after another. You must bubble wrap them for added protection during transit. It’s also important to label each weight according to its location inside the clock so you can reassemble it without any issues. 

While weights usually don’t detach during transportation, they may still swing inside and damage other parts of the clock. Thus, it’s highly recommended to remove them. 

7. Remove Pendulum

Removing the pendulum requires you to first stop its back-and-forth movement by holding it gently. Then, unhook it from the guide at the top and wrap it in a bubble wrap in such a way that its every part is fully cushioned against impacts. 

Finally, place the pendulum in a moving box and reinforce the box’s bottom with extra padding. 

8. Secure Chime Rods and Hammers

You must also secure the chime rods or hammers of your grandfather clock, if any, to prevent them from making noise while moving. Using foam pieces or bubble wrap to cover these components will keep them from touching each other and producing sound.

9. Remove the Clock’s Hood

Remember to remove the clock’s hood and use a moving blanket to wrap it. This helps protect it from getting scratched or damaged. Afterward, cover the clock’s face with bubble wrap as well and tape it from all sides. 

10. Load the Clock onto the Truck

Finally, wrap the body of your grandfather clock in a moving blanket. For enhanced protection, you can use a large box that’s open on both ends. Slide it over the top part of the clock until it covers the middle. This will protect your grandfather clock from all sides. 

To load the clock onto the truck, put a dolly under it and tilt it a little bit backward. You can ask someone else to hold the clock from the back while you steer the dolly and guide the clock from the front. Then, carefully roll it to the moving truck through the ramp. 

Once the clock is inside the truck, fasten it to the sides with straps or ropes, and it’s ready to be transported to your desired location.

Own a Piece of History: Explore Classic Grandfather Clocks at Old Time Chimes

If you are looking to add a touch of timeless elegance to your home, Old Time Chimes can be your next stop. You can choose from our extensive selection of grandfather clocks, each offering a unique style from classic to modern designs to complement your home’s aesthetics.

Get in touch with us now to get your custom grandfather clock made with solid wood and premium craftsmanship!