How to move a grandfather clock?

Moving a Grandfather Clock: A Practical Guide

A grandfather clock is not just a timepiece; it is often a cherished antique and a substantial piece of furniture. Moving one requires careful preparation and execution to prevent damage to its intricate mechanism and wooden case. This guide outlines the best practices for both private owners and removals professionals.

Essential Tools and Materials

• Soft gloves (for handling internal mechanisms)
• Bubble wrap or moving blankets
• Strong packing tape (low residue preferred for external use, not directly on wood)
• Shrink wrap or plastic film
• Cardboard sheets or robust corrugated cardboard
• Padding material (foam, crumpled paper)
• Sack truck or furniture dolly with appropriate straps
• A sturdy lorry or van with securing points
• At least two people for lifting

Preparing the Clock for Transit

The internal components of a grandfather clock are highly sensitive. Proper preparation is paramount.

1. Stop the Clock and Remove Components

• Stop the mechanism: Gently stop the pendulum from swinging. Ensure the clock is not wound before moving. If it has a chime, deactivate it if possible.
• Remove weights: Note their positions if they are not labelled. Lift them carefully and place them into a sturdy box, individually wrapped in bubble wrap or moving blankets. Label the box clearly, "CLOCK WEIGHTS - HEAVY".
• Remove the pendulum: Unhook the pendulum carefully from its hanger. Wrap it securely in bubble wrap or a moving blanket and place it in a separate, clearly labelled box. Never leave the pendulum or weights inside the clock during a move.

2. Secure Internal Mechanisms

The hammer wires and chime rods inside the clock are delicate. A common oversight is failing to secure these.

• Secure chimes and hammers: Use foam padding or soft cloths to gently brace the chime rods and hammer wires, preventing them from moving or striking each other during transit. Blue painter's tape can be used to lightly secure internal components, but always test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not damage surfaces. Some professionals use rubber bands to hold hammers in place.

3. Protect the Case and Hood

The wooden case is vulnerable to scratches and impact.

• Secure the hood/bonnet: If the hood is removable, lift it off and wrap it separately. For integrated hoods or cases, ensure any glass panels are protected.
• Glass protection: Place cardboard sheets over all glass panels and secure them with painter's tape, ensuring no tape touches the wood directly. Alternatively, use cling film to wrap the entire clock, holding the cardboard in place. This also helps keep doors closed.
• Wrap the entire case: Cover the clock thoroughly with moving blankets, securing them with shrink wrap or tape that does not adhere to the wood. Corners and edges require extra padding. Treating it similarly to other delicate and valuable items helps ensure its safety.

Moving the Grandfather Clock

Moving the clock requires a team and proper lifting techniques.

1. Lifting and Carrying

• Two-person lift: Always use at least two people. Position one person at the top and one at the bottom. Lift with the legs, keeping the back straight. Avoid twisting.
• Use a sack truck/dolly: For longer distances, carefully tilt the clock onto a sack truck or furniture dolly. Secure it with straps. Ensure the clock remains upright as much as possible, or slightly tilted backwards against the dolly for stability, but never forwards.
• Manoeuvring: Navigate doorways and hallways slowly. Pad doorframes if necessary to prevent scrapes. For stairs, it is highly advisable to use professional movers due to the clock's weight and fragility.

2. Loading and Securing in the Lorry

• Upright position: The clock should ideally be transported in an upright position. If this is not possible due to height restrictions, it can be transported on its back, never on its front or side.
• Padding: Place thick moving blankets or foam padding underneath and around the clock to absorb shocks.
• Securing: Use robust straps or tie-downs to secure the clock firmly to the lorry walls. Prevent any movement during transit. Ensure the straps are tight but not so tight they damage the case. Consider what appropriate insurance coverage is in place for such valuable items.
• Isolation: Position the clock away from other heavy or loose items that could shift and cause damage.

Upon Arrival and Setup

Once at the new property, carefully reverse the moving process.

• Unload carefully: Use the same two-person lifting technique and dolly for unloading and placing the clock in its final spot.
• Unwrap and reassemble: Remove all packing materials. Reinstall the pendulum and weights in their correct order. Avoid touching internal mechanisms with bare hands if possible, as oils can affect them.
• Level the clock: Use a spirit level to ensure the clock is perfectly level. This is critical for the pendulum to swing freely and the clock to keep accurate time.
• Professional setup: For antique or particularly valuable clocks, or if unsure, consider engaging a specialist clockmaker to reassemble and calibrate the mechanism. This is especially wise for a complex chiming movement.

Additional Considerations

• Professional Assistance: For extremely valuable, antique, or particularly large grandfather clocks, engaging a professional removals company with experience in moving specialty items is often the safest option. They possess the specific equipment and expertise.
• Timing: Factor in extra time for the careful preparation and handling of the clock as part of your overall moving checklist.
• Climate Control: If the clock is going into storage, ensure the facility offers climate-controlled storage to protect the wood and mechanism from humidity and temperature fluctuations.