How to Move a Grandfather Clock

List of items you will need:

1. Scissors

2. Painter’s Tape

3. Packing Tape

4. A Large Blanket

5. Twist Ties

6. Gloves

Now that we have the required items let’s move on to the process:

Step 1: Open the side access window

Find and open the access panel, which is more often than not found on the side of the grandfather clock. Once removed, place it to one side in a safe place.

Step 2: Maintain tension on the cables

The weight holding cables need to be identified and secured in a way to maintain tensions. This can be done with either styrofoam blocks supplied with the clock or using newspaper. If you are using the latter you need to make a dense and tight square roughly two inches in diameter. Once you have made this you will need to hold the square above the weights. The next step is to wind the weights up one at a time until they become jammed against the newspaper square of styrofoam block. By doing this you have prevented the cables from becoming entangled once the weights have been removed.

Step 3: Secure the chain

Get your twist ties to the ready for this next step. If your grandfather clock has a chain mechanism you will need to bring the weights up to the midpoint of the clock. Use the twist ties to secure the chains together. You will want them positioned just below the movement. This will prohibit the chains from being removed from the sprocket. Make sure your twist ties are tight!

Step 4: Remove the weights

Before removing the weights with your gloves on, you’ll want to take note if the clock’s weights are marked left, center and right. If not, take note which one is which and once removed label them for reinstallation later. For grandfather clocks that use chain weights, you will need to secure them by grasping them from the bottom and working your way up to the top, keeping them together along the way. Once removed, carefully wrap them in the newspaper and secure the package with tape.

Step 5: Remove the pendulum

Most pendulums use a hook mechanism to attach it. If this is the case then very carefully move the pendulum slightly upwards to unattach it from the hook. You will next need to secure the pendulum guide so that it cannot freely move during the move. You can do this by stuffing newspaper either side of the mechanism.

Step 6: Reinstall the side access window

You will now want to reattach the access panel and secure it from the inside using tape. Double check that it is secure and that there is no risk of it opening during the move.

Step 7: Wrap the clock

Use a blanket to cover every side of the grandfather clock. It might be helpful to ask for a second pair of hands to secure the blanket with tape as it is being wrapped. Make sure it is secured at the top middle and bottom.

Step 8: Move the clock

Now that all of the above steps have been completed you are ready to move the grandfather clock to its new location. Depending on the age of the clock you will need to move it in a different orientation. If it is an older clock you will need to move it upright to protect the movement. If it is a newer clock then you may also move it with it’s back facing the ground.

If you need any other moving tips, then checkout our ultimate moving house checklist or contact us today!