How to Pack and Move a Grandfather Clock
How to Pack & Move a Grandfather Clock
General guidance for preparing a grandfather or tall case clock for safe transport.
Please refer to your owner’s manual whenever possible. If you do not have it, the information below offers general packing and moving guidelines.
Use the Owner’s Manual
If you have the original manual, always follow those instructions first.
Remove Loose Parts
Weights, pendulum, keys, finials, frets, and other loose items should be removed and packed safely.
Secure Before Moving
Make sure the movement, seatboard, doors, chains, cables, and other components are secured before transport.
General Packing & Moving Guidelines
These are general recommendations only. Always use caution, and consult your owner’s manual whenever available.
Step 1: Make Sure the Clock Is Secure
Check that all parts of the clock are secure. Make sure the movement is properly attached to the seatboard and that the seatboard itself is properly secured to the case before doing anything else.
Step 2: Remove and Label the Weights
Remove the weights and label them carefully so they can be returned to the correct position later. Not all weights are the same.
It is best to use gloves or paper when handling weights and the pendulum.
Wrap the weights in paper or cloth to help protect them from damage during transport.
Step 3: Remove Other Loose Items
Take out any loose or removable parts such as finials, frets, keys, and tubular bells before the clock is moved.
Step 4: Remove the Pendulum
The pendulum is usually removed by holding it gently, pushing slightly upward, bringing it slightly toward you, and then lowering it off the hook.
In some cases, it helps to hold the leader while unhooking the pendulum. You may also open the side doors or remove the hood / bonnet to better see the process.
Once removed, the pendulum should be secured to a board or otherwise packed carefully for safe transport.
Step 5: Secure Chains or Cables
After the weights and pendulum are removed, tape the chains or cables to the back of the clock case using painter’s tape or rubber bands. This helps keep them from swinging or becoming tangled during transport.
Step 6: Protect Chime Rods
If your clock has chime rods, they can be silenced and protected by carefully placing bubble wrap between them so they are less likely to vibrate or strike during the move.
Step 7: Do a Final Safety Check
Before moving the clock, inspect everything again to make sure nothing will fall, shift, or come apart.
Some older clocks, especially tall case clocks, may not have the movement attached to the seatboard and may simply rest in place inside the case.
Some clocks also have removable hoods, finials, or side doors. Make sure these are removed or secured as needed.
Also confirm that any doors are locked before transport.
Important Moving Notice
The Clock Shop of Richmond does not offer moving or relocation of grandfather or tall case clocks.
Please note that a moving company will pack and move the clock only. They will not tune, regulate, or attempt to adjust the clock in any way.
Need Help Preparing a Grandfather Clock for Moving?
Contact the shop for guidance, service call information, or referrals if you need help preparing your clock before a move.