How to Pack and Move a Grandfather Clock

Please refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to pack and move your grandfather clock. If you do not have this or cannot access it, the below are general guidelines:

• Ensure all pieces of clock are secure — ensure the clock movement is properly secured to the seatboard and that the seatboard is properly secured to the case.

• Remove weights from clock and label them so that they are put back in their proper location. Not all weights are the same! It is best to use gloves or paper when touching the weights and pendulum. Wrap weights in paper or cloth to prevent them from being damaged during transport. Also remove any loose items such as finials, frets, keys and/or tubular bells.

• Remove the pendulum by unhooking it — typically you can do this by holding the pendulum and very gently, pushing up and bringing it slightly towards you then down. It may also help to hold the leader, then try to unhook it. You can open the side doors (frets) of the grandfather clock or remove the hood (bonnet) to help you visualize this process. The pendulum can be secured to a board for safe transport.

• Once your weights and pendulum are removed, you can tape the chains or cables to the back of the clock case using painter’s tape or rubber bands. This will keep them from moving around during transport.

• If your clock has chime rods, they can be silenced/secured by puncturing them through a sheet of bubble wrap.

• Once all of this is done, you are ready to move your clock. Check it over again to make sure nothing will fall or come apart when you move it! Some older clocks like tall cases do not have the movement secured to the seat board — they just sit on the case. Other clocks have removable hoods (bonnets), finials or side doors (frets). Also ensure the doors are locked too.

We do not offer moving/relocation of grandfather/tall case clocks. Please note, the moving company will pack and move your clock only. They will not tune or attempt to adjust the clock in any way.