Grandfather Clock is an old classic clock which is a tall, free-standing clock with a pendulum and a long case. According to reports of Britannica.com, the name “grandfather clock” came from a popular song called “grandfather’s clock”.
This song was written by Henry Clay work in 1876 and gained attention. The first clocks had a classic design but many styles became popular over time. Therefore, the information for How to Safely Move Your Grandfather Clock is provided below for you in this article.
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Guide Before Safely Moving Your Grandfather Clock
Grandfather clock becomes necessary to move when you want to take it to another location. Some important things should be kept to do if you want to do this work by yourself. Here, you will find the guide Before Moving Your Grandfather Clock.
- Use a Large Vehicle: A large vehicle or truck is needed to move the clock because it’s big and fragile. Never use a car as it’s too small and can lead to damage.
- Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling the clock’s fragile parts like the pendulum, weights, and inner workings. This prevents damage and keeps the clock clean.
- Gather Your Moving Supplies: You need to Collect all the necessary tools and materials before starting. You will need moving blankets, bubble wrap, padding, and gloves to protect the clock during the move.
- Get Help: Grandfather clocks can weigh up to 300 pounds. So, if you have a friend or another person to help is important. Moving it alone can be difficult and risky.
Tools And Supplies Needed To Safely Move Your Grandfather Clock?
The proper collection of tools and supplies makes the work easier. Therefore, this will be useful and helpful for you to safely move your grandfather clock as provided below.
| Items | Description |
| Screwdriver | To remove any screws if needed, especially for securing parts. |
| Bubble Wrap | To wrap delicate parts like the pendulum and weights to prevent damage. |
| Blankets | To cover and protect the clock during transport. |
| Level | To ensure the clock is sitting evenly after it’s been moved to its new location. |
10 Steps On How To Safely Move Your Grandfather Clock: You Need To Easily!
Moving a grandfather clock can be tricky because it’s big and fragile. But, you don’t have to look in searching for them all through online. Therefore, we have provided below on How to Safely Move Your Grandfather Clock.
1. Stop the Pendulum
The right steps should be taken to move your grandfather clock. The first thing you should do is stop the pendulum which is the swinging rod inside the clock that keeps it ticking. Therefore, this will make the clock stop running which makes it safe to move without risking any damage to the internal parts.
Stopping the pendulum is simple. You can open the door of the clock to gently reach inside and stop it with your hand. This step is important because if the pendulum keeps moving while you are moving the clock then it could damage the clock’s internal mechanisms.
2. Wind Up The Weights
The next step is to wind the weights up which are often attached to a pulley system. These clocks usually have weights hanging inside, which helps the clockwork. Therefore, you need to wind the pulley up which helps to wrap the cords on the appropriate spools.
This will keep the weights secure during the move. Winding the weights up also prevents the cords from getting loose or tangled when you’re moving the clock. If the cords come loose then it could be difficult to fix them later. Make sure the weights are wound all the way up before moving on to the next step.
3. Remove The Hood
The hood is the top part of the clock that covers the clock face and the internal mechanisms. To move your clock safely, you will need to remove this hood. Therefore, you need to be careful when doing this because the hood will slide off in one piece.
If your clock has decorations on top, such as finials then check that they are attached securely and don’t loose to fall. Removing the hood may require two people, as it can be a bit tricky.
Slowly slide the hood off, ensuring it doesn’t catch back on anything. Once the hood is removed, place it gently on a safe surface. This will allow you to access the inner parts of the clock for the next steps.
4. Take Out The Weights
Now, it’s time to remove the weights from the clock. Before you take them out, check if the weights are marked “left” and “right.” Therefore, This is important because the weights look similar as they’re not the same weight.
One usually drives the clock mechanism itself and another drives the strike mechanism. If you put them on the opposite sides during reassembly then the clock won’t function properly.
So, carefully take the weights out and place them aside. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the cords or the weights themselves. Removing the weights also helps reduce the overall weight of the clock, making it easier and safer to move.
5. Secure The Cords
After removing the weights, you’ll need to secure the cords that the weights were hanging from. If the cords get loose during the move then they can become tangled. Therefore, this will make it difficult to set the clock up again later.
To avoid this, use some tape to hold the cords in place on the spools. Taping the cords will ensure they don’t move or unwind while the clock is being transported. This small step can save you from having to untangle or fix the cords once you arrive at the new location. It’s a simple but important task to keep everything in order.
6. Remove The Pendulum
The pendulum is the long metal rod that swings back and forth inside the clock. To move the clock safely, you’ll need to remove the pendulum. Therefore, the pendulum is attached to a small metal wire called the crutch.
The crutch connects it to the clock’s inner workings. Gently lift the pendulum up, making sure not to bend the crutch or the thin spring attached to the pendulum. This step requires extra care because the pendulum is delicate and can easily bend or break.
Once you’ve removed the pendulum, set it aside carefully. It’s important to keep the pendulum safe because any damage could affect how the clock works later.
7. Wrap The Clock Parts
Before moving the clock, it’s important to wrap all the separate parts securely. The hood, weights, and pendulum should all be wrapped in soft materials like bubble wrap or cloth. Therefore, this will help to protect them from scratches or damage.
The clock itself should also be covered to prevent any bumps or dents during the move. When wrapping the clock parts, make sure each piece is cushioned well, especially if the move involves a long journey.
You don’t want anything to get chipped or broken. Wrapping the parts properly will ensure that everything stays in good condition and is ready to be reassembled at the new location.
8. Move The Clock
Now that everything is prepared, you can move the clock to its new location. Since grandfather clocks can be heavy and fragile, it’s a good idea to have help from another person. Therefore, Carefully lift the clock and the wrapped parts, and transport them in a truck or car.
Make sure the clock is securely placed during transport to avoid any shaking or bumps. If you’re moving the clock a short distance, such as across town, this should be relatively simple.
For longer moves, you may need extra precautions like a crate for added protection. Always ensure the clock is secure and not in danger of tipping over during the move.
9. Reassemble At The New Location
Once the clock is safely at its new location, it’s time to put everything back together. Start by placing the pendulum back into its place. Therefore, Make sure the crutch is aligned correctly and that the pendulum is hanging freely.
You need to reattach the weights in the correct positions, based on their left and right labels. After the pendulum and weights are in place, slide the hood back onto the top of the clock.
Be gentle and ensure it fits properly. Now, your clock should be fully assembled, and you can check to see if it’s working by starting the pendulum again.
10. Final Touches
After putting the clock back together, make sure it’s sitting level. You can use a small level to make adjustments under the base. Therefore, start the pendulum, and the clock ticks if you’ve done it right.
The final step is to keep the winding and locking keys in a safe place. Label or store them with other important items. This makes it easy to find when you need to wind or maintain the clock.
How Can You Maintain Your Grandfather’s Clock
To keep your grandfather clock working well for years, place it in a safe spot away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Make sure it sits on a level surface. Therefore, If it’s not level then you can use wood shims or adjust the feet to fix it.
Regular winding is essential for keeping your clock running smoothly. Wind eight-day clocks once a week and 30-hour clocks every day. Avoid winding the clock within five minutes of the hour when it strikes or chimes to keep it accurate.
To clean your clock, use a soft cloth with furniture polish for the wood parts. For the glass, use a non-ammonia cleaner on a cloth and avoid touching the dial, weights, or pendulum. Don’t use cleaners on the internal parts like the dial or pendulum as just use a soft brush to remove dust.
Lastly, you can also do oiling and servicing by a professional every few years. Your clock needs to be oiled every three years with synthetic clock oil, and the movement should be cleaned every 10 years. This keeps your grandfather clock in top condition and can be enjoyed for generations.
What Are Some Interesting Facts About Grandfather Clocks?
Grandfather clocks are tall, old-fashioned timepieces that were once popular in many homes. They have a long pendulum and a beautiful clock face. These clocks are seen as vintage treasures, admired for their mechanical design and craftsmanship.
The pendulum is the key part of a grandfather clock. It was Invented in 1656 which helped clocks keep very accurate time. Pendulum clocks were the most accurate until the 1930s. The pendulum isn’t just for decoration as it’s the heart of the clock’s.
Grandfather clocks work by using a weight attached to gears inside. Gravity pulls the weight down, which turns the gears and moves the clock’s hands. When the weight reaches the bottom then the clock stops. So, it needs to be wound regularly by pulling the weight back up.
Grandfather clocks are valued for their simple, strong design. Unlike digital clocks, they can be easily repaired and last a long time, with some working for hundreds of years. People love them for their historical and engineering significance.
Wrap Up On How to Safely Move Your Grandfather Clock
The steps told to move your grandfather’s Clock in this article can help you to easily do without any problem. Therefore, you should go through each of the sections carefully to understand much more about the steps to do it.
Moving a grandfather clock safely requires care and attention to detail. Some steps might differ from models. Lastly, you can ensure your clock stays in good condition during the move from one place to another.
Also, we hope this article helped find How to Move Your Grandfather Clock Safely. So, you must visit our website for more such updates. You can comment below on this article in the comments section for any doubts related to the topic.
FAQ: How to Safely Move Your Grandfather’s Clock
Most people while looking through Grandfather Clock also have some questions related to it. This is the reason we have provided some important questions along with their answers related to the topic in this section.
Q1. Do the grandfather clocks require oiling?
Ans: Yes, grandfather clocks need oiling as the moving parts can dry out over time. A small amount of oil on the parts is enough to maintain the clock which helps them run smoothly. Therefore, you need to do regular oiling as it is important especially if the clock is old.
Q2. How long will the grandfather clock last?
Ans: The long a grandfather clock can last can’t be told accurately. These clocks are generally made to last for many years. Therefore, the grandfather clock life depends on care and maintenance by the owner.
Q3. Do people today still buy grandfather clocks?
Ans: Yes, grandfather clocks are still bought as they are loved for their classic look and special chimes. They still hold a special place in history and for antique lovers. Therefore, this makes them a popular choice for adding charm to a home.
