Comments on: How to move a grandfather clock safely

By: Grant

Grant — Sun, 15 May 2022 13:51:40 +0000

We are moving a clock only 2-3 miles is it safe to lay down? The clock is at least 40 yrs old

By: Cinda Terral

Cinda Terral — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:36:55 +0000

I am moving an older clock only 25 miles. Just wondering if it’s safe to lie it down since it’s a short distance.

By: Tony Edwards

Tony Edwards — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:29:17 +0000

I buy normaly chain drive repro longcase cloks on Ebay sometimes the weights have been wound up to the highest position :-(…. then the weights cannot be lifted off, they must be removed for safe transport. Last resort,hold the weight shell and undo the secureing nut at the bottom of the weight carefully supporting the bottom! then the heavy interior weights will slide out .the remaining light weight brass shell which will not cause damage moveing. Then when the clock is relocated the weight can be put back together (bit of a fiddle:-) and the clock run pendulum on, the clock should then function without damage. If unfortunately the weights are lead filled this wont be an option,all you can do if this is the situation is to twist the weight breaking the chain which can be link repaired after removing the movement. Sometimes people put these clocks on ebay after jamming the weights pulling them up too far,my courier knows what to do when collecting these. Probably best to avoid becoming involved in buying a clock in this situation if the seller says they cannot help as they know nothing about clocks,it is not that dfficult to deal with unless lead filled weights where the centre will not slideout fo the shell.

By: Betty White

Betty White — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 19:17:48 +0000

need to move a grandfather clock to a new house

By: Gunnar

Gunnar — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 13:31:13 +0000

Some grandfather clocks have a removable hood or “bonnet” at the top that lifts off, and works that slide forward and out on a track. These too should be secured with tape, plastic wrap, whatever works. Another method of keeping weight chains from slipping off the gears during a move is to let the weights drop down a foot or so that they aren’t high up in the clock; pass a stiff wire like a coat hanger wire through the upper most links of each chain where the chains exit the upper part of the clock, and twist the wire tightly. This will make the chains snug against the gears. Then put the bottoms of the chains into a zip lock bag, pull the bag up, and have most of the chains inside, closing or taping the top of the bag shut. This will prevent the chains from tangling. To prevent glass in the doors from breaking, use bubble wrap or at least put strips of tape across the glass.

By: Rebecca Gardner

Rebecca Gardner — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 17:27:24 +0000

Thanks for explaining that any shelves or ornaments from the grandfather clock before moving it. My brother is moving to a new state and is leaving a lot of things, but wants to take his antique clock to have repaired and use in his new place. These tips should be helpful to keep the clock in the best possible shape after the repairs, so I think my brother will appreciate them!

By: Caroline Griffith

Caroline Griffith — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 12:27:44 +0000

I am in London, not US! Need to move a grandfather clock with weights suspended on cat-gut, not chains. I know how to get the hood off and remove the pendulum – also that care must be taken not to tangle the cat-gut. But should the movement be lifted out of the case when fully wound, or when completely un-wound? Thanks,

By: Susan Bemis

Susan Bemis — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 23:05:02 +0000

I need to pack grandfather clock in wooden crate and ship from Denver, Colorado to Hudson Heights, Quebec. I have a antique clock specialist disassembling it for me. He says the pieces need to be packaged separately.

By: Debra Zolman

Debra Zolman — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 22:48:26 +0000

I have an Emperor Grandfather clock….. (purchased in June 1996.
Product no. 52301; 250-A Oak/med w/199-100 Moon dial/Arabic
Product no. 325 Hermle 100CM 270MM Etched Lyre
I need to move this clock from Washington State to Kansas, via U-Haul. I need moving/packing insturctions; please.
Thank you,

By: Wally J. Outten

Wally J. Outten — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:08:42 +0000

In reply to Terry Fullman. Terry, I have a Sligh Grandfather clock also 82" tall, I have run into this question ....Can I move laying down with weights ,pendulum etc already removed ? I see you inquired for same back in February 2018. How did you do , or how did you make out ? My clock is in Maryland , going to west coast of Florida. Any information ,advise wold be greatly appreciated . Thank you Wally J. Outten

By: Terry Fullman

Terry Fullman — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:54:34 +0000

Article says newer clocks can lay flat. I have a sligh clock 25 years old. Can it lay flat?

By: Eric Williamsone

Eric Williamsone — Mon, 29 May 2017 07:07:55 +0000

I did some more hunting on your website and found the exact information I was looking for. This article has been so helpful for a new grandfather clock owner and I am very grateful. Thank you so much.