How To Safely Move A Grandfather Clock

When you’re moving house you are bound to have some precious items which require special attention. If you own a grandfather clock you will know that they are notoriously easy to damage. Because of this, you need to take every step possible to avoid this happening – particularly if it is very valuable or a family heirloom. 

This involves preparing it carefully before the move and maybe even hiring a local removal company – eg. if you live in Perth then look for Perth furniture removalists.

 Here is what to do:

Use Masking Tape: It’s best to take the component parts of your grandfather clock out before the move. This way there is less chance of them becoming dislodged in transit and causing damage. If you take off the hood part to expose the dial you can then secure some masking tape over the ‘gut line’ – the part around the strike and the gong barrels. This will keep everything in place, making it easier to remove the other parts.

Remove Weights: The weights can do a lot of damage to the clock itself if they are left inside it, so it’s very important that you take these out. It’s a good idea to label each one so you know exactly where they go when it comes to putting the clock back together again. Each weight is different so if they are not put back correctly the intricate mechanism of the clock will not function properly.

Take Off Pendulum: You have to remove this part very slowly and carefully so as not to damage the delicate suspension string attached to the top of the pendulum. These are threaded through the crutch at the back of the movement and can be difficult to replace.

Movement And Dial Clock: The final stage of disassembling your grandfather clock is to lift the movement and the dial from the case and place it in a secure packing case. It is best to pack it upright as this will prevent damage to the front of the dial and the clock hands. It will also keep the crutch at the back safe from damage caused by movement during transit. 

Hire Removals Firm: Now that you have dismantled your clock, the main case and components can be moved. If you do live in the Perth area, find a company of furniture removalists Perth who have a lot of experience in moving grandfather clocks and understand their delicate nature. It’s better to get professionals in the local area to do the job for you as they will have the right specialist moving equipment and packing materials to keep your grandfather clock safe.