Moving a grandfather clock to another house requires some extra care and preparation. Grandfather clocks are large and delicate, so you need to take precautions to ensure it arrives safely. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a flatbed dolly or hand truck (for indoors), thick packing blankets, felt or bubble wrap, packing boxes and tape, and two sets of hands for lifting.
2. Prepare your clock for transport by removing the pendulum and weights and wrapping them securely in felt or bubble wrap. Make sure to clearly mark which piece goes in which compartment.
3. Place the clock on a flatbed dolly or hand truck and secure it with thick packing blankets. Make sure you attach the wrapping to the clock so it doesn’t move around during transport.
4. If the clock is a floor clock, be sure to use two sets of hands to lift it safely; you don’t want to damage the delicate wood or any of the components.
5. Place the clock in the trunk or back of a car. If your car is small and you need to transport the clock in another vehicle, place it in the van or truck, securing it with heavy-duty straps and/or rope.
6. Once you’ve safely arrived at your destination, reassemble your grandfather clock and place it in its desired spot. You should then set the balance, pendulum and chime the clock so it works as intended.
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Is it OK to transport a grandfather clock laying down?
No, it is not okay to transport a grandfather clock laying down. Grandfather clocks are tall and heavy, which means that when put in the proper upright position and secured from the inside of the clock body, the clock itself can act as a shock absorber and prevent moving parts from being damaged.
If the clock is laid down, all of the internal components can experience a tremendous amount of force and be damaged, especially the relatively fragile and delicate pendulum and other internal components.
Furthermore, the clock’s face, case, and bottom can become severely scratched and possibly dented due to the weight of the clock. Therefore, it is important to keep the clock in an upright position when transporting it to prevent any damage or harm.
How much does it cost to move a grandfather clock?
The cost of moving a grandfather clock depends on multiple factors, such as size and weight, the type of protection and transportation used, distance traveled, and any special services needed. For example, a standard-sized grandfather clock with no special services could cost up to $200 for local transport, whereas more expensive and larger clocks can cost up to $1000 for cross-country moves.
Additionally, if special care needs to be taken due to delicate mechanisms or finishes, additional padding and service could costs up to $150. If a regular mover isn’t used, most clock repair shops offer moving services.
However, they often charge an hourly rate and extra charges for packing or unpacking, especially if the clock needs to be transported long distances. Whatever the cost, it is important to ensure the mover is insured, reliable, and experienced, as grandfaher clocks can be expensive and delicate.
Are grandfather clocks worth anything?
Yes, grandfather clocks can be worth quite a bit of money if they are antique or have been well-preserved over the years. The value of any particular grandfather clock depends on a range of factors, such as its age, condition, craftsmanship, history, and maker.
Generally, clocks made by well-known clock makers or those identified as having certain features that enhance their value, such as rare woods or intricate carving, can be worth significantly more than others.
Generally, the older the clock is, the more valuable it tends to be. Even if a clock is not particularly old, it could still be worth quite a bit if it is rare or uniquely designed. It’s best to have an appraiser look at the clock to assess its true value.
Where is the place to put a grandfather clock?
The best place to put a grandfather clock is typically in a hallway or living room. However, because they are large pieces of furniture, it’s important to consider the size of the room compared to the size of the clock.
If there is ample wall space, it is a great option to place it there, as it will give the room a classic, stately look. If there isn’t much wall space, then finding a corner to put the clock may be a better option.
Placing the clock in a corner typically gives the room more balance and depth. Finally, when considering the where to put the clock, it’s also important to consider the impact of its chime. If the space is particularly small, the chimes may be too overwhelming.
If that is the case, it is best to find an alternate place or find a grandfather clock that does not chime.
How do you transport a pendulum clock?
When transporting a pendulum clock, the most important thing is to make sure it is handled gently and securely. It is best to gently put the clock in its original packaging and then wrap it in another layer of cushioning or bubble wrap.
It is also recommended to secure the pendulum and put the clock in an upright position to prevent it from swinging during transit. If the clock does not come with original packaging, a large box with plenty of cushioning can be used as an alternative.
Make sure to fill any empty space in the box with extra cushioning to avoid the clock moving around during transit. Label the box clearly and place fragile stickers on the exterior to ensure it is handled appropriately.
When moving the clock, avoid any sudden jerks or movements, as it may cause lasting damage. Always be sure to protect the clock in the best way possible to ensure its delicate pieces are not broken or damaged during transit.
Does UPS ship grandfather clocks?
Yes, UPS does ship grandfather clocks, although these types of shipments are considered “non-standard” and require special handling due to their size and weight. You will need to ensure you have the correct packing materials to ensure the clock will not be damaged during shipping.
Additionally, you will need to contact a UPS Store to make special arrangements for the shipment of your grandfather clock. You may need to provide additional information and pay additional fees to accommodate its special size, weight, and/or fragility.
Additionally, UPS may need to arrange for a two-person delivery for your shipment. It is recommended that you speak with a shipping specialist at a UPS Store to obtain an accurate quote and ensure your grandfather clock is packed correctly prior to shipping it to its destination.
Can a grandfather clock be shipped?
Yes, a grandfather clock can be shipped. Most shipping companies will offer options for how to pack and transport a grandfather clock. Some precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of the clock during shipping.
The clock should be professionally packed to protect it from damage while in transit, and the professional packer should be familiar with the proper techniques for packing grandfather clocks. If possible, the clock should be taken apart and packed in separate pieces to provide further protection.
Specialized shipping insurance should also be purchased to cover any damage that occurs during the packing and shipping of the clock. Lastly, the chosen shipping company should be able to provide the details of the packaging and shipping process, as well as estimated delivery times.
With the right precautions, a grandfather clock can be safely shipped.
How do you pack a clock movement for shipping?
When packing a clock movement for shipping, it is important to ensure that it is packed properly and securely to avoid any damage or harm coming to the clock. In order to do this, it is recommended to use bubble wrap or other protective materials to cover the clock movement to prevent any shocks or bumps that may occur during shipping.
To ensure the clock movement arrives safely, it is important to place it in a sturdy box or other suitable container that cannot be easily crushed or punctured. To ensure the box or container is secure and won’t move within the package, use packing peanuts, newspaper, or other filling materials.
After the clock movement is secured, seal the package and mark it fragile if needed. Lastly, it is important to label the package appropriately with the destination and sender information, as well as “Handle with Care” so that the carriers know to take extra care of the package.
Following these steps should help ensure that the clock movement is safely and securely packed for shipping.
Which side does the heavy weight go on a grandfather clock?
When a grandfather clock is assembled, the weight for the timekeeping mechanism should go on the right side. This is so the weight can pull down on the pendulum, causing the clock to swing back and forth, thus keeping time.
The two weights should be the same, or at least similar in size; if the weights are uneven, the clock may run inaccurately. Additionally, the weight should rest on the chain and hang near the bottom of the clock.
This ensures that the clock will receive the most power from the weights, as the will have further to fall and can create a more powerful pull on the pendulum.
Once the weight is correctly placed, the clock must be wound up for the first time. This is done by turning the great wheel until the weights are completely wound up. With this, the clock should be set and should begin running.
If the clock is not running accurately or if the clock stops, it is likely due to a problem with the weights or the great wheel being wound too tightly.
Does a grandfather clock have to be wound up?
Yes, a grandfather clock has to be wound up. These clocks usually have two keyholes on the top portion, one for the time train and one for the strike train. A winding key is inserted into the appropriate keyhole and turned slowly and steadily to wind the clock.
Depending on the clock, the time and strike trains are wound separately meaning two winding keys are required, or they may be wound simultaneously meaning just one key is required. Depending on the model, the time train should be wound once a week and the strike train should be wound once a day.
The amount of winding or force required depends on the clock, but a good rule of thumb is to stop winding when the resistance increases. Too much winding can put strain on the movement and cause it to stop working properly.
