Feb 25, 2024

Step-by-Step Instructions for Moving a Grandfather Clock Like A Pro

Are you a fan of clocks and by any chance own a grandfather clock? It’s a big size clock that takes up a good amount of space in your home. It enhances the beauty of the corner where it stands and this is why a lot of people love to keep it. And, if it is a family heirloom, then it becomes mandatory to keep along wherever you move. 

If you have decided to relocate to a new place in Chennai, then you need to take this giant piece of furniture along with you to your new destination. Here, you will require the assistance of trusted packers and movers in Chennai, who are capable of handling such intricate pieces of furniture with precision. This floor clock has to be properly packed to safely make it to the destination. 

Professionals have the tools and knowledge to relocate such huge items. This is the reason why people usually hire experts to carefully handle their precious items. Still, if you want to try this, you can do it by following some vital instructions. Keep on reading this post to find out the step-by-step guide to relocating a grandfather clock on your own. 

What to do before moving a grandfather clock? 

Remember that a freestanding pendulum clock features a special type of weight-driven mechanism, which is extremely delicate and you just can’t grab it and move it. This type of moving approach can damage your prized possession. So, follow the below-mentioned steps to avoid any uncertain situation later on. 

Step 1: Assess the condition of the clock 

First, you need to check the condition of the clock and asses that is it worth moving along or not. Examine the clock carefully and find out about any signs of pre-existing structural damage. Do check the wooden case and its glass elements as even the smallest of cracks can be a huge problem. 

Step 2: Disassemble it to keep it safe 

It would be better to disassemble your clock first before relocating it. They should not be just lifted and moved. Start by removing the pendulum and weights as moving the clock along with these things can lead to irreversible damage to its internal mechanism. 

Step 3: Don’t use bare hands 

It is important to keep in mind that you must not touch the internal mechanism’s components of your tall case clock. Make use of a pair of clean soft gloves or a non-abrasive piece of cloth while handling the internal components of the clock. 

Step 4: Keep ready all packing supplies 

Make sure to keep all the required packing supplies handy. You would need soft packing paper to wrap the delicate parts, sheets of bubble wrap, a few moving blankets to wrap the clock, packing tape, and a few cardboard boxes. 

Step 5: Hire professionals 

If your longcase clock is valuable and antique, then you must hire the best specialty movers to handle this job. And, if it is not that valuable but you just want to take it along, then you can follow the below-mentioned disassembling steps before starting to pack it. 

How to disassemble a grandfather clock? 

Step 1: First, stop the clock pendulum gently by using your hand. 

Step 2: Ensure the chains or cables of your clock do not get entangled and twisted during the hauling process. 

Step 3: If you are handling a cable-driven pendulum clock, then follow these steps. Place thick cardboard pieces above each pulley and between the cables. Get the weights up and push the cardboard pieces firmly against the pulleys. 

Step 4: If your clock is chain-driven, then follow these steps. Start by pulling up the weights about halfway, which should be approx. three-quarters of the whole length. Don’t pull the weights up as it can lead to damage to chain sprockets. Next, secure the specific sets of chains by inserting twist ties below the sprockets and fastening them tightly. This will help you avoid the danger of falling chains from the sprockets during transit. 

Step 5: You must follow these steps to remove the weights. Start by unhooking each weight using caution. After that, check the bottoms to see if their positions in the clock have been marked or not. If not, then you must mark each weight by putting labels on their bottoms. Make sure to properly label to avoid any confusion during reinstallation of the clock. 

Step 6: To remove the pendulum, follow these steps. First, take down the side panel that lets you reach the pendulum and its guide. You must reach inside the clock to grab the pendulum guide and then, lift it gently at the front to unhook it.  

Step 7: Secure the pendulum guide by properly wrapping some paper pieces around it or bubble wrap and then place rubber bands to fix them in place. You can also use packing tape. 

Step 8: You must safeguard the fragile and delicate chime rods by wrapping them using bubble wrap. You can place it between the rods to make them immobile. Finally, secure the bubble wrap with tape. 

Step 9: You must remove the glass shelves and other decorations (if any) from your longcase clock and set them separately for packing. 

Step 10: Make sure to reposition the access panel and then, lock and tape it. This is an important step to safeguard the glass windows. Close, lock, or tape the doors that may be left open. 


Conclusion 

Learn all the steps including preparing, disassembling, packing, transporting, and setting up the grandfather clock in the new home before relocating it. The above-mentioned tips will help you in the same. If you are in the slightest doubt, then hire professional movers and packers in Chennai. 

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