Preparing a Grandfather Clock for Pick-up
Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on packing and relocating your grandfather clock. If the manual is unavailable or inaccessible, follow these general steps:
1. Secure all components of the clock—make sure the clock movement is firmly attached to the seatboard, and the seatboard is securely fastened to the case.
2. Detach the weights from the clock and label them to ensure they are reinstalled correctly, as they are not interchangeable. It is advisable to handle the weights and pendulum with gloves or a piece of paper. Wrap the weights in paper or cloth to protect them during transit. Also, remove any smaller, detachable items like finials, frets, keys, or tubular bells.
3. To remove the pendulum, gently push up while holding it, bring it slightly towards you, then lower it down. Supporting the leader might help during this process. Opening the side doors (frets) or removing the hood (bonnet) of the clock may provide better visibility and ease the removal. Secure the pendulum to a board for safe transportation.
4. Once the weights and pendulum are removed, secure the chains or cables to the rear of the clock case using painter’s tape or rubber bands to prevent them from shifting during the move.
5. If the clock includes chime rods, immobilize them by wrapping them in bubble wrap.
6. After completing these steps, your clock is ready to be moved. Do a final check to ensure that everything is stable and secure, especially in older models where the movement may simply rest on the case or in clocks with removable components like hoods (bonnets), finials, or side doors (frets). Make sure the doors are locked as well.
1. Secure all components of the clock—make sure the clock movement is firmly attached to the seatboard, and the seatboard is securely fastened to the case.
2. Detach the weights from the clock and label them to ensure they are reinstalled correctly, as they are not interchangeable. It is advisable to handle the weights and pendulum with gloves or a piece of paper. Wrap the weights in paper or cloth to protect them during transit. Also, remove any smaller, detachable items like finials, frets, keys, or tubular bells.
3. To remove the pendulum, gently push up while holding it, bring it slightly towards you, then lower it down. Supporting the leader might help during this process. Opening the side doors (frets) or removing the hood (bonnet) of the clock may provide better visibility and ease the removal. Secure the pendulum to a board for safe transportation.
4. Once the weights and pendulum are removed, secure the chains or cables to the rear of the clock case using painter’s tape or rubber bands to prevent them from shifting during the move.
5. If the clock includes chime rods, immobilize them by wrapping them in bubble wrap.
6. After completing these steps, your clock is ready to be moved. Do a final check to ensure that everything is stable and secure, especially in older models where the movement may simply rest on the case or in clocks with removable components like hoods (bonnets), finials, or side doors (frets). Make sure the doors are locked as well.