I Want to Redecorate – Can I Move My Grandfather Clock?

When it comes to redecorating, sometimes you may need to move your grandfather clock. Regardless of whether you are laying down new carpeting or giving the walls a fresh lick of paint, it is important to bear in mind that moving such a sophisticated piece of machinery is a delicate process but not unsafe in any way. By following this helpful guide, it is very easy to move your home’s grandfather clock around.

Remove Weights and Unhook the Pendulum

The first thing you need to do is carefully examine the bottom of your clock’s weights for right, center, and left-hand markings. These indicate where they belong in relation to one another, and it is imperative that you reinstall them after moving the clock so that they are each located where they were originally set. Carefully disconnect the weights from the clock and be sure to keep the markings clearly visible. That way, when you reinstall them it will be in the same order. After this has been done, delicately unhook the clock’s pendulum, being certain to not damage the suspension of the spring at the top of this sensitive component.

Moving the Clock

This step is a little more complex than many believe, leading to many grandfather clocks encountering problems due to poor handling. While the pendulum and weights are removed, there are countless other sophisticated and sensitive components residing inside the housing of your clock, including chimes, dials, and various gears. The best way to move it is to work with another person to carefully lift it straight up and onto a dolly cart or similar piece of equipment. You can angle it back a little without imposing damage, but never lean it forward at any time, including when it is set down anywhere. Most grandfather clocks include leg levelers on the bottom of the case to ensure a proper upright position when set in place.

Re-Installation

When the time comes to place the clock where it originally was or to indefinitely position it elsewhere, be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions that came with it. Each and every clock is different in composition and design, and this helps to protect against unwanted problematic circumstances. Now, you can re-hang the clock’s pendulum and weights, being sure to reinstall them in the same order by consulting the weight markings as previously noted.

Setting the Pendulum

The last step involves setting up the pendulum to ensure it functions correctly. Most grandfather clocks manufactured after 1983 incorporate a self-adjusting feature that enables for the clock to be simply restarted and ensure its pendulum runs evenly. In the event of your owning an older clock, however, take extra care. Move the pendulum closely towards the side of the clock and then carefully release, ensuring it won’t swing in a manner that makes contact with any other components or puts excessive strain on the spring at its top. If the pendulum is swinging normally, it should be emitting an even tick-tock sound.

By following the aforementioned steps with precision and attentiveness, it is easy and safe to move your grandfather clock anywhere in your home to allow for home renovations or redecorating. Always consult the manufacturer manual, and never exert force on the delicate instruments of your clock, and you’ll have it functioning perfectly once again. For more info, please read our Clock Q&A or contact us!