How to pack your Grandfather clock for transport

Moving a grandfather clock is a delicate process. If done incorrectly, you can permanently ruin your clock. We really want to avoid that. In this article, we will walk you through the process of packing your grandfather clock to get it moved damage-free. 

THE FIRST STEPS

The first thing you’ll want to do is remove the finial, if your clock has one. Usually the finial is not fastened in place. If yours IS fastened on, then don’t try to pull it off. Next, get a pair of gloves and use them to remove the weights and pendulum. Avoid touching the brass with your bare hands. This can result in the polish being marred. Wrap each weight individually in bubble wrap. The pendulum needs to be wrapped as well. If you have cardboard available, sandwich the pendulum between two pieces to keep it rigid. Whether your clock has cables or chains, you will need to contain them. A bread tie or pipe cleaner will work great for this. In the case of chains, you’ll want to bundle up the excess in a ziplock bag, or even a sock.

ACCESSING THE INTERIOR OF THE CLOCK

Some grandfather clocks will have doors up on the sides to access the interior. Others will have a panel that can be removed from the back of the clock. The clock we’re working with in this video is unique in that the whole upper shroud needs to be removed to gain access to the chime rods. Once you determine how to access them, the chime rods will need to be stabilized. You don’t want them vibrating or bouncing during transport. Take a piece of foam, or even a ball of bubble wrap, and fit it between the rows of rods. Rubberband it in place. This will hold everything together. Check all of the screws for the movement, including the mounting board screws, movement screws and the screws or pins holding the face in place. Tighten any that need it. If a screw comes loose during transport and the movement falls out of place, that could be the end of your clock.

ADDING PACKING MATERIAL

Fill the inside of the clock cabinet with blankets. It’s best to transport a grandfather clock standing upright, but if you have to transport it laying down, you will need to reinforce the glass. Take painters tape and make an X across each pane of glass. This will help avoid cracking. Finally, wrap the entire clock in moving blankets. It’s best to add an additional layer or two of shrink wrap on top of this to keep it all together. When loading the clock, two people and a dolly is recommended. Make sure the clock is not able to topple over during transit.

And there you go! Your clock is packed and ready to move. All the packing will help protect the clock but slow and steady wins this race.