How to Properly Move Your Grandfather Clock?

It is important that the accessory components of the clock be handled correctly during the move. On clocks that have weights & pendulums with finished brass, use soft gloves or cloth when handling these components. Please read this entire move instruction before attempting the task.

  1. Remove the pendulum from the clock.
  2. If the clock has cable holding the weights, make a loose roll of newspaper about 2 inches in diameter and hold above the pulley as the weights are wound until they stop with the paper jammed above the pulleys. This procedure prevents the cable from tangling when the weights are removed.
  3. For clocks with chains, raise the weights so the clock is about half wound (middle of the clock). Use a piece of thin wire to string the chains together just where the chains protrude below the movement seat-board and tie the wire together; this action will secure the chains so they do not come off the movement. Also, secure the chains so that they do not damage the finish.
  4. Remove the weights and mark them so they can be replaced to the same position later.
  5. For tubular movements, remove the tubes, and note their position for installation later.
  6. Before moving the clock, ensure that the movement is mounted securely in the case. On some early English and American clocks, the movement just sets on two sideboards of the case. For these conditions, the movement should be removed from the case and stored in a safe place before moving the clock.
  7. If the clock is to be moved to another room in the house, use a dolly or two-wheeled cart with blankets to protect the case finish.
  8. If the clock is to be moved to another location, the case should be professionally packed in a rigid container and each the movement, weights and pendulum packed in separate boxes. For clocks with chime rods, secure them from vibrating by wrapping cloth around the rods and secure it with string or rubber bands.
  9. Once moved, to set-up the clock in a new location, ensure that case will be positioned on a stable floor surface; carpets can be a problem if the case footing is not stable. The clock does not have to be absolutely perpendicular to the floor, but it needs to be stable and not rock. Some cases have leveling feet, or a small shim can to used to stabilize the case on the floor.
  10. If the movement is out of the case, replace it in the same position it was before.
  11. If the clock has tubular chimes install them now or if the clock has chime rods, remove the clothe from them.
  12. Attach the pendulum just as it was before and place the weights in the same position as they were before the move. If a wire was used to secure the chains, remove it. If paper was used to hold the cables tight, remove it or just let the clock run for a day or so and it will fall out.
  13. Simply start your pendulum swinging, and listen to the tick-tock sound. Raise the left or right side of the clock slightly with leveling feet or shims to get the tick-tock sound balanced.
  14. Your grandfather clock is now in beat and your move is complete.
  15. Wind the clock, set it to the correct time and enjoy it.
  16. If all this sounds too complicated, call your local clock shop and they will do it for you.
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6 Responses so far.


  1. Randy Kleinrock says:

    If we are moving the clock just a few feet in the same room so we can paint the walls behind it what is the proper procedure?

    Thanks Randy Kleinrock

  2. Linda Kuehnel says:

    We have a grandfather’s clock that needs to be moved from one home to another. The grandfather clock is in Alton, IL and needs to be moved to East Alton, IL approximately 6 miles. Please email and let me know if you service this area – and the cost.
    Linda

  3. Linda Kuehnel says:

    We have a Grandfather clock that needs to be moved from Alton, IL to East Alton, IL approximately 6 miles. Do you service this area if so what would it cost?

  4. rona Ross says:

    Can I move the clock flat

  5. cheryl mccabe says:

    can I move the clock flat.

  6. cheryl mccabe says:

    can I move it flat in the back of a truck.

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