Grandfather clocks serve as a tapestry of financial and emotional investment. Moving these large items to a new place can be challenging due to its massive size and sensitive construction. Read this blog to learn the highly beneficial and easy-to-follow methods to safely transport your valuable assets to the destination of your desire. Whether moving to a new house or just altering its position, this guide will help you carry out the process effortlessly.
What Grandfather Clocks Are?
Also referred to as the longcase clock, the grandfather clock was invented in the seventeenth century. It is a free-standing, generally six and eight feet tall, weight-driven pendulum clock. It comprises various components that help in its proper functioning, including:
- The Clock Face or Dial
- The Case
- The Pendulum
- Weights made of lead or brass
- The Hands
It works when weights are suspended on the long chains coiled around a drum inside the clock case. This results in the pendulum’s motion back and forth at a pace that keeps the time accurate. These clocks are used as ornamental pieces due to their:
- Glass Panels
- Intricate Cravings
- Integrated Decorative Elements
- Distinctive Chimes
- Pleasant Sound after Each Quarter-hour
- Sentimental Value
Why Is the Grandfather Clock Relocation a Challenging Endeavour?
Relocating a grandfather cloth from one location to another can be a daunting task for various reasons, including:
Mass: These traditional furniture pieces are composed of naturally heavy materials, such as lead, wood, and brass. This inherent weight, along with other accessories, makes it challenging to relocate without proper technique and preparation.
Shape and Size: Not only the mass but also the size and shape of the grandfather clock make the situation even more severe. Its narrow shape and tall size hinder the passing from corners and doorways, suspecting it tipping if not properly moved.
Sensitivity: The grandfather clock comprises various fragile components, like a pendulum, clock face, and hands, that are easily suspectable to damage. These sensitive moving parts help the clockwork efficiently, and any minor issue can result in malfunctioning.
Precision: These clocks are meant to keep the time accurate. Even a slight change during manoeuvring can affect their timekeeping capabilities. This makes it indispensable to move these delicate, sensitive, and massive items to be transported carefully.
What to Know for Moving a Grandfather Clock
Essential Considerations
- Get yourself aware of the clock’s working mechanism, including weights and pendulum.
- Before moving, gather all the necessary equipment and packaging materials for its protection.
- To prevent damage or any unforeseen issue, disassemble the parts that can be removed.
- If you are uncertain of the process and the clock is excessively precious, seek professional assistance.
- After the transition, reassemble all the removed parts to resume their functionality.
Get All the Necessary Packing Materials
For a smooth moving experience, gather the following packing materials:
- Ropes or Straps
- Moving Boxes
- Masking Tape
- Packing Tape
- Furniture Blankets
- Cotton Gloves
- Moving Blankets
- Padding Supplies
- Bubble Wrap
- Cleaning Cloth
- A Heavy-Duty Utility Dolly
How to Get Prepared for the Moving
Empty the Inside of the Clock
The very first thing you should consider when relocating the grandfather clock is the removal of weights inside it. If left unattended, they can swing and harm the glass surrounding them.
Pack the Removed Weights in a Blanket
To protect the weights removed from the clock, wrap them in a thick blanket. This could help prevent scratches and keep everything in place and in good condition after reaching a new location.
Soothe Glass from the Inside
Be cautious when moving this delicate item; even a minute mistake can result in a big loss. You can place a maximum of 2 thick blankets inside the glass of the grandfather clock to make it stabilised. This proactive approach makes it balanced while moving and avoids glass shattering.
Note: Remember, the blankets shouldn’t be stuffed in tightly.
Cover the External Side of the Clock
After ensuring security inside the clock, hold the blanket outside the clock. Wrap the packing tape around it tightly to avoid air gaps. Now, with full preventive measures, the clock is ready for a smooth moving process.
Transportation of Grandfather Clock to the Moving Vehicle
Step 1: After a successful moving preparation beforehand, take a step forward to transport your grandfather clock outside the moving vehicle.
Step 2: For this purpose, take assistance from two or more people if you do it on your own. Here, a utility dolly can be comprehensively utilised, making the moving hassle-free, like a dryer or washer.
Step 3: During the process, two people should slightly tip the clock back, and one should slide the dolly under the clock.
Step 4: After successfully placing it on the dolly, utilise ropes of straps of the dolly for a secure binding to bear the load.
Note
- Maintain the balance on the dolly wheels.
- Ensure the upright placement of the clock while entering the moving truck.
- Try to complete this process steadily, avoiding rushes.
Loading Process onto the Ramp
Step 1: For a smooth loading, make sure the helpers are placed correctly. One of the persons should stand inside the moving truck, and the others should roll the load slowly onto the ramp.
Step 2: After a successful loading, tie the clock inside the vehicle with tie-backs to prevent it from needless movement.
Unloading and Reassembling of Grandfather Clock
Once you’ve reached your destination, securely unload and reassemble a memoir of your grandfather in the form of a clock. Follow the given instructions for a successful completion:
Unload the Clock: By taking assistance, comprehensively unload the grandfather clock down the wheel.
Allocate the Area: Predetermine the transition location and follow the path slowly.
Timely Unpacking: Remember to unpack the grandfather clock until it is securely placed to its new destination.
Reassemble Your Grandfather Clock: Afterward, reassemble and install all of its components that have been removed earlier.
Make Configurations: Once you’re done with proper positioning and installation, wind the clock and set the pendulum into motion.
Your grandfather clock is ready to keep the time up, signifying a true legacy of family transition!