Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Moving a grandfather’s clock

Has anyone moved a grandfather’s clock from one house to another? I’ve searched the net and found info on removing the weights and pendulum and securing the chims.I have a cardboard box and plenty of packing material. I’m moving it about 2 1/2 miles. Can I lay it down or does it have to remain upright ?

You can lay it down. Don't wind it backwards.

I purchased one from an estate sale. Weights and arms were removed of course. The chains were individually tied tight so they couldn't slip off of the teeth of the "gear".

Yes. I built a cage for a big Howard Miller. If it has cable weights wind up but not to the top and put styrofoam between the cable on each three weights to keep the pulley from falling off. Take the pendulum off and pack separately. Put the carcas in the cage. And pack around with foam or moving blanket. The weights should be numbered. If not number them and pack separately. The side panels are packed separately. The little final on top will pull out. Pack it and the crank.
If it has chain drive crank the weights up but not to the top. Tale weights off and pack. Tie the chains together with wire ties take pendulum off and pack. Pretty much the same as the other but most chain drives have a little spring connection between the pendulum and the drive. Be careful with that it’s fragile.
Howard Miller recommends transporting uproot use your own judgement.
I built the cage simple. I ripped 2x4 studs into to make 2x2’s. Screw them together like a frame using whatever you want for rails. It just makes it easier to use a dolly and protects the clock from damage.
Hope I didn’t miss anything.

We laid ours down but had carefully packed the works so things couldn't move around. Weights and pendulum removed, and chains secured. No problems. Don't wind backwards when you get it set up.

Our black ash clock, we bought it on a yard sale, and hauled it home 650 miles.

Ok I got it moved today . I did as was said above . No problems . Thanks to everyone who replied.

Lots of good advice, I'm just curious how you can "wind backwards" a weight clock?

"And it struck twenty four, when he opened the door."

A mennonite gave me one when I bought a $7,000 wood furnace system.

Should have never accepted it. What an albatross. Have tried to give to two different people for FREE. no takers.

“Ninety Years Without Slumbering”

Twilight Zone episode, lol

"Tempos Fugit." time flies.

Clocks were a status symbol back when. I think Sanford Flemming invented standard time.

Railroads need accurate time.

Just don't wind (move) the hands backwards...

In the 70's-late 90's I bought and sold wall and grandfather clocks even built a few.....dust and the oil to lubricate are the greatest enemies of a clock also heat vent from your furnace try to put the clock away from the vents its very hard on the wood cabinet....also don't put the clock on carpet just walking on the carpeted floor will allow the clock to movie not good for the movement over some clocks could even fall over with heavy padding....
Make sure you take care of the clock regular lubrication keep a clock going...use the proper oil for a clock....I've received many name brand clocks that cost $1000's for free because they didn't work properly or even work at all....a good cleaning got them going....