Grandfather Clocks Deserve Extra Care by Household Movers

The Grandfather clock is one of the highest damage claim items reported during a move. Even moving a grandfather clock a few feet can cause irreparable damage, and can render the clock unworkable.  Household mover E.E. Ward can move the clock and all of its components as long as it is serviced by one of the 3rd party companies we recommend or by a company of the shipper’s choosing.

The E.E. Ward crew does not service the clock (remove weights, chains, pendulums, etc.).  When the 3rd party company services them, the customer will be covered under the valuation of the customer’s choice.

There is no more single delicate piece of furniture in the home.  With this in mind, here are some helpful tips to remember:

∆ Oils from human skin can damage the brass finish on grandfather clocks. Cotton gloves should always be worn when touching the face, weights, or pendulum.

∆ Do NOT stop the clock prior to the technician servicing the clock.  We are very careful not to pull the cables/chains too far.  Careless handling can cause the technicians not to be able to access/remove the weights

∆ A weight driven clock is notoriously difficult to keep set at the correct speed. Once it has been moved it takes patience and skill from a trained professional to calibrate it correctly.

∆ Pendulums and weights are removed, and wrapped to prevent damage. Chains are secured, and the internal clock mechanism is braced to prevent it from coming loose. All these important steps will minimize any claims.

ž∆ It is highly recommended that every Grandfather clock be professionally cleaned and oiled every 2-3 years, and ALWAYS after a move. The oil used to lubricate the clock’s mechanism will harden once the clock has been stopped during a move, causing difficulty when it is reset to begin running.

∆ Weight driven clocks are often problematic when reassembled on new carpeting. Carpeting will settle over time, causing the clock to become “unlevel” and may cause the clock to lose time or even stop. If at all possible, it is best to set the clock up on a solid surface, or use solid, protective coasters under the clock to help distribute the weight and minimize “settling.”

Before moving a Grandfather clock, we strongly encourage you to have a knowledgeable professional handle these beautiful mechanical pieces.  By keeping in mind a few key points, we can ensure that heirloom clock will keep ticking out the hours and minutes for decades to come.