Expert: Martin Meyer - 10/26/2008

Question
I'm moving my dad's modern (emperor clock co)floor clock & know nothing about it.  do I need to do anything other than remove the weights and pendulum?  Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
Hi Gerry,

Removing the weights and pendulum are the two essential things you need to do. Note that both these items, especially the weights, are very delicate and should be heavily wrapped. Towels are ideal for this.  Additionally, you might want to secure the chime rods and hammers. These rods taper to a fine tip inside the chime mount block; if rattled around sufficiently during moving, it is possible one or more might break off. The rods can be secured by gently packing styrofoam pieces or bubble wrap between the two rows of rods and around the rods. Masking tape can then fix the whole "bundle" of wrapped rods to the back of the case. Masking tape should not hurt the finish of a modern clock in good condition, if not left on for more than a few days. Also, remove the finial, if the clock has one; they are not usually glued in, and can simply be pulled out of the top of the clock case. Finally, put the door key and winding crank in a plastic bag, and tape the bag to the wrapped pendulum or put it in the box that the weights are in, because these items are very prone to getting lost in the move.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com