Expert: John Newman - 7/21/2009

Question
I was willed a gr.clock from my uncle that my grandfather made him. I am in need of knowledge of how to package, transport, and set back up at my house. This clock is in Phoenix, Arizona. going to Michigan. Can you help me in this matter?

Answer
Robert, the weights and pendulum should be removed and packed in padding separately.  If the weights are hung on chains or cables, the ends should be tied to a combination of rubber bands and cord to pull them down to the bottom of the case.  I usually screw in a cup hook that I install centered at the inside bottom of the door frame.  I tie the cord and/or rubber bands to this hook.  This keeps the chains or cables from coming loose during transporting.  On older cable driven clocks the cables need to be kept taught while doing this because there are no "cable keepers" around the cable drums in the movement and the cables will become crossed and tangled.  Next insert padded material in between the chime rods and tie with bag ties or rubber bands.  Failure to do this will allow the chime rods to vibrate during moving and weaken them to a point of breaking.  The chime and strike hammers should also be restrained from bouncing.  I use rubber bands to lightly bind them.  Some clocks have metal levers at the back of the movement that can be rotated over to restrain the hammers.  Most of the clocks I move I lay down carefully on their backs on a flat padded surface.  Just make sure the movement is secured properly to the case.  Some clocks are of such a design that the movements and mounting boards just sit in the hood and are not attached.  If this is the case, the movement should be removed from the case and packed separately.  Care must be taken to so the pendulum hanger, chime and strike hammers, hands and any other appendages are not bent or damaged.  I hope this helps a little and good luck on your trip.  Enjoy your clock!

John Newman
THE VILLAGE LOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama