How to Remove a Grandfather Clock From the Case

An assembled grandfather clock

Removing a grandfather clock movement from its case will be necessary in order to send it to the manufacturer or to a factory-authorized service center for repair work. The actual removal of the clock mechanism itself is a job that the clock owner can do with little difficulty and can complete in 30 minutes. A careful approach is very important to accomplish the work with respect to the various brass-plated parts of the clock that will be handled during the project.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cotton utility gloves
• Paper
• Tape
• Marker pen
• Flat-tip screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Remove the upper portion of the grandfather clock case known as the bonnet or crown. Some lift off and others slide out from the rear of the case. If the clock does not have a removable crown, skip this step.

2. Remove one of the weights from the grandfather clock by lifting it from the chain or cable wheel that it is attached to. Be certain to wear soft cotton gloves or use a soft cotton cloth when handling the weights to prevent corrosion. Take care not to impact the pendulum when removing the weight.

3. Mark the removed weight according to its respective position, such as left, middle or right, by wrapping paper around the weight canister and securing the paper with tape. Avoid placing tape onto the surface of the brass canister.

4. Remove the remaining weights individually and wrap each one with paper and secure with tape. Mark each one according to its position.

5. Remove the pendulum from the grandfather clock by reaching up to the top of the pendulum rod where the pendulum is hooked to the suspension rod and lift it up and out of the eye of the suspension rod carefully. Support the pendulum bob with one gloved hand while gently removing the hook from the hole of the suspension rod.

6. Remove the screws securing the clock movement seat board to the grandfather clock case using the appropriate tipped screwdriver. These screws would be located beneath the seat board.

7. Remove the grandfather clock movement from the case.

Tips & Warnings

• If the dial pan is secured to the grandfather clock case rather than to the movement, the hands of the clock will have to be taken off prior to removing the mechanism. To do this, use the needle-nose pliers (if needed) to remove the cap nut which secures the minute hand and remove the hand. Take the hour hand off by grasping it at the center collar with your fingers and twist and pull at the same time.

• Avoid touching the brass parts with bare hands. This can cause corrosion that will destroy the brass plated surfaces.

• Follow any specific guidelines provided by the grandfather clock manufacturer.

References

• National Clock Repair: How to Remove a Grandfather Clock from the Case