Grandfather clocks sit at the intersection of furniture and precision machinery. Moving one requires securing a mechanical movement with suspended weights and a pendulum, inside a tall, narrow case that is inherently vulnerable to tipping — all without interrupting the clock's calibration or damaging its finish.
A grandfather clock is not just tall furniture — it contains a mechanical movement with weighted chains or cables, a precision-balanced pendulum, chime rods, and glass panels, often housed in a case of solid hardwood or antique veneer that can be over 200 years old. Each of these elements has its own vulnerability.
The pendulum can be damaged or knocked out of regulation by even small vibrations if not removed and individually packaged. The weights, if left hanging in the case, can swing and impact the chime rods or the case interior during loading. The movement itself — a finely calibrated gear train — should not be transported in a running state. And the tall, narrow form factor makes the entire piece susceptible to lateral tip-over risk in ways a low credenza is not.
Our technicians know how to properly stop, remove, and package each internal component before the case is wrapped and crated. We label every component with reinstallation notes so setup at the destination is straightforward.
Each internal component is separately secured before the case is crated.
The pendulum is removed, individually wrapped in padded foam, and packed in a labeled box that travels with the crate. We note bob weight and arm length for re-regulation guidance at the destination.
Hanging weights are lowered, removed from their chains or cables, and individually wrapped. Each weight is labeled (left, right, center) to ensure correct reinstallation.
The movement is stopped, and if accessible, the suspension spring is protected. Foam blocking is fitted around the movement to prevent it vibrating against the case or the seat board.
Chime rods and hammers are padded to prevent metal-to-metal contact during transit. This is a common damage point overlooked by general movers.
Glass panels on the bonnet (hood) and lower door are face-padded before any wrap is applied. We use Tyvek between glass and foam to prevent any adhesion or transfer.
The crated case is built to resist lateral racking forces. The crate base is weighted and the case is secured at multiple vertical points — the key cause of tip-over damage is addressed at the crate design stage.
From antique longcase movements to modern floor clocks — all handled with the same care.
Ideally, let the clock run down naturally or stop the pendulum a few hours before pickup. If you are unsure how to stop it safely, leave it — our technicians will stop the movement and remove the pendulum during the packing appointment.
Yes. We regularly ship antique longcase clocks from Austin to other states. The clock travels crated, not on an open truck. We can coordinate with a white-glove freight carrier for cross-country routes.
The pendulum will need to be re-hung and the clock set into beat at the destination — this is always required after moving a pendulum clock. Our packing documentation includes the suspension spring position and bob adjustment notes to make this easier for you or a local clocksmith.
Basic local grandfather clock delivery starts at around $300–$450 including packing, crating, and setup. Long-distance pricing depends on freight lane and clock dimensions. Call (512) 240-9818 for a specific quote.
Yes. Our crew will carefully move the crated clock from any room, including up or down stairs. We use specialized furniture dollies and always have two technicians for clock moves — tipping is the primary risk and it requires two people to manage safely.
Austin Crate & Freight serves the entire Austin metro — custom crating, white-glove pickup, and specialty freight for items that standard carriers cannot handle.
Pendulum removal, weight packaging, movement protection, and custom tall-case crating. White-glove service across Austin and nationwide freight.