Bracket Clock - Moving and Set up

[Garfield]

I recently posted a request for information about identifying a bracket clock but since I've never actually recovered one from its home on its bracket I have been seeking wisdom on just how to move it also.

1. It is heavy
2. It is quite high up
3. It has a pendulum
4. There is no access to said pendulum as there is barely enough space for a finger let alone opening the door

Since the clock needs to be serviced (not been serviced in 30 years) and repaired (runs fast, chime and strike issues) I need to move it but I find myself somewhat intimidated, particularly since it looks like I need to move it initially with the pendulum in place. Once I have done the service etc I will need to put it back and set it up - but how on earth do you set a clock in beat and regulate should it be necessary if there is no access - surely it needs to be set up on its bracket and not my bench - can't see any way to level it once on the bracket and it is perfectly in beat right now.

 

[Willie X]

Well ... you will need a good ladder. Step up to a good position and rotate the clock 180° and remove the pendulum. Then remove the clock, get help if you need it but once it's down to table height, one person should be able to get it out and to the front seat of your car.

In the shop, I set up all clocks to run on a level surface (both ways). If the bracket is slightly off, just use good shims (not tapered) to make things right. Alternately, you can repeatedly turn the clock to and fro until the beat is correct. I prefer good chipboard (shoe or cereal box) wedges with a small dot of glue. I would not consider wedges for more than about 1/8". Also, it's usually a good idea to leave the shelf as is but if it's not at 100%, now is the time to make things right on that point. Willie X
One clock hauling son of a gun.

 

[Garfield]

Much appreciated. I don't plan to disturb the bracket that it is on since messing with the decor would make the task a nightmare. The bracket appears to be the clocks original bracket and I'll need to tilt the clock some to turn it as there is a fairly decent lip on the shelf, the shelf is not much deeper than the clock itself.

I'm toying with the idea of a second person since I need to be at least 3 feet up to prevent this being over my head, guess I'll just need to be a little gentle with the rotating part and rely on a second set of hands to stop gravity interfering while I remove the pendulum because I've no idea what is in there and cannot find a similar clock anywhere.

I do have some bubble levels but what I may try to do is use some modern tech to check the shelf status once the clock is down.

 

[wow]

I have a clock like that so I understand your problem. Mine weighs about 50 lbs. I have it on the original bracket. The pendulums on these clocks are very heavy but they have very thick heavy suspension springs. If you remove it from the bracket with it leaning forward, the pendulum will lay against the back plate and will not swing causing damage to the suspension spring. I use a small painting ladder with wide steps so I can have a sturdy surface to stand on. Keep it leaning forward till you get it to a flat surface and gently set it down so the pendulum won’t swing.
Put it back on the bracket the same way. The beat can be set on most of these by using a pivot locator or wire through the holes in the side once it is on the bracket.

 

[Garfield]

There were some marks on the wall that could be from previous tilting, when you tilt can you feel or hear the pendulum come to rest on the plate I wonder.

 

[Willie X]

With two people, one can hold it on the bracket, with a 90° rotation, while the clock person removes the pendulum. It's a good idea to blue tape the door/s shut and leave the key where the clock was, making sure the customer knows to leave it there. Willie X

 

[wow]

There were some marks on the wall that could be from previous tilting, when you tilt can you feel or hear the pendulum come to rest on the plate I wonder.

The pendulum on mine hangs about 1/4 inch from the back plate so a small tilt is all it takes before it touches the plate.

 

[Garfield]

Then this shall be the plan, two people. turn, tilt, lower to table height and go from there which should be straightforward.