transporting a Herschede 5 tube hall clock

[John Moore]

I have a question about transporting a Herschede 5 tube clock. Should the tubes be removed or can they be secured and remain in the clock case? Should a clock repair person be employed to move the clock and set it up in its new location? I would appreciate any comments.

John

 

[Tinker Dwight]

Yes, the tubes should be removed. Cables or chains should be secured.
Weights, pendulum, pendulum leader and possibly the suspension spring
( depending on how it is attached ) should be removed.
It is easiest to have someone that knows clocks to set it up.
Take pictures of anything you remove, before you remove it.
Your clock person may not have see this exact clock before.
Don't be surprised if it doesn't run when it gets to the location
without servicing.
Old oil and gunk tends to fix itself to arbors that are not rotating.
Tinker Dwight

 

[Willie X]

They will have to be removed and carried separately. I usually roll them up in builder's paper (sometimes called red rosin paper), up to 3 in each bundle. Cut the paper about 16" longer than the longest tube, roll that tube up about 2 turns, lay the second tube beside the already wrapped one, make one more loose wrap around both tubes and then lay on the third tube and wrap until the 36" width of the paper is used. Fold back the paper at the ends and secure with tape.
For the weights, first crank the weights up with a block of styrofoam above each pulley. Slightly crush the styrofoam into the pulley before removing the weights. You can use a 4" length of pool noodle for this (hole going vertically). Wrap each weight in a towel and carry each one separately.
Lift the pendulum up about
1/2" and carefully unhook the suspension spring assembly. Carry the pendulum carefully (no wrapping) just lay it flat on a towel in a safe place, where it can't slide around and damage the suspension spring.
Hope this helps,
Willie X

 

[Tinker Dwight]

I like the idea of using a pool noodle. Great idea.
Tinker Dwight

 

[John Moore]

Many thanks to both of you. After thinking about it, I am going to use a clock professional to pick up the clock from the seller and set it up in my home.
J. Moore

 

[Andy Dervan]

Hi John,

The safest way to transport pendulum rod is to find a piece wood longer than the pendulum and tape it to the strip of wood in multiple places.

I would question the "clock professional" politely about how many tall clocks that he/she has moved and setup.

Andy Dervan

 

[John Moore]

I never thought about taping the pendulum to a board. Makes sense though. I have always transported pendulums by just laying them on the car seat not considering it may fall off and be damaged. Sometimes obvious solutions escape us.
John