Grandfather clock moving in Newton Abbot
Looking for professional grandfather clock moving help in Newton Abbot? Hembury Contracting provides reliable quick jobs services across Newton Abbot and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
45-60 mins
Location
Newton Abbot
Grandfather clock moved safely to its new location and set up running. I handle all the dismantling, moving, and re-assembly - you just enjoy listening to it tick.
### Grandfather Clocks Are Wonderful. And Awkward.
You've got a beautiful grandfather clock that needs moving to another room. Or upstairs. Or to your new house.
**The problem?** These things are: - Heavy (the case alone is hefty) - Delicate (mechanism is 200+ years old) - Tall (won't go round corners assembled) - Valuable (family heirloom you really don't want to break)
You *could* have a go yourself. Or you could get someone who knows which bits come off, in what order, and how to put it all back so it actually works afterward.
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### What Makes Clock Moving Different
| ✅ Done Properly | ❌ Common Mistakes | |-----------------|-------------------| | Weights removed and labeled | Weights left in (damage mechanism) | | Pendulum secured or removed | Pendulum swinging during move (disaster) | | Hood removed if needed | Try to move it assembled (stuck in doorway) | | Set up level at new location | Wonky, stops running after 10 minutes |
The difference is **knowing what you're dealing with**.
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### The Moving Process
**🔧 Dismantling** - Remove weights (and note which goes where) - Remove pendulum and secure the suspension - Remove hood/bonnet if needed for access - Check nothing's loose inside the case
**📦 Moving** - Carry case carefully (empty, it's manageable) - Transport weights and pendulum separately - Hood moved separately if removed - Protect everything appropriately
**💡 Setting Up** - Position case in new location - Get it perfectly level (critical for running) - Reattach hood if removed - Reinstall pendulum and weights - Set going and check it's running smoothly
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### Pricing
| Job | Time | You'll Pay | |-----|------|------------| | Same floor move (room to room) | 45-60 mins | **£60-£85** | | Move upstairs/downstairs | 60-90 mins | **£85-£110** |
*Based on £60 minimum + £50/hr after. Price assumes reasonable access.*
> 💡 **Pro tip:** When the clock's moved, it's a good time to give the case a proper clean and check the mechanism's happy. I can advise on basic maintenance while I'm there.
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Why Choose Us for Grandfather clock moving in Newton Abbot?
Safely moved without damage to mechanism
Weights and pendulum properly handled
Set up level and running at new location
Works with any grandfather/longcase clock
What to Expect
### Step 1: Assessment I look at the clock, work out what needs removing, and check the route to the new location. Some clocks dismantle differently than others. ### Step 2: Careful Dismantling Weights off first (labeled so they go back in right place), then pendulum. Hood removal if needed. Everything done carefully. ### Step 3: The Move Empty case moved to new location. Not rushing this - these are often antiques worth proper care. ### Step 4: Re-assembly & Setup Everything goes back on in reverse order. Most important bit: getting the case dead level so the clock runs properly. Start it up and make sure it's ticking happily.
Our Newton Abbot Service Coverage
We cover Newton Abbot and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Newton Abbot or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🎨 **Moving house?** I can dismantle, wrap, and prepare the clock for the removal van, then come to your new place and set it up once it arrives. Most removal companies won't move assembled clocks. **Old mechanisms?** If your clock's temperamental or hasn't run for years, moving it might be the last straw for worn parts. I'll let you know if the mechanism needs some attention beyond just the move. **Chimey clocks?** Some have complex chiming mechanisms with extra weights. These need even more careful handling. Same process, just takes a bit longer. **Exeter's older floors?** Victorian and Edwardian houses often have sloping floors. Your clock might have been shimmed level in its old spot - I'll do the same in the new location so it runs properly. **Long-term storage?** If you're not setting it up immediately, wrap the pendulum separately, leave weights out, and store the case upright somewhere dry. Don't store it on its back - the case can warp.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grandfather clock moving in Newton Abbot
Why can't I just tip it and carry it?
The mechanism doesn't like being moved while assembled - pendulum can damage the movement, weights can shift and bend things. Needs dismantling first: remove weights, pendulum, and ideally the hood. Then you can move the case safely.
Do I need to remove the hood myself?
I can do it - part of the service. Some hoods just lift off, others are more involved. Better to let someone who's done it before handle it than risk dropping a 200-year-old piece of furniture.
Will it keep time after being moved?
Should do, once I've set it up level and adjusted the pendulum. Might take a day or two to settle into perfect time-keeping again - that's normal. Some old clocks are a bit temperamental after being disturbed.
Can you move it upstairs?
Yeah, as long as the stairs are wide enough and there's no stupid angles. We strip it down first so we're carrying the case empty. Much lighter and safer than trying to maneuver a fully-assembled clock round tight corners.
I'm moving house - can you help with that?
For a house move, I'd dismantle and wrap it ready for the removal van, then come to the new place and set it up once it's delivered. Safer than me transporting it myself in a van. Most removal companies won't touch grandfather clocks.
Get a Free Quote in Newton Abbot
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your grandfather clock moving job in Newton Abbot.
01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Newton Abbot
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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