How much does it cost to repair grandfather clock?
Ethan Hayes
Updated on May 19, 2026
| Services | Starting prices for these services. If two prices, the first is for a 30 hr. clock, second is 8-day |
|---|---|
| Special charges | |
| House call, including pick-up of clocks for repair* | $140.00** |
| Set up a grandfather clock (after a move, or newly delivered, uncrated) | $70.00** plus house call charge |
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Similarly, it is asked, how long do grandfather clocks last?
Unfortunately, no. Modern grandfather clocks, if operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, have a life expectancy of about 10-15 years before developing major internal mechanical problems and failing to run, or to run well.
Also, how often should grandfather clocks be serviced? A. After we overhaul a clock, we recommend oiling every two years for grandfather clocks and every three years for shelf, mantel and wall clocks. Old clocks may have porous brass which soaks up the oil, in addition, the oil dries up as time passes.
Furthermore, do grandfather clocks need maintenance?
Usual care for grandfather clocks is to have the clock oiled about every five years. Most quality new grandfather clocks will run about 20+ year if you set one up and never maintain it, but oiling every few years may make the clock last a lifetime (or two).
How do you fix a grandfather clock?
How to Fix Grandfather Clock Movements
- Step 1 – Weight. Weights control the grandfather clock movements.
- Step 2 – Checking the Weight. Examine and see if the weights are aligned properly.
- Step 3 – The Hands.
- Step 4 - The Pendulum.
- Step 5 – The Moon Dial.
- Step 6 – Check the Level.
- Step 7 – The Ticking.
- Step 8 – Shifting the Clock.
Do grandfather clocks increase in value?
Grandfather clocks increase greatly in value over time. Longcase clocks, even the battered, dusty and stored-in-the-garage-because-it-doesn't-work variety, can be worth from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds, according to a specialist.Can you lay grandfather clock down?
MOVE: Keep your grandfather clock upright You must do your best to keep your grandfather clock upright at all times. Laying down the clock during transport is not recommended as it may damage the finely-tuned clockwork mechanism inside it.Why do grandfather clocks have 3 weights?
The three weights provide power to the hour strike (left weight), time (center weight), and chime melody (right weight). Without these weights, the Grandfather Clock would not operate. Each weight is different and must be properly hung from the movement (left, center, right) to ensure proper operation.Why do they call it a grandfather clock?
The name grandfather clock was adopted after the song “Grandfather's Clock,” written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work, became popular. The first grandfather clocks featured a Classical architectural appearance, but a variety of styles have enjoyed popularity over the years.Can a grandfather clock be on an outside wall?
Placing your grandfather clock on an exterior wall is fine, provided that the wall has no cracks or other damage that might let moisture seep into the clock.What is the difference between a grandfather clock and a grandmother clock?
Grandfather clocks are the tallest of the three styles of longcase clock. Generally agreed to measure at least 6 feet 3 inches in height, the grandfather clock's long case features a pendulum movement. A grandmother clock is shorter than a grandfather clock, so it generally measures less than 6 feet 3 inches in height.Can you move the hour hand on a grandfather clock?
DO NOT MOVE THE HOUR HAND WHEN SETTING THE TIME. If after setting the Grandfather Clock on time, it does not chime properly, permit it to operate 2 hours to correct itself. You may also move the minute hand clockwise, but you probably hear a “single click” sound at each quarter hour point.What kind of oil do you use in a grandfather clock?
Synthetic OilCan you use wd40 on grandfather clock?
Don't use 3-in-One or even worse, WD40. Both will impair the clock's ability to work; modern clock oil is synthetic so much longer lasting than mineral or vegetable oils, which break down over time. Clock oils also contain rust inhibitors to protect the clock.Why does my grandfather clock keep stopping?
The reason a clock pendulum often stops swinging, after being moved, is because the clock case now leans at a slightly different angle then it did at its former location. Don't worry about making your clock absolutely level with the floor and don't use a level.How do you clean a grandfather clock mechanism?
Spray the cleaner directly on the cloth, then wipe down the glass outside the clock. Open both the large door that covers the pendulum and the small door that covers the clock face. Wipe down the inside. Wax and polish the wood of the grandfather clock about every two to three months.How do you transport a grandfather clock?
How to move a grandfather clock like a pro- Remove the weights from the clock.
- Wrap the weights in a moving blanket to protect them from damage.
- Place moving blankets inside the clock to stabilize glass from the inside.
- Wrap the outside of the clock to protect it from damage.