How To Take Care Of A Grandfather Clock
Mike Barus
A grandfather clock is undoubtedly an amazing piece to have in
your home. It hearkens back to a time when life was simpler,
yet more elegant. If you invest in a grandfather clock, chances
are it will quickly become a showpiece within your entryway,
living room, or dining room.
Yet, it is highly important that you take good care of your
grandfather clock. To some people, there is nothing more
annoying than a clock that fails to provide the correct time.
Also, while it can certainly be gratifying to purchase an
antique clock, you don’t want your clock to “show its age”
after just a few months in your home.
The best way to ensure that you will be able to take care of a
grandfather clock properly is to exercise caution when
selecting a clock to buy. Whether you are interested in a new
or used model, you probably have hundreds of choices to
consider. You should examine each individual cabinet as you
would any other piece of furniture. Be sure to carefully
consider the finish and the overall quality. For instance, if
you’re looking for a stunning piece that is particularly easy
to care for, you might consider a 100 percent cherry, oak, or
mahogany cabinet. In such a case, you’ll need to buy an older
clock to get what you want.
You’ll be much better off purchasing a grandfather clock from a
clock dealer rather than from a general furniture store. This is
because a dealer can offer better service after the sale. This
means that, working with a dealer, you should have an easier
time caring for your clock. Also, be sure that you examine the
actual clock you’re purchasing, rather than just buying a clock
delivered from a warehouse. Otherwise, you could end up with a
clock that is damaged and will therefore be difficult to take
care of. If you notice dents or scratches on the surfaces of
the weights or pendulum, be sure to alert a customer service
representative, so that those problems can be dealt with before
you get the clock home. If you want a truly durable grandfather
clock, you’ll probably have to purchase one that is about 40 to
50 percent more expensive than the cheapest model.
If you purchase an older clock, you may have more difficulty
taking care of it over the long run. This is because many older
clocks have not been fully serviced before the sale because of
the cost involved. Essentially, the dealer will probably do
only that amount of maintenance necessary to get the clock
running. As a result, you could find yourself facing
significant maintenance costs later on. Also, be aware of the
fact that a spring-driven clock does not usually last as long
as a weight-driven clock.
In order to care for your clock properly, it’s important that
you have your grandfather clock cleaned at least once every
five years. The cleaner your clock, the better it is likely to
function. Since a grandfather clock represents a treasured piece
of history, you need to care for it as you would any prized
possession.
About The Author: Mike Barus specializes in Grandfather clocks
http://www.i-grandfather-clocks.com and
http://www.grandfather-clocks-i.com
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