Packaging Tips for Shipping Clocks

If you own a small or medium size clock or gift business, you know all too well the problems shipping clocks with the hands exposed can be. Especially, when you cannot afford custom packaging. Here are some idea’s we have picked up over the years.

Protect Exposed Clock Hands:

I like to use small Styrofoam blocks that are cut to ½” to 1” square, especially with hands that are 5” or longer. 1” Styrofoam sheets are a common Home Depot item. The trays bulk clock movements are shipped in also provide another source of Styrofoam. Set the clock hands at 6:00. Very carefully slide these little Styrofoam blocks along the face of the clock and onto the ends of the clock hands. Sometimes tape or rubber bands can be used for added stability. This should help to protect the hands in most applications.

We also sell plastic hand protectors: http://www.clockparts.com/clock-parts/hand-protectors/

These are protective covers that are specifically designed to cover and protect the clock hands that are 5” overall or less. They are normally held in place with rubber bands, but in some cases tape can be used.

Protect The Exposed Hand Shaft:

Every clock movement has a shaft sticking out of it where the clock hands are installed. If the end of this hand shaft is too close to the inner wall of your packaging, then it is very easy to damage during shipping. All you have to do is use about 4”- 6” sections of cardboard tubes, rolled up double walled corrugated or about 3”-4” strips of Styrofoam blocks. Hold them in place with a rubber band around the clock. Just make sure that the cardboard tubes, or Styrofoam blocks are ¾” or more inches higher (or thicker) than the end of the hand shaft they protect.

If your clock movement is in a closed case with a glass or plastic lens, or cover it’s much easier. The primary concern in this case is “shock”. Using bubble wrap to insulate and distance the clock from the inner walls of the packaging is probably best. Try to pack as if someone might play football with your box.