Post by cooksferry on Apr 21, 2020 10:34:31 GMT 12
I'm currently refitting a mono AT cart back on the Project arm and once again have a problem. The pins on the AT cartridge are slightly bigger in diameter than either of my Hana and Dynavector cartridges and the tags/clips on the Project arm are just too tight to slip on. At best they cling precariously to the end of a pin, not the best. Last time I did this fit I sent over an hour very cautiously opening out the tags so I got them about half way along each pin. Of course when I refitted one of the other carts the tags had to be closed up for a good fit.
I am very reluctant to mess around too much with the tags in case I break one which then opens up a deeper problem.
I'd be interested to hear how anal others get with pin/tag fit. Do you go for full cover, 50 per cent or is hanging on by a hair considered good enough. The AT cartridge has been sitting in the arm since the new year and it's really time I pulled finger and completed things rather than consigning it to the do it tomorrow basket.
Once I get this done I intend to leave the mono cart in place for some time and use my Wand arm for stereo playback.
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Post by Owen Y on Apr 21, 2020 11:52:22 GMT 12
A sometimes problematic issue. Yes, these clips can break (how do I know?  ) V d Hul used to offer them in 2 sizes - 1.0mm & 1.2mm diam. Some cartridges have tapered-end pins - handy for bigger pins. My Ortofon VMS20E has 1.2mm diam. pins. My Japanese cartridges have pins diam. 1.11 to 1.17mm dia. I measured a Sumiko Blue Point - 1.23mm. I can only suggest using something clean & sharp (like a engineer's scriber point tool) & GENTLY widening them. If the clips are naked (without heatshrink covering), you could take a pocket knife blade, insert into the clip gap to widen.
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Post by Citroen on Apr 21, 2020 12:05:42 GMT 12
I'm quite anal and try to get full insertion. It's got to be tight so that there's no chance of it slipping off.
Most set of wires are open along the metal part, so with gentle persuasion will squeeze fit around any size pin.
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on Apr 21, 2020 12:14:24 GMT 12
I like to get my tags fully on too. A toothpick I have found to be the best tool for enlarging pins, soft enough not to do any damage but firm enough to do the job. BTW can anyone recommend a good source for good quality cartridge leads ?
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Post by Graham on Apr 21, 2020 12:40:34 GMT 12
Certainly can be a problem. You would think the industry could standardize the pin size.
I use an engineers scriber to very carefully open them up if necessary, and even more careful use of needle nosed plyers to squeeze them down.
And yes I always aim for a snug fit with full cover.
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Post by Owen Y on Apr 21, 2020 13:53:33 GMT 12
Just measured... An old Technics EPC cartridge - 1.18 to 1.20mm. Supex SMM/100E - 1.15 to 1.16mm cooksferry - I wouldn't get brutal about 100% full connection - as long as you get sufficient & secure contact.
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Post by cooksferry on Apr 21, 2020 15:22:07 GMT 12
Thanks for the replies. Measured the cart pins at 1.29. Played around with a toothpick and small screw driver and finally managed to get one lead fully on. I'd like to try harder using the screw driver to open the gap but frightened to use too much force and break a tab. The metal is surprisingly strong and resistant to force.
Gave up for today but dug out an old tool box full of modelling tools including some nice little picks and jewellers reamers. Will try those or maybe very lightly grind the shank of a 1.3mm drill bit and use that in a pin vise. Looks like I have something to do tomorrow now.
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Post by Citroen on Apr 21, 2020 15:51:32 GMT 12
Don't feel bad if you break a tag or two. We've all done that...  As long as you don't break a pin, all will be ok!
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Post by Owen Y on Apr 21, 2020 20:23:58 GMT 12
1.28mm is large. Doesn't sound ideal to rough up a micro-contact surface with a drill, cooksferry. Maybe keep working on them with your jeweller's bit & pcs,
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Post by cooksferry on Apr 23, 2020 15:14:24 GMT 12
1.28mm is large. Doesn't sound ideal to rough up a micro-contact surface with a drill, cooksferry . Maybe keep working on them with your jeweller's bit & pcs, Wasn't going to attack anything Owen, just the drill shank seemed about the correct size to use as a probe, rather like a tooth pick. Decided against that and success a few minutes ago using two screwdrivers with slightly different thickness to inset in the gap on the tag and carefully ease enlarge that space. Helped a lot by putting the plastic guide for my TT Weights outer ring on the platter so I could sit the tags on that and apply better pressure. Three fitted completely on with the fourth being three quarters, that's close enough for me. Take a breather and try for setup tomorrow which is also a pain as the shank is quite short and the stylus is hidden under the body. A test for my new glasses.
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Pundit
Post by simonb on Apr 25, 2020 13:24:44 GMT 12
Just a FYI that I have Cardas gold clips if anyone breaks or loses any. Simon
Simon Brown
Design Build Listen Ltd,
Makers of The Wand Analogue Products
Distributor of Hana Cartridges
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