Post by stereophile on Jul 4, 2006 21:04:13 GMT 7
This is a tricky and dangerous part of cartridge mounting. Its not so much a problem when using universal headshells with robust cartridge leads. The problem is usually in the hi-end ttables where the tone arm is one-piece, and cartridge mounting can be difficult. I once severed off the connector from the tone arm lead while attempting to remove it. That was a heart-stopping moment. It was good that I had a low-wattage soldering gun and some silver solder. Still, I was no joke trying to solder the lead wire to the connector. Everything is so small. Too much heat can damage the tone arm leads. Fortunately, it all went well. It's not something I'd recommend if you are feint of heart or own huge hands/fingers.
Getting back to the topic, I know many use tweezers which they 'liberated' from their significant others. I tried it, but some tweezers can be taxing to use, because of the rigidness of pressure required to hold small objects.
I use surgical needle holders w/c you can buy from Mercury Drug or from any medical supply house. I have better control and reach. The 6-inch version should do well. SOme have smooth jaws. Others have rough/serrated ones. Stick with the smooth jaws. In more expensive needle holders(w/ gold plating on the handles) the jaws are made of hardened material(carbite). This is what I use. Got it secondhand from a medical supply. The grip/bite is better, but does not damage what it grips.
Getting back to the topic, I know many use tweezers which they 'liberated' from their significant others. I tried it, but some tweezers can be taxing to use, because of the rigidness of pressure required to hold small objects.
I use surgical needle holders w/c you can buy from Mercury Drug or from any medical supply house. I have better control and reach. The 6-inch version should do well. SOme have smooth jaws. Others have rough/serrated ones. Stick with the smooth jaws. In more expensive needle holders(w/ gold plating on the handles) the jaws are made of hardened material(carbite). This is what I use. Got it secondhand from a medical supply. The grip/bite is better, but does not damage what it grips.
I think it will be my first and last Graham Engineering product I will be able to own. ;D
The longer it is, the less rigid the grip is. 
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