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Help me fix my cartridge

This was my first cartridge installation experience and it went very bad. I was installing my new Dynavector 20x on to the tonearm of my Pro-Ject 9.1 by screwing the screws into the threaded holes when I noticed that they were getting tight. I tried the other hole and the same thing occurred, oh oh I thought, better unscrew these screws, they're slightly too big. Then things started to really go bad. The screws inexplicably became very tight as I unscrewed them. I had no choice but to apply more force since the screws were only halfway in and the cart was dangling from the tonearm. Unfortunately the aluminum screw wasn't designed to take that much torque so it broke off in the hole! Darn! I tried to gingerly remove the other one but snap, the other screw broke off also. Man, now I'm screwed I thought. (no pun intended) I have two broken screws stuck in my cart with no way to remove them. I thought I didn't have anything to lose at this point so I tried to drill through them with a tiny drill bit. The first one worked, great, now to do the second one. With great precision I drilled clean through the center of the screw, but now the outer edge of the screw was attached to the threads. So now I can't screw in any screws. Do you have any solutions to removing the remnant of the screw? Can I tap the hole somehow? Right now the cart is attached to the tonearm with one screw but I'm sure two are ideal for the best sound.
mikeyc8

Showing 4 responses by mikeyc8

mikeyc8 OP
174 posts
 
Thanks Mjglo, do you know if the 2.5mm drill and tap is the right size for the cart?

When I read Jependleton's response I don't think he's trying to sell me anything, he's just trying to help, so please cut the guy some slack.

The reason why this problem arose is because I used to have a Dyna 10X5 and I foolishly thought all Dyna screws were the same size so I used the 10X5 screws. Turns out they are slightly wider. So let this be a warning to others...
mikeyc8 OP
174 posts
 
Mark, yes I agree why use slightly different screws for carts so close in price, its not like I was installing a XV 1S or something? Unfortunately I bought it from a fellow Agoner so I didn't have the original bill of sale so I thought I was SOL. Someone else also advised me to try contacting Dynavector to see if they can help. I'll let you guys know how things work out.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.
mikeyc8 OP
174 posts
 
I checked my local Home Depot but they didn't have any taps or extractors that small. I also called up my local Dynavector distributor and they basically said that I was SOL since I bought it used. So it looks like my only alternative now is to drill a larger hole and use a nut to hold it in place.
mikeyc8 OP
174 posts
 
So there is a happy end to this story after all! I tried calling the Canadian Distributor of Dynavector and explained my situation. However, when I told them that I bought it used off Agon, they basically said I was SOL, they didn't give a hoot even though the cart was still in the warranty period since I didn't buy it from them. However, Jim Pendleton of Osage Audio Products saw my post above and did some calling around and contacted Mike Pranka, of Toffco-USA in St Louis, the US distributor of Dynavector. Mike has experience repairing these carts so Jim suggested that I send it to Mike for him to take a look at it. After receiving it, Mike promptly re-tapped the cartridge mounting block, cleaned up the stylus and even gave me two sets of new (proper fitting) screws. He refused to charge me for his service and postage and sent me back the cart, good as new. Wow! talk about going above the call of duty and what service! I don't know these two guys and they went out of their way to help a stranger in another country. Needless to say I'm very grateful that there are still some nice guys in this world. Thanks again guys for all your suggestions and especially to Mike and Jim for helping me out of a jam.
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