Phono cartridge torque wrench


Hi Guys & Gals

Do any of you use a torque wrench when tightening your cartridge to your tonearm or do you just use a regular screwdriver or Allen key? 

Thank you
Scot
scothurwitz

Showing 1 response by clearthinker

@miller "  Few things bug me more than guys who tighten everything as if the tighter the better. A tiny bit more than snug and you are done."

Hi Miller.  The purpose of a  torque wrench is not to tighten screws as tightly as possible.  It is to tighten them to a defined extent.

I don't believe it is necessary to have perfect accuracy on cartridge fixings and yes, tightness is easily overdone.  Just use a small Allen key or screwdriver and a fairly gentle touch as Miller advises.

Incidentally, torque wrench accuracy suffers from differential friction on the threads and component faces.  To get accurate results it is essential to clean threads and faces thoroughly and slightly lubricate before assembling.