What is the fastest clamp?


I recently got back into vinyl and part of my venture was getting a clamp for the turntable. I bought a KAB rubber clamp and it works fine. My only problem with it is that it is semi-cumbersome to install and remove. It is basically a rubber piece that is pushed on and pulled off. Sometimes the pushing or pulling has me physical moving the turntable around. It is sort of messy. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced clamp that is easier to put on and take off or are all clamps like this?
matchstikman

Showing 2 responses by twl

There are clamps that require a threaded spindle. And there are collet-type clamps.

Probably the easiest type to use is actually called a record weight. It performs the same basic function as a clamp, but it uses heavy weight to hold the record down, instead of clamping pressure. There are numerous variations of these record weights around, or you could make your own out of something heavy and about 4" around with a 1/4" hole in the middle.

One word of warning about weights, some turntables have fairly weak main bearing structures, and sometimes the thrust pad in the bottom won't handle the extra weight. Check with your manufacturer about this.
Matchstikman, a weight can be just as good as a clamp. Some people even prefer the weight over the clamp. The amount of weight can vary greatly, depending on the design and maker.

Just remember the more weight you add over the spindle, the more load on the thrust plate, so don't over-do it.

Joe, sounds like another project for you. Take a look at the Redpoint tables on their website. They have a weight that they claim works better than any clamp. If it works on a Redpoint, it will work on a Teres.