Help with cartridge wire clips

@coreyt , you usually just have to "stretch" the clips a little. You need a needle nose pliers and an awl. You hold the clip in the needle nose pliers at the wire end (BUT NOT BY THE WIRE!!) Then insert the awl into the cartridge side and stretch it just a little. Check for fit and if still too tight do it again.

A toothpick with a round profile works fast and safely to open up the cartridge clips. I wouldn’t go near them with metal tools but an awl would probably work if you’re careful. You do want them to fit tightly as possible so don’t overdo it.

OP, that is interesting. I’ve only used the clips with a ‘slit’ which allowed me to stretch them to fit the pins. I would then gently clamp down on the clips after the pins were in to ensure a snug fit.

Are you able to ‘stretch’ the clips as described? 

Ortofon headshells are known for this, possibly because their headshells are designed for their own cartridges.  I had issues trying to install a Hana into one. Ended up breaking a clip. I solved the issue by removing the leads and replacing them with ones that actually fit the cartridge.

What lewm stated. 

Round wooden toothpick 

Turns out they were soldered on backwards. After reaching out to Michell they told me there was a small batch of arms assembled like this. 

They’re sending me a new one. Really hope that’s the last issue. I’ve had this table since August trying to get it finished. 

I hope they apologized. At the very least. They really ought to pay the cost of repairs.

I’ve had this table since August trying to get it finished

What other issues had you had?

@lewm They’re sending me a new arm. It comes from the UK though, so another week or two I am guessing.

@rsf507 No issue with the table that I know, but I have never been able to use it beyond power on to make sure it spins, and seemingly at the right rpm. The issues I’ve had are all with Michell to be blunt. The table was at a local shop for about 3 months, they ordered the arm for me, and it was delay after delay. At one point an order supposedly got to the single US distributor, and the arm was just missed in the shipment.

After the 3 months I got fed up, thinking maybe the shop was to blame (I was wrong clearly), and decided to contact Michell and the US distributor myself. Got the arm ordered through the distributor, and waited another 3ish months. More delays every time. The arm finally got to me in February. Then I found out it did not include the arm board to mount it to the table. Both the distributor and I were under the impression it was included. I ordered a 3rd party one myself, because I have lost a lot of faith in the company getting parts in a reasonable time to the US.

This all started basically because I bought the table used, knowing it needed an arm board for anything other than an SME arm. Online there were places to get the Rega arm boards. Turns out they were out of stock, unless you’re in the UK. There seem to be plenty of parts there. They’re not allowed to sell to the US though due to Michell’s agreement with them.

Sorry for the rant, but it’s been a journey to say the least haha. I probably should have just bit the bullet and bought a use SME M2-9 or 309. The Michell arm's are supposedly very good though, and far cheaper. 

It'll be nice when it's done, Gyro SE, Tecnoarm 2, Hana ML.