Changing out Spades

Hi Mike,

That was my thought when I put in my offer to buy them. However, they’re a GENEROUS 1/2" in outer width and to dremel or naroow them down to 7/16" would leave very little side arm. I still think about this but the side arms would have to come down to slightly less than 1/8" in remaining width. I’m worried they would break in the process.

However, perhaps a machining business would know best. I will get in touch with one and get their thoughts...

@rbschauman 

 I still think about this but the side arms would have to come down to slightly less than 1/8". I’m worried they would break in the process

They won't break if they are properly supported when you are filing off each side.  Use a fine-tooth flat file and a quality vice with square jaw protectors.  Position the spade so the final edge is exactly level with the jaw protectors.  If you are still worried, position a 7/16" flat washer in front, and another behind, the spade in the vice.

Thanks, Richard! We do have a fab shop where I work, I'll bring this conversation into them too.

This is why I went bananas years ago; they have a standard size. With no difference in sound or connection quality.  

think about it,

I would use the adapters I showed above, however, if willing to modify them:

Skinny spades are less metal to begin with.

making both sides narrow is the same amount of metal left as just cutting one leg off. But, the remaining spade is strong. I have used skinny bladed spades, because I thought it was better than bare wire, on vintage McIntosh terminals, and they can and some have snapped off.

Look at the back of his speakers, the terminal strip is very much like the Vintage Terminals, they come with dividers between each fastener, to prevent rotation, and adjacent contact, that is already solved.

Don’t forget, in addition to the remaining leg of the spade, you do get some contact area from the metal just below the spade’s leg, your terminals let you shove them all the way up, the top of the spade does not restrict that. If it did, you just cut it shorter, to get more ’bottom’ contact.