[mdfoy]

The bottom pair of speaker binding posts on my HT 1 are little loose. Not too loose, just a little wiggle, but it is there.  I haven't noticed any difference in sound quality. Is this disaster waiting to happen?

[jsalk]

If you remove the six screws holding the plate in place, you can pull it out and tighten the plastic nut that holds the binding posts in place.  It probably came a little loose over time.  Should be an easy fix.

- Jim

[mdfoy]

Jim,

Thanks! You are the best. 

Mike

[mdfoy]

I have to reopen this post. 

I have tried to remove the speaker binding post panel, but it is REALLY tight.  I don't want to pull too hard for fear of seriously damaging the speakers. I even tried going in through the woofer.  Same deal, it is like they are stuck into the cabinet. Anyone experience this and fixed it?

[jsalk]

mdfoy -

Almost all materials expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.  The recess for the binding post plate is a snug fit.  Over time, it can become even more snug, which is you are experiencing.

Here is what we would do.  Fashion a stick that is 3/4" x 3/4" x about 16 - 18" long.  Remove the woofer and run the stick through the woofer hole to the rear of the binding post plate.  While someone is holding the plate and terminals at the rear of the speaker, use a hammer to tap on the stick and drive the plate loose.  Increase the tap pressure until the binding post plate comes loose.  It eventually will.

This is the technique we use when faced with this situation.

- Jim

[jtwrace]

[size=78%]Here is what we would do.  Fashion a stick that is 3/4" x 3/4" x about 16 - 18" long.  Remove the woofer and run the stick through the woofer hole to the rear of the binding post plate.  While someone is holding the plate and terminals at the rear of the speaker, use a hammer to tap on the stick and drive the plate loose.  Increase the tap pressure until the binding post plate comes loose.  It eventually will.[/size]

This is the technique we use when faced with this situation.

- Jim

You don't have to worry about an edge getting caught and lifting the veneer in one spot?

[TF1216]

Jim, do you have a trick for removing drivers when the are stuck?

[mdfoy]

Jim,

I tried going throught he woofer as well.  It is stuck too, and I amost ripped the veneer trying to get it out.

[jsalk]

You don't have to worry about an edge getting caught and lifting the veneer in one spot?

That is the reason you would want someone holding the binding posts from the rear.  They can prevent it from hitting the edge.  There is always a chance something can happen, but we have never had an issue. 

We have a tool we use here at the shop.  It is like a pick with a curved tip.  Kind of like a nut pick in an old nutcracker set.  We insert it in a screw hole, drive it slightly under the driver or binding post faceplate and pry upwards.  Sometimes it takes a little work, but it will eventually pop loose.

- Jim

[stlrman]

That wood is insane !!
Let's see the front please.

[mdfoy]

stlrman

Here is a shot from my gallery



Jim,

Is there a source for a tool that you describe?

[jtwrace]

WOW, those are stunning!  What kind of veneer is that?

[Big Red Machine]

Looks like my first pair of HT3's in Waterfall Bubinga.

[Rocket]

Hi BRM and Mike,

I never quite had enough money to 'pony up' for a pair of speakers with waterfall bubinga and its one of the nicest finishes that Jim does.  I hope your careful with the veneer it would be a shame to damage it.  Are the loose binding posts that much of an issue?  Do you swap cables all the time?

Cheers Rod

[jtwrace]

After another look...does anyone else see the face in the middle of the speaker?  It's wild!


 

[jsalk]

stlrman

Jim,

Is there a source for a tool that you describe?

I don't recall where we got it (probably someplace like Harbor Freight) or what it was.  It was from a selection of picks and one was curled up at the end.  It just so happens to work quite well for this task.  But I have no idea where it came from.  So I hope we never brake it because I don't know how we'd replace it.

- Jim

[MichiganMike]

I don't recall where we got it (probably someplace like Harbor Freight) or what it was.  It was from a selection of picks and one was curled up at the end.  It just so happens to work quite well for this task.  But I have no idea where it came from.  So I hope we never brake it because I don't know how we'd replace it.

- Jim

Harbor Freight offers a couple of inexpensive pick sets that may do the job if used with care.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-pick-and-hook-set-66836.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-pick-and-hook-set-93958.html

[jsalk]

Harbor Freight offers a couple of inexpensive pick sets that may do the job if used with care.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-pick-and-hook-set-66836.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-pick-and-hook-set-93958.html

Bingo!  That's it.

- Jim

[mrhyfy]

I've used a large wood screw about a number 12..FINGER tightened into one of the woofer holes then gently tugged upon.Maybe work your way around the woofer tugging on different screw holes.  No special tool needed.