Top 10 Tools Needed to Repair Turntables

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Top 10 Tools Needed to Repair Turntables
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In this digital age, turntables may seem outdated to most consumers. However, they are still quite popular among certain music enthusiasts. Many audiophiles consider vinyl records to be at the apex of quality audio and prefer a turntable over an MP3 player any day. For a professional DJ, a pair of turntables is paramount for live performances. Some music lovers just want a way to listen to their old vinyl collection. Regardless of why someone chooses to own a turntable, he or she must be aware that turntables are complicated machines with several delicate parts. If a part breaks and needs to be fixed or replaced, there are certain tools required to fix it. Practically any turntable can be repaired with the following 10 tools.
1 Stylus Force or Pressure Gauge
Stylus Force or Pressure Gauge

In order for records to play properly and without much wear and tear, it is critical for the tonearm to be balanced just right. Too much pressure can cause the stylus to dig into the record, wearing both the stylus and the record out well before their time. Too little pressure causes the record to skip or not produce sound to its fullest quality. A stylus force gauge, also called a stylus pressure gauge, is used to measure the pressure applied by the tonearm so that the user can accurately find that perfect balance.

2 Stylus Brush
Stylus Brush

A stylus brush is used to clean a turntable stylus. A dirty stylus produces poor sound quality. It is ideal to clean the stylus before each time a turntable is used.

3 Screwdriver Set
Screwdriver Set

Turntables are held together by dozens of screws, making a screwdriver an essential tool for this collection. Disassembling a turntable requires a wide variety of screwdriver sizes. While most people keep a set of standard screwdrivers around the house, an electronics screwdriver set is also needed.

4 Soldering Iron and Solder
Soldering Iron and Solder

The inner components of a turntable include many wires, all of which are typically connected by solder in order to ensure a stable connection. Despite its stability, however, solder can crack and ruin the connection. A wire may simply go bad and need to be replaced. Regardless, a soldering iron and a spool of quality solder is required to make either of these fixes. Any basic soldering iron should do fine.

5 Pliers

When working with wiring and small metal parts, it is ideal to keep a pair of pliers handy. They are helpful for holding small parts steady while they are fastened down, crimping wire connections, bending wires, and much more. Needle nose pliers are most ideal for the delicate work involved in repairing a turntable. Consider purchasing a pair with an insulated grip in case there is ever a risk of electric shock.

6 Tweezers

Sometimes, even a small pair of needle nose pliers  do not do the trick. Handling the tiniest parts inside a turntable requires precision, and a good pair of craft tweezers is just the tool for the job. Keep in mind that craft tweezers are not the same as cosmetic tweezers.

7 Sanding Tools
Sanding Tools

Sanding tools are anything that can be used to remove corrosion buildup from the inner workings of a turntable. While powered sanding tools, like a dremel tool, are good for making quick work of a big cleanup, they tend to be a bit much for tasks that require more finesse. Small wire bristle brushes are the most ideal. They can get into those hard to reach places without the risk of damaging anything.

8 Voltage Meter
Voltage Meter

Electronic malfunction is among the most common problems users have with turntables. Connections wear out over time, and the electrical current is lost. A voltage meter can be used to isolate the various currents found within the turntable and identify the faulty connection.

9 Lubricating Oil
Lubricating Oil

Turntables come with a lot of moving parts, and anywhere there are moving parts, there is bound to be friction. As the record turns, parts are rubbing together, getting hot, making unwanted squeaking sounds, and eventually breaking down. Proper lubrication is the only real way to prevent this from happening. Use lubricating oil after each cleaning and after a turntable has been stored away for a while.

10 Cleaning Tools
Cleaning Tools

The best way to keep a turntable turning is to keep it as clean as possible. The ideal cleaning tools include isopropyl alcohol for removing grit and grease, a terry cloth for wiping large surfaces, and cotton swabs for getting into all the nooks and crannies.

How to Buy the Tools Needed to Repair Turntables

Some of these tools can be found at practically any local department store. Others are typically available at hardware stores or specialty electronics stores. However, some of these items may not be available locally at all. The best idea for getting all of these items in one place, without doing a lot of shopping around, is to purchase them on the Internet. Websites like eBay offer a massive selection of products and make it incredibly easy to search for specific items. Whether a shopper needs all 10 of these tools or just one or two of them, all it takes is a quick search on the right website to get the right tool for the job.
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