Cartridge Force - Is a Little 'Over-Force' Okay?

In the old days we used to just tape a penny to the headshell and call it good.

@clearthinker, absolutely, it is called a "tape weight" for balancing automotive wheels. Any auto shop has them. He can place them on the bottom side of the counter weight were they will be hard to see.

It's probably easier just to make some small spacers to hold the lid up slightly when not playing records. The deck might well sound better with the lid open when you are actually listening to music.  I would not track a cartridge at close to 25% over the manufacturer's recommended downforce.

@mijostyn   I think that may be a bit gross for this application; I recall they cut them in 1g and 2g pieces.  But they can be cut down easily with a hacksaw or even a blunt knife as they are made of lead..

@clearthinker, not at all. Modern tape weights are not bad looking. In the States you can no longer get lead weights. They are all made of steel now except a product from 3M which comes as a flexible ribbon they sell in rolls. You cut the weights to size. There is a measuring ruler that tells you how much to cut, brilliant product. Cutting the steel weights is best done with a cutting wheel on a Dremel tool. They come in 1/4 OZ increments. One weight should do it fine. One inch of 3M's ribbon would be even better. @brian_stabinger , I balance my own wheels and have a roll of the 3M wheel weight ribbon. I can mail you an inch if you like. Just remove the backing, clean the counterweight off with alcohol and stick the tape on the periphery. You can order it online but I'm not sure what you are going to do with 300 feet of the stuff. You can look but I do not think anyone sells small amounts.