Installation Instructions??

ok, I'm probably over-analyzing this task, but here's my additional 2 cents:
I have used hemostats (which incidentally can be purchased at most electronics, fly fishing, and probably other crafts or hobby shops). They work nicely as long as you don't lock the clamp on the wire. Unlocking them is tricky without bending connectors. This may be a problem with my own dexterity or technique, but I quit for this reason and went back to needle nose pliers. The set I use is very small, light weight and spring loaded. That said, I think the idea of regular tweezers is great because of the finger tip control they give you. I really like the tweezers Tobias posted - gonna buy me a set.

by the way - generally connect the leads to the cartridge BEFORE I attach the cartridge to the headshell. I even do this with my Glider. It's not such a concern with my other cartridges because they have a stylus guard. I'm more comfortable doing it this way, having tried it when attached.

An additional piece of information is that whether you carefully use a needle nose pliers or hemostats, you must grab the clip behind the slitted tube of the clip. Don't grab the wire, don't grab the slitted tube. Also, grabbing it behind the slitted tube where I just described, you must be very careful to not bend it back and forth, as it will break off easily. I try not to use hemostats as I find even the first click to be too harsh and can easily squash the wire, sleeve, etc.

I would check to see if the connectors slide on to a pin before monting the cartridge to see whether they need to be spread or not, spread all four if necessary, then mount the cart, then put the connectors on the pins. Much easier to insure you don't lunch a cantilever that way. Obviously, this is personal preference. On a VPI arm, you can flip the arm upside down on a thin cloth on a table in front of you to before seating it on the arm base to ease the task. Be careful howeve, to not bend the wires sprouting out the top leading to the interface box. Arms affixed on a table are both a little harder and conversely easier, but you will get accustomed to either.

Don't worry so much about it. Take a deep breath and take your time.

Nice of VPI to do that BTW.

Also, when removing the clips, do the following:
(assuming you are right-handed)

1) With the needlenose pliers in your right hand, get a firm (but not too tight!) grip on the connector.
2) DO NOT PULL AWAY WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND! BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN!
3) "Move" the clip off the cartridge by pushing your right thumb with your left thumb. Your right thumb and right hand (which is applying tension to the pliers) will resist the pressure applied by your left thumb, achieving a state of equilibrium, and then the clip will slide off gently as you slowly reduce resistance by your right hand.

This will allow you to avoid "jerking" the clip off of the cart and possibly tearing the tonearm leads.

Hope that helps somebody, someday.

Tom