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Removing Morch DP-6 tonearm wires from cartridge

I will be replacing the cartridge on my Morch/Moerch tonearm once I get my new cartridge. This will be only the second time I have installed a cartridge on a tonearm; please forgive me for all of the the newbie questions.

I noticed that the rubber boots (?? I don't know the proper terminology) that cover the clips on the end of the tonearm wires seem to be a bit dried out, with some small cracks in them as well, and so I am concerned that they might disintegrate when I try to remove the clips from the cartridge contact pins. (I haven't actually touched the boots to see whether or not they are still pliable, this is an observation from visual inspection only.)

Is there a trick to removing the clips easily? (I'm already worried because I know how fragile the wires themselves are.) Is there perhaps some sort of moisturizer or lubricant I can use that won't interfere with the electrical connection but will make it easier to remove the clips, and that might also "replenish" the rubber of the 'boots' ? (Or does the condition of the boots not really matter as long as the wires themselves are OK?)

Holly
oakiris
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
Don't forget to clean your cartridge pins and clips (as best you can) when installing it. You clean your other connectors, right? So why not here too, where the signal is small and even a slight amount of dirt or oxidation can cause big sound issues.
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I actually just got one of those plastic RCA connector cleaning tools so I can clean off the interconnect connectors. Cleaning the tonearm headshell wire connectors and pins sounds like a good idea. I am considering getting a tube of Deoxit Gold; will that work or is there something better (and maybe less expensive, lol) that can be used for this?

Holly
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
I just use a Q tip and some quality rubbing alcohol from the drug store. Nothing special and works like a charm.
brf
1,715 posts
 
For cleaning head shell leads, you can use a tooth pick along with your favorite cleaning solutions. I personally like just pure alcohol. Shaved down pipe cleaner also work nicely.
doak
199 posts
 
"Craft stores such as Michaels sell small needle nose pliers that have plastic noses that come in various shapes. They are what I use as they are intended for jewelry / earring assemblies that require precision and that won't gouge the wiring."

Please take this suggestion by "Rodrigaj" to heart. The small investment will pay big dividends. Tweezers are a recipe for disaster -- yes they can "get the job done" but they are too liable to cause damage.

Good Luck!
Doak
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