Universal Stainless Steel Screw Kit for Mounting Phono Cartridges on Turntables

Fitting a new phono cartridge or re-mounting an existing one requires the correct hardware for a secure and reliable connection. This comprehensive stainless steel mounting kit contains all the bolts, nuts, washers, and tools needed to fit a vast range of cartridges to standard headshells. Manufactured from high-strength stainless steel, it provides a practical solution that aligns with advice from leading cartridge manufacturers, who often caution against using aluminium screws due to the risk of them seizing in the threaded mounting plate. The kit’s range of bolt lengths, from 6mm for shallow mounts to 20mm for deeper cartridge bodies, ensures you have the right component for the job, supported by dedicated M2 bolts for compatibility with Thorens turntable models.

Features and Construction

This kit is designed as a universal solution, eliminating the need to source individual screws and fittings when installing or changing a turntable cartridge. Its construction and component selection are based on common requirements and specific manufacturer guidance.

Material and Build

The entire kit is constructed from high-strength stainless steel. This material choice is critical, as many cartridge manufacturers explicitly advise against using aluminium screws in their installation instructions. For instance, Ortofon's guidelines for their 2M series state, 'Never over tighten screws and never use aluminium screws, as they can get stuck in the threaded holes of the mounting plate'. Stainless steel avoids this risk of seizing and provides a durable, corrosion-resistant fastening solution. The supplied allen keys (2mm for M2.5 bolts and 1.5mm for M2 bolts) allow for precise, secure tightening without damaging the screw heads.

Size and Practical Fit

The kit addresses the varied physical dimensions of different phono cartridges. It includes twelve M2.5 allen bolts in pairs of six lengths: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, and 20mm. The shorter bolts (6-12mm) suit the majority of cartridges on the market, while the 16mm and 20mm lengths are included for deeper-bodied cartridges. Additionally, it contains four M2 bolts (two 10mm and two 16mm) specifically for fitting cartridges to the headshells of Thorens turntables. Each bolt is accompanied by the correct number of matching stainless steel nuts and washers to complete the mounting assembly.

Uses and Placement

This kit serves both professional audio technicians and enthusiasts performing maintenance or upgrades on their home audio systems. Its primary use is the secure physical mounting of a phono cartridge onto a tonearm's headshell, which is a fundamental step in turntable setup.

Event or Professional Use

For professional installers, DJs, or audio repair shops, this kit offers a reliable, one-box solution for a common task. Having a full selection of screw lengths and the correct tools to hand saves time during installations or equipment checks. The use of manufacturer-recommended stainless steel also provides assurance that the fitting will not cause issues like seized screws, which could damage a customer's expensive cartridge or headshell during future removal.

Everyday Home Use

For the home enthusiast upgrading their stylus or changing cartridges, this kit simplifies the process. It provides everything needed in one package, removing the guesswork and potential frustration of not having the right screw length or type. The instructions emphasise using the shortest bolt that will accommodate the specific cartridge and headshell combination for a correct fit, and the included allen keys make tightening straightforward. After fitting, users must remember to adjust the tonearm's counterweight to set the correct Vertical Tracking Force (VTF), as the material weight of the bolts themselves is irrelevant to this crucial calibration.

Benefits and Buying Value

The value of this kit lies in its completeness, material suitability, and the convenience it offers for a precise and often-repeated task in analogue audio maintenance.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

As a set of durable stainless steel components, the bolts, nuts, and washers can be reused multiple times for different cartridges or re-installations. The material resists corrosion and wear, meaning the kit remains a lasting part of an audio enthusiast's toolkit. There are no complex care instructions; the components simply need to be kept together in their packaging when not in use.

Why Choose This Product

This kit is chosen for its direct alignment with technical recommendations from the industry and its practical coverage of common and specialist mounting scenarios. It solves the problem of sourcing appropriate, high-integrity mounting hardware by providing a comprehensive selection in one purchase. The inclusion of specific hardware for Thorens turntables and the warning against aluminium use are clear differentiators based on factual source material, offering peace of mind that the correct materials are being used for the application.