The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi , I wish to remove the mandrel on a Columbia ' HG ' Graphophone ( six -spring motor version ) . Please can someone advise me --- the hexagonal nut which secures the upper belt pulley to the mandrel shaft -- does that nut have a left -hand thread ? I am aware that some models of Columbia cylinder Graphophones have a left-hand threaded nut securing the belt pulley, so I wonder if the HG is the same ? I am fairly certain the nut has never been off before in its life , so I may need to gently tap the spanner with a light hammer and naturally if i tap the wrong way , it will just strip the thread. I did that once before with a Columbia BC and learned the hard way ! Appreciate any help with this Thanks ! Dulcetto

Although I've never removed that particular nut from the 2nd model HG, I've removed lots of them from other models and they've ALL had left-hand threads. I'm confident that your best bet is righty-loosey; lefty-tighty.

George P.

Thanks George -- its pretty much as I thought --- I could see no reason why the hex nut on the HG would be different to the other one or two Columbia machines I've worked on with similar configuration, but I thought someone in Forum land would have more experience than me , so I appreciate your comments. As you say you have removed several upper pulley nuts from other Graphophone models of similar design layout which have all been left hand thread, I agree with you its a fair bet the HG would be the same. Thanks again ! Dulcetto