Page 1 of 1

Stuck pot metal tonearm

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:33 pm
by Anna-marie Berliner
I have a pot metal tonearm that's in surprisingly good condition with no cracks and very little wear. It's the kind that can be switched to play both vertical and laterally cut records, the only problem is that the base of the tonearm (the part that makes it move across the record) is stuck. I've been trying to get it unstuck but I'm scared of breaking it. Has anyone ever dealt with this problem? It would be nice to be able to use the tonearm again, but I've tried everything i can think of

Re: Stuck pot metal tonearm

Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:05 pm
by Jerry B.
I would suggest posting a photo of your tone arm with a ruler next to suggest length. A lot of off brand machines were made from generic parts. There's a reasonable chance that someone could help you.

Jerry B.

Re: Stuck pot metal tonearm

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 9:58 am
by JohnM
Anna-marie Berliner wrote:I have a pot metal tonearm that's in surprisingly good condition with no cracks and very little wear. It's the kind that can be switched to play both vertical and laterally cut records, the only problem is that the base of the tonearm (the part that makes it move across the record) is stuck. I've been trying to get it unstuck but I'm scared of breaking it. Has anyone ever dealt with this problem? It would be nice to be able to use the tonearm again, but I've tried everything i can think of
Called a ‘universal’ tone arm.

Re: Stuck pot metal tonearm

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 12:10 pm
by MicaMonster
Post a photo. Certainly it can become un-stuck....but the key is to use the right method and NOT TOO MUCH FORCE, otherwise it will crumble.

Re: Stuck pot metal tonearm

Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 3:48 pm
by Benjamin_L
The freezer trick usually works for me

Re: Stuck pot metal tonearm

Posted: Sat Nov 28, 2020 6:15 pm
by Anna-marie Berliner
Sorry I haven't responded in a while, here are some pictures of the tonearm. It seems to be in pretty good condition compared to others I've had that crumble when you pick them up. This one has no cracks in it. I'm pretty sure the problem is with the bearings