The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Started to do a rebuild on my Ultona reproducer and have the needle bar screws out and the retaining ring screws removed and now I'm stuck or rather the retaining ring is. Is there any trick to getting this out? I was able to dig out the outer gasket and thought maybe this was holding the ring in but that wasn't the case. I know some of you have tackled this rebuild. Thanks, Jan

Be careful: they're made of the dreaded pot metal. I got mine out by divine intervention and penetrating oil. I'll let some of the others respond because I don't recommend what I did.

Jim

Thanks Jim, I have some oil on it now. It's really stuck!

I was advised to place mine in the freezer overnight. Sounds crazy but it worked like a charm. Popped right out.

Yes, the freezer trick works well on these.

I did one once that was a bear, I think it spent several overnights in the freezer after getting small doses of penetrating oil. It did come out though. I can't stress enough using two small jewelers screwdrivers on opposite ends of the ring with even pressure on both sides to pop it loose enough. A little too much pressing on one side could cause it to break, so just take your time and be patient, it will come out eventually!

Sean

Thanks everyone. I'll stick it in the freezer and try that.

It hasn't been stressed enough how easily these things break. I speak from experience here, they break just lookin' at em!

One thing I have thought about and will try next time I tackle one this is to fashion a tool that will allow me to rotate the ring in place, I think that this will help loosen the bonds and will not put any stress on the ring that could cause it to break.

Hopefully I can get it off without breaking it. If not, anyone have an extra for sale?

Tried the freezer and oil but still stuck tight. Thing I'll try to find another reproducer to rebuild so at least if I break it I'll hopefully have a spare. Brad, Isn't the bottom of the ring that is right behind the needle bar flat or does it just look this way because it's tucked behind the tabs? If it is flat you can't rotate it. Jan

Jan,

It is flat. Keep trying the freezer trick, leave it for a couple days, even. As I said earlier, I had one that took me days to get loose.

If you end up wanting another, I have a double head one in my parts box that I'd be happy to part with. PM me if you'd like.

Sean