XLR Connector Screw?

There are several dozen different brands/models of XLR connectors. Without a photo or something, we really don't know which one you are asking about???
I have only been using XLR connectors for around 50 years, but I have never seen one with a "tiny Philips" screw.
 
The Switchcraft connectors have tiny slotted screws. The one that holds the actual connector in the shell is reverse threaded.
 
edinc90 said:
The Switchcraft connectors have tiny slotted screws. The one that holds the actual connector in the shell is reverse threaded.
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And none of those three screws are Philips. They are all slotted.

After wracking my memory, I think I have seen a cheap knock-off XLR connector that used an oval-head Philips screw to hold the connector into the shell. But it was pretty terrible, and replacing it with a proper Switchcraft or Neutrik would be better in every way vs. trying to find a screw to repair that cheap XLR.
 
Of all the connectors I've used, I've only ever seen a flat head screw used for the purposes described.
 
Older Neutrik's have cross head screws so the OP is correct. Looks like an M2.

I have several here from the late 80's but the modern ones have no screws.
 
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There are a slew of cheap XLR connectors that use a philips screw that screws through the shell into the body as opposed to the slotted ones that screw out from the body into the shell.

They may not all be "cheap" but they are a pain since the little screws fall out.

OP your best bet is to go to a hardware store (or better an electronics store if you can find one) and see what works. Or better yet replace the connector.
 
I recall seeing overpriced (and likely low quality) XLRs with Phillip head set screws in the Shack O' Shame, and they're probably the same generic POS from China that are seen occasionally. The screws are likely just generic metric screws that shouldn't be too hard to find. But for less than $3, a brand new Neutrik or Switchcraft connector could be purchased... and XLRs are relatively easy to work on due to their large size.
 
Replace the connector. You'll be much happier in the long run. Connectors like you are probably dealing with are just trouble waiting to happen.
 
zjrt02 said:
Replace the connector.
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Probably preferable, but I s*ck with a solder gun, don't even have one at the moment, hence the method to my buy-a-screw madness.

The connectors and cable are pretty solid. Guess I'll head to the hardware store... thanks all.
 
GaryNattrass said:
Older Neutrik's have cross head screws so the OP is correct. Looks like an M2.

I have several here from the late 80's but the modern ones have no screws.
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Yes, the very early, 1st generation, Neutrik XLRs had a cross-head screw and the 1980's is about right.

I still have some of these old ones in use.

But I don't know of any others with a screw like this.
 
May be I can help. I got from a Soundman these old Connectors and measured the Screw.

It has a 2,5 mm thread and is about 7 mm long.

Neutrik-Schraube.jpg

But you can also use normal 2.5 mm countersunk screws that are 8 mm long. I myself have already done it and worked wonderfully,

Greetings
 
Plexxart said:
May be I can help. I got from a Soundman these old Connectors and measured the Screw.

It has a 2,5 mm thread and is about 7 mm long.

View attachment 67636

But you can also use normal 2.5 mm countersunk screws that are 8 mm long. I myself have already done it and worked wonderfully,

Greetings
Click to expand...

That's an old original Cannon XLR (or copy of). But the screws in the original Cannon were flat head and not cross head - and the ones pictured in on the cable grip certainly don't look like the originals.
 
And FWIW, I did a guerilla audio gig this week using some of the installation's newly-installed equipment. The installer had built up four cables to connect their wireless receivers to the board. The cable looked heavy enough to jump start your car and the new XLR connectors had at least five screws in them. I wish I had thought to take a pic but I was a little under the gun.
 
For info here is a pic of a couple of my 1980's Neutrik XLR's:
DSC_0001-5_zps7dd11ca6.jpg
 
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