Bent Pins on Northstar 952X

['Bright Ayes']

I have a NS 952X and I think I bent the 2 left side upper and lower pins in the unit when I last inserted the cartridge. :smt021 It doesn't read the cartridge now and says I have to insert one. I looked inside the slot and it seems the pins are not in line where they are supposed to be. My question is whether or not there is a safe way to attempt to straighten the pins out or should I just pull the unit and have it serviced professionally. Can a professional do any more to the unit or any better than I can if I use a pair of Slim, long nose needle nose pliers?

OJ

 

[Dave S]

I would be more concerned about how they got bent to begin with. Even if you can straighten them out, they may bend again when you insert your cartridge the next time. Why not try calling Northstar first on their 800 number to see if they can help.

 

['Bright Ayes']

Thanks Dave. that was the first thing I did and unfortunately, short of sending the unit back to them for repair, they were of no help. They did indicate that those pins are very sensitive and do break easily. As to why they got bent in the first place, there is a little bit (very little bit) of play when you put the cartridge in the slot. If you are not careful and go very slowly, I believe the holes will be easily out of alignment with the pins and then the cartridge bends them.
I will try an in house repair today and hopefully it will work out.
Thanks,

OJ