How to Brace a Speaker Cabinet

Don't let a noisy speaker cabinet ruin your listening.

Most speaker cabinets are up to the task they're given -- hold a speaker firmly in the cabinet so it can reproduce sound accurately. But if the speaker cabinet isn't strong enough, or has aged and lost some of its structural integrity, it may vibrate excessively when the volume is up. This will add extraneous noise to your music. Bracing the speaker cabinet can be accomplished if you're willing to take some time and work with the speaker.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Ruler
• 1/2-inch MDF (medium density fiberboard)
• Circular saw
• Drill
• 3/4-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Pull the grille off the speaker. On some older speakers, you may have to remove the speaker grille cloth by pulling out staples with a set of pliers.

2. Remove the screws on the perimeter of the speaker and pull the speaker out of the cabinet. Unplug the speaker wire connectors on the back of the speaker. Set the speaker aside.

3. Cut four triangular pieces of MDF, each measuring 4 inches long on the even legs. You can make these a bit smaller if space in the cabinet is tight.

4. Drill four pairs of holes in the corners on the back of the cabinet. Each pair will be 2 inches in from the outer edge of the cabinet, and the holes will be separated by 2 inches, starting 1 inch from the bottom or top of the cabinet

5. Place a brace inside the cabinet and line it up with a pair of holes. Insert wood screws into the holes and screw them into the MDF until they're tightly secured against the back of the cabinet.

6. Rewire the speaker and replace it in the cabinet. Replace the grille.

References

• "Home Theater Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools"; Brett Mclaughlin; 2004