How to Fix a Speaker Cone

The speaker is an audio sound unit composed of several parts. The sound of a speaker is processed by the driver. The driver has a cone held in place by the retaining ring of the spider frame. The driver converts the electrical frequencies of the audio into mechanical movements, and the cone then produces the final sound as air is moved across its surface.
Damage to the cone will cause a sound problem with your speaker. It is made of very delicate material and therefore rips easily if left unprotected. Small rips can be repaired by following a few, simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Hex keys
• Rubber cement
• Silicone glue
• Kraft paper
• Long-nose pliers

Instructions

Repair the Speaker Cone

1. Unplug your speaker to prevent electric shock. Take off the speaker grill.

2. Use the hex key or screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the speaker in place on the housing.

3. Lift the driver or speaker unit out of its place and disconnect the wires with long-nose pliers. Depending on the severity of the rip, you may not have to disconnect the wires, especially if they are soldered to the speaker driver.

4. For very small rips, apply silicone glue and let dry.

5. For paper cones, cut a small piece of kraft paper, large enough to cover the rip. Brush rubber cement on it and attach it to the speaker cone, making sure to cover the entire damaged area. You may need to attach another piece of craft paper to the back side of the rip.

6. Let dry. Reattach wires, place the speaker driver back in the housing, and secure with the screws.

7. Replace the speaker grill.

Tips & Warnings

• If your speaker cone is severely damaged, or if it is not made of paper, you may have to have your speaker driver reconed.

• Be careful when handling speaker parts to avoid further damage. Keep the unit unplugged to avoid electric shock.

Resources

• Speaker-repair video
• How to repair speakers