OK, since this essentially the Grado S60 "mod thread" - yet, we've covered many models - SR60, 80, 125, 225, 325, etc. - it's sort of morphing into a "complete" Grado Mod thread, which isn't such a bad thing.
On that note, I've been searching through the other threads on the forum today to pull up some previous items that I've read about and suspect it might be a good thing to include them in here - because they are essentially a "mod". The issue I wanted to note was that where people have experienced problems with their "rods" slipping and the Grados not gripping the comfortable listening fit over time. Many suggestions have been made in the other threads: Use "O" rings, Use clear nail polish to paint over the chrome rods where they'll be covered by the black "L" and "R" blocks, etc. There was also another "mod" that intrigued me a bit. It was the use of a locking shaft collar - and people would install one on bottom and one on the top of the black blocks - and, secure the set screw with a hex wrench to keep the favorite listening "fit" for the heaphones in a fixed state. Apparently, in Europe, a 3mm collar is the correct size, while here in the U.S., a 1/8" (inner dimension collar) is the one to get.
I did a bit of Google searching as I was just getting settled into my work day and came up with quite a few solutions as far as "sourcing" these parts. The biggest pitfall would have been waiting until Monday for them to arrive - and I live in a larger metro area. However, the weekend seems like it's going to be an inside weekend due to rain, so I want to focus on hobby stuff. I did make some orders for Monday's arrival, but pushed further and found that my local Grainger store (Grainger.com) had about 17 of these (3-pack) shaft collars in the 1/8" size. They come out to be $3.15 per pack of 3. The finish is just plain zinc silver, for this option and price. However, that's what I'll work with for now. Needless to say, I snapped up 4 packs.
They are manufacturered by Dayton Electric Mfg. Co. out of Illinois. However, the standard part number for this 3-pack is
1L625. Also, Ruland is another manufacturer that Grainger deals with and you can order their part and get it delivered. Ruland offers Zinc silver, Zinc black, Stainless Steel, and aluminum options - depending on what your preferences, price zone and wait time is like. Also, I found another supplier that's sending me some from another manufactuer - similar to Dayton, but they are only .57 cents each and I'll get 16 of them on Monday.
Whew! Sorry about all the writing. I'll get some actual pictures up later this evening or early tomorrow of how the "finished" installation appears. Meanwhile, here is a picture of the Dayton shaft collar from their Web site.
