Fit a new dust-cap

Replace a dust-cap by yourself

Every woofer has a dust cap. The function of the dust cap is to close off the air gap in which the speaker coil moves so that no dust or other dirt can enter it. Unfortunately dust caps are fragile. However, replacing one is relatively easy.

The required materials:
  • painting / masking tape
  • the right glue (see our glues in the product menu)
  • a strip of paper
  • a new dust cap (note, there are dust caps in many sizes, shapes and materials)
  • a ruler
  • a wooden spatula
  • a glass or other object with an outside size equal to that of the dust cap
Speaker dust cap replacement - required materials and tools


The broken dust cap. The dust cap underneath is both dented and perforated. Playing on would mean the end of the woofer in the long term. Because the woofer is no longer acoustically closed, it will no longer play according to the specifications.
Speaker dust cap replacement - woofer with broken dust cap


The old dust cap has to be removed. You do this carefully with a sharp knife. Be careful where to start! See below.
Speaker dust cap replacement - remove the old dust cap using a small, good, hobby knive


Start cutting on the right side! Many speakers have so-called tinsel wires (marked in red) under the dust cap. These connect the woofer connection terminal with the voicecoil. You can see where they are located at the rear of the speaker cone. Start removing the dust cap on the side opposite to the tinsel wires (at the green arrow). If you start on the other side and cut too deep, you run the risk of damaging the tinsel wires.
Speaker dust cap replacement - start cutting the old dust cap opposite the tinsel wires


When removing the dust cover, always move it from the outside to the center in the direction of the arrow.
Speaker dust cap replacement - remove the dust cap from the edge to the center


The dust cap is removed. With a paper speaker cone you will usually remove a tiny layer of paper.
Speaker dust cap replacement - the dust-cap has been removed


You can determine the size of the new dust cap with a strip of paper. The original dust cap is often deformed after removal and will provide you with unreliable sizes.
Speaker dust cap replacement - determine the size of the new dust cap with a strip of paper


The dust cap of our woofer measured 74/75 mm. We replace the dust cap with a slightly larger one, which looks a lot nicer. We chose 80 mm.
Speaker dust cap replacement - a strip of paper can help you measure the correct size of the replacement cap


After the new dust cover has been placed on the cone to determine the 'glue zone', we apply glue to the cone of the speaker.
Speaker dust cap replacement - apply glue to the speaker cone


Make a 'handle' of masking tape to easily handle the new dust cap.
Speaker dust cap replacement - Make a 'handle' of masking tape to easily handle the new dust cap


Apply glue to the (adhesive) edge of the dust cap.
Speaker dust cap replacement - Apply glue to the (adhesive) edge of the dust cap.


Fit the dust cap on the speaker cone and carefully remove the masking tape.
Speaker dust cap replacement - Fit the dust cap on the speaker cone and carefully remove the masking tape


Rub / press the glue edge of the dust cap with a wooden spatula.
Speaker dust cap replacement - Rub / press the glue edge of the dust cap with a wooden spatula


Place a weight on the dust cap. Often a suitable glass / bowl can be found for this. Let it dry for 8-12 hours.
Speaker dust cap replacement - Place a weight on the dust cap


Final result.
Speaker dust cap replacement - the woofer after we replaced the dust cap


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