Mounting speaker into baffle

Hi guys,

I've checked around and most manufacturers have used this combination for mounting a speaker onto the baffle:-

Screw - Baffle - Speaker - Nut

But I do see some that just use this:-

Baffle - Speaker - Screw

Any potential problem if just using screws to mount the speaker?
Considering that the baffle is plywood and not MDF or fibreboard.

Might sound stupid, but I don't really want to mount it wrongly and screw up later. Which would be an expensive experience.

The main issues to be concerned with:
the speaker is securely attached to the baffle
don't over tighten the screws/bolts (warp the speaker frame)
and make sure you use brass mechanical fasteners. stainless steel screws sound harsh


Okay, that last one was kinda an Eric Johson moment. Doesn't really matter how or what you use to fasten the speaker to the baffle. Just make sure the mechanical fastener won't vibrate loose and will hold the speaker in place during jarring moves (load in/load out). Tighten the mechanical fasteners evenly and not so tight so as to distort the speaker frame.

Hi guys,

I've checked around and most manufacturers have used this combination for mounting a speaker onto the baffle:-

Screw - Baffle - Speaker - Nut

But I do see some that just use this:-

Baffle - Speaker - Screw

Any potential problem if just using screws to mount the speaker?
Considering that the baffle is plywood and not MDF or fibreboard.

Might sound stupid, but I don't really want to mount it wrongly and screw up later. Which would be an expensive experience.

If it was me I would mark the places for the holes drill them install T nuts on what ever side you need to mount the speaker and then use bolts into the T nuts I think that is the most secure way. You can either mount the speakers from the front if the holes are large enough or from the back if they are not. Of course the T nut goes on the opposite side of the baffle depending on which way you mount the speaker. I have never trusted screws and if they are the kind that are premounted sticking out then you put on the speaker and then nut it down you have to be really carefull you line up the holes so you do not poke a hole in the paper. Been there done that a long time ago so I know that can happen. Another mount is the Grill mount where the speaker fits in the hole from the outside and then a metal grill is fastened with plastic or metal anchors that have a screw through them. That works well too.

not really a difference in performance. but if you just screw it in, you won't be able to change out your speaker a lot before your holes are worn. i personally use t-nets so i can change the speaker as much as i want with no issues.

hth

edit: dang it. hate when my answer has already been taken

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

I've built about 6 or so new baffles in the past 2-3 months.

T nuts are the way to go, AFAIC. Very easy - very secure. I use a nylon mallet to tap them in with, so I don't ding up the baffle. You need to be careful if your speaker hole is a little on the big side - parts of the T nut may protrude over the hole.

I was using stainless machine screws, but they aren't really necessary. I just got a box of some that have a blue-ish coating - not sure of the exact plating, but they work great. I like the screw heads that accept either type of screwdriver.

For those of you doing baffle experiments who don't want it to look butt ugly in the meantime, I suggest nylon door screen (over a painted baffle). Very cheap - goes on quick. More importantly, it protects that cone! 2 layers are sufficient, and I think that it comes in a few colors for those of you who don't want to commit to black.