We can all agree that sometimes it is frustrating to purchase expensive headphones that will damage after a few months. That is why people are skeptical when purchasing one of the best headphones under $300 and they go for budget-friendly solutions that will provide them less sound quality but less expense in case of damage.
I had numerous problems with both high and low-end models especially for breakage that involves output jack, which is the first problem that occurs. Finally, I decided to compile different guidelines how to fix broken headphones in case they have the fixing potential.
How To Fix Cable On Corded Headphones?
1. Find the Damaged Part Of The Headphone Cable
The first and most important thing that you have to do is to find the place on headphone’s cable where the break has happened. The best way to do it is to put the headphones on and bend the cable 90 degrees across your thumb.
In most cases, breakage starts at the place of highest stress, which is next to Jack Plug section. When you find the location of the break, you will notice that sound will start to drop in and out.
You can confirm this particular thing by twisting and curling cable at this particular point. We recommend you to mark the breakage point with electrical tape.
2. Fix Mid-cable break
It is important to slide the shrink tube and remove the half-inch of shielding by using wire strippers or carefully with a knife. You will notice the side-by-side cable, which means that both wires contain independent shield.
3. Splicing the Wires
There are two most common types of wire splices: in-line and pigtail.
If you want to create Pigtail splice, you have to hold the two exposed sections and join them parallel to each other and twist them to make a join. It is much quicker and easier than In-Line splicing, but it will leave you with an angled join that won’t flow naturally.
You will achieve in-line splices by holding wires that will overlap from one end to another. You should twist wires in opposite direction because that will create a strong joint that will fit the natural direction of the cable. It is more difficult to complete, but after the hassle, you will get better sound and more quality fix.
4. Finally, Use The Soldering Tool
As soon as you complete all joins, you should let them cool. At the same time, wrap two pairs in the electrical tape because that will give you the possibility to separate them from earth wire.
Place shrink tube on the two-taped section, and you should apply heat. The idea is that tube will shrink down to a quarter of the original size, which means that you will be able to fit it and strengthen the cable that you repaired moments ago. Finally, you should test them whether they sound as before.
How to Replace Jack Plug on Corded Headphones?
In case that you have a problem with the plug, then you should follow these steps. It is important to cut the offending plug with an inch of the cable. Set them aside in place you would remember because I had a problem in finding the headphones jack afterward, which is quite frustrating.
You will need metal replacement jack plug and fine sandpaper to finish this particular fixing job. The idea is to replicate the connections in the old plug by using the replacement. You should have in mind that most plugs feature plastic mold, which makes it difficult to see where the connection went.
Therefore, you should follow the rule of thumb, which says that white wire connects to the left speaker: red wire to the right speaker and heart to the sleeve problem. In case you are unsure of what you are doing, you can use a multimeter to check the current.
You should slide the plug cover, shrink tube onto the wire because that will reduce the hassle later. The idea is to tin the wires that will connect to replacement jack. To do this, you should strip wires and add a layer of solder to wires that are exposed. Use the similar soldering method as in the previous guide.
Sandpaper will help you roughen the surfaces and to help the solder stick to the metal. We recommend you to solder the white wire because that will reduce the hassle of placing the probe on replacement jack. You have to bend the wire 90 degrees in the middle and insert it through the probe.
Bend the wire toward and make a hook. Use the solder to probe its underside. Repeat these steps and you will be able to enjoy the same sound as before.
Most Common Issues among Wireless Headphones
The smartphone cannot find the Bluetooth Headphones
If you want to connect your headphones to the smartphone and there is some reason why you cannot pair it. There are some things that you should consider such as:
- Check whether you have turned on the Bluetooth connection on your Smartphone. Most people miss this particular step.
- Check whether your headphones are compatible with the Bluetooth your Smartphone contains.
- Have in mind that Bluetooth requires close distance especially for the first time of connection. Even though most Bluetooth headphones feature long range, it is best to ensure that connection is valid by place it closer to the device you are using.
Why Bluetooth Headphones Keep On Disconnecting
This is another frustrating thing that happens to almost everyone who uses Bluetooth headphones. Imagine that you suddenly realize that your headphones lose the pairing ability. Sometimes the connection will cut out completely, which will increase the frustration.
There are simple solutions for this particular problem:
- Keep headphones in the range, because it is simple to wander around when you are not using wires to your Smartphone.
- Remove unwanted Bluetooth connections, because the disconnecting can happen because your Smartphone tries to connect with other devices at the same time.
- Always check the battery power of wireless headphones that you are using. In some cases, when they lose battery juice, that will reduce the connection and create frustration.
Conclusion
I have compiled the most common problems that happen for both Wireless and Wired Headphones. The idea is to keep your headphones safest as possible, but sometimes they go down, and there is nothing else that you can do than repair or replace them.
This is the most common issue for both premium and low-end models, which is why I wanted to give you a solution that will keep the money in your pocket for future purchases. It is simple as that.
