How do I properly load a sub into a box?

Thundermouse

Member
Sep 17, 2003
168
3
18
Decatur, GA
After getting frustrated by finding only high prices on sound equipment from retail stores and .com stores, I've decided to build what I want by buying off of ebay. I have just one question holding me back. When I buy a new sub and a suitable sealed box for it, how do I load the sub and keep it sealed? Is it glue, screws or what? I have no idea what it takes to load a sub into a box. Also, on the specs info page for the sub that I'm interested in, the diameter is listed as 10 7/8" and the hole is listed as 9 1/4". Does this mean that the cutout for the box I get must be exactly 9 1/4", or can the box cutout size be anywhere between the listed diameter and hole measurements?

Thanks
 
There isnt anything special you need to install a sub into a box, just screw it in, there are normally like 8-10 screws to hold it in place, that should do the job :nice:

Some premade boxes come with rubber rings which ensure 100% sealing, but thats only with premade boxes and I dont know anyplace offhand that sells them seperate, I had one with my old Qlogic box.

As for the dimensions, the hole for the front should not be the size of the subwoofer, but probably like a 1/2 inch to an inch smaller. As for your case I dont know what they mean when they say the hole is 9 1/4, but if you are making the box yourself, just make a hole a little smaller than the diameter, maybe by like 3/4 inch, and then just test fit it, but you dont want to make the hole too big, cause then you are just plain out screwed. There is no perfect size though, each sub will be different, but most subs have a big lip on the top so that if you make the hole a little too big or a little too small you should be okay.
 
Grab an electric screwdriver and and find some small basic wood screws and screw them in the holes. As far as the size goes I would guess you need the hole to be at least 9 1/4" but not much bigger or the screws won't meet any wood. Go to a audio store and see how the subs sit in their boxes, if they fit nicely (which they should because most subs are about the same size) measure what the opening is and copy them if you are planing on making your own and if not just buy them.