Carry Handles for Monitor Speakers

** Important Note: I use this for dj'ing. I understand the actual use of studio monitors and near field monitor speakers. They are designed for just that, and not in open air environments at sustained maximum volume levels which can seriously damage them (like your standard loud backyard pool party).

Most sensible djs are aware of this too, but like me they ignore good advice and use them for small parties anyway and even drag them around for mobile monitors. The problem is, they're big, heavy, and usually don't have carrying handles. You can even use this idea for more pricey monitors that you're willing to beat up for mobile work. If you move them around a lot without a bag/bin/case/etc (shame on you), this a cost effective method of adding a very useful carry handle. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Every speaker is going to be different but make sure you can locate and remove all the screws that hold it together. The whole idea is to gain clear access to the inside of the speaker(s).

We're using drawer or cabinet handles, so choose ones that will work and look good with your speakers. You can find them in any large hardware store. In my case, I used these black drawer handles from Ikea. Pretty cheap for $5/pair I believe, and it matches my speakers perfectly.

A very simple way to drill accurate holes for your handle is to position it where you'd want it. Then carefully lay it down. Use a marker and make a mark by each of the 2 handle holes. Check and double check that the marks line up with both holes. Also check the inside of the speaker to make sure there's nothing obstructing the bolt and small washer you're going to put in. I used a 5/32 drill bit to make 2 small clean holes in each speaker.

** IMPORTANT: most drawer/cabinet handles include screws that assume you're going to mount it to some material that's a least a 1/2" thick or more (like a drawer or door). My speakers have relatively thin plastic walls so I had to purchase shorter screws than the ones that were included with the handles.

Despite the crappy drawing, you'll see I used washers on the outside and inside of the speaker to make sure the handles are tight and solid. To make sure the screws don't loosen over time, I placed a tiny drop of red loc-tite on the screw threads before tightening them firmly.

Make sure no screws are missing and tighten everything back up. Re-test the speakers. Enjoy hauling your monitors around!