A headphone jack usually has left and right channels, plus a ground, so only 3 wires. 

You will need to take the device cover off, determine if one of the connections is loose/cracked. If the connection is loose or cracked then you resolder the joint and you're done. Check the connection with a multimeter. If the plug is worn out you will need to unsolder the 3 connections, remove the old (may be physically attached to the board/cover, reinstall the new plug to the board/cover, resolder the 3 wires, check connectivity with a multimeter.

You will need:
-tools to remove the cover: screwdrivers of all sorts, pry tool, depending on the cover. it does vary a lot
-soldering iron, solder
-replacement 3.5mm audio plug
-multimeter: to check if the soldered joint is electrically connective.

That's it.
Don.

On Tue, 20 Apr 2021 at 19:00, Karen Lewellen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
I might add  during the current lock down?
Here is the scoop
The primary device i use as my computer's speech synthesizer source has a
3.5 inch headphone jack, which has been getting looser over the past week
or so.
While I had hoped to find a way to tighten it before a disconnect, that
hoped was dashed this afternoon.
I do have the jac, in fact I have a spare, what I am wondering though is a
couple of things.
first, if I want to try, or must try reattaching this myself,  which tool
do I need? screwdriver, or wrench?..or something else?
If I want it done by someone else, for which I would happily pay even if
moving the machine might be a dance, where in Toronto might I take it in
for the work?
In theory it is rather important, the replacement  synthesizer is s slight
fire risk, as its casing is broken around the plug in area for its
adapter.
Also, it sounds like it has a could, which may become frustrating as I use
my computer rather a great deal these days.
Ideas?
Thanks,
Karen


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