For sure. Figure 30 feet of coiled spring steel lubricated in a mixture of graphite and vaseline. Noooo thanks! Even if I didn't manage to cut my hands, the mess would be incredible!
I just got a replacement restored motor assembly off ebay for the Victrola XI, and it arrived damaged. The capstan was bent due to poor packaging, and the secondary mainspring was shot. Seller was so nice that I figured I'd save him most of the bother and switch the capstan from my old one, and just send him the secondary mainspring back.