Records with tight spindle hole

Have a paper sleeve on the record so you don't accidentally scratch a groove.
Believe me, I've done it twice to naked records. What a fool I was!

 

Stick a screwdriver through the hole and rub the shank(?) of the screwdriver with same force to grind down some of that extra vinyl around that hole in a few rotations. Then try the record on your TT and repeat this process if needed (you don't want to overdo this). This approach has always worked for me in my record collecting days and it does not damage your vinyl.

 

I come across this fairly often - I'm usually happy about it when it's a used record - chances are it didn't get played very much if it was difficult to play. I use a pen style exacto with the angled blade on the end. A careful scrape once around the inside of the hole usually does the trick. The important thing is to scrape just a bit and try it on the spindle - if it is still tight I repeat the process.

 

I use a round file I bought at Home Depot.

 

round file. why use anything else?

 

That's probably the best tool to use, especially a tapered one. I wouldn't draw it in and out of the hole, however, but simply turn it by hand - a little from one side of the disc and then from the other. Periodically try to fit the disc on the spindle so you don't go overboard and make the hole too large.

 

I've never had to draw it across the edge more than a couple of times and even then it's only been a few records and I buy a lot of lps.

 

What are you guys doing with files? Come on. The pen method works and suffers absolutely no potential for mistakes. Plus, you don't need to buy anything.

 

So true. I just used a pen on my new BOC Agents Of Fortune Legacy LP. Works everytime. Just take the cap off and insert. Apply a little pressure and rotate the pen a bit. Careful not to mark the label with the pen. Do this on both sides if necessary.

 

All depends upon how much material you need to remove. Slight problem? A pen will probably do.
A really "tight" problem? A file does the job.

 

That file can easily sand off too much vinyl and you know what the consequence will be ...

 

I use a file call a round bastard file (honest! - not fat bastard, ROUND bastard). It has a slight taper so you can gradually get to the slightly greater width you need. I am using unusual restraint in not making other cracks about this file, but others - feel free!

 

I have NEVER had a LP that couldn't be fixed with a pen...and we're talking a LOT of LPs over the years...Sometimes you have push it through from both sides. Sometimes you need to repeat. But never have I had a case where I had to resort to a file...

 

According to what I've read the hole is defined as 7.24mm in the metric regions and 0.286" in the US, with a permitted variation of up to +0.001" inches or -0.002" (RIAA standard). So you'd be looking at something between a 9/32" and a 19/64" bit, the first slightly too small and the second rather too big.

I can't help feeling a tapered round file would give you more control over what you were doing but I've yet to try it so am not qualified to say.

I admire your restraint. "Bastard" apparently refers to the coarseness of the file, which I read in Wikipedia goes from rough to middle, then bastard, second cut, smooth and finally dead smooth.

I'm interested in all this because after researching it I ordered a Bahco round file, second cut, 8mm dia, slightly tapered, from Amazon UK today. I'm hoping it'll be the answer to off-centre pressings as well as the occasional tight fit.

 

I use a dremel tool. Takes two seconds. Never had an issue.

 

Mount your turntable spindle in a 4 jaw chuck on a centre lathe. Be sure to check that the headstock bearings are completely free of play and that the lathe bed (with the saddle in place) is completely flat. Try a test piece beforehand to ensure that the cut will be perfectly parallel with zero taper.

Use a clock to ensure that you have the spindle centered perfectly.

Use a good quality tool with a freshly ground carbide tip. Mount it rigidly in the tool holder and ensure that there is no play anywhere. Ensure that the tip of the tool is aligned exactly on the centre of the workpiece.

Use a cut depth of no more than a couple of thou (.002") a time until you have the spindle reduced to a diameter that will just fit through the hole in the record.

 

ARE YE LISTENING GUYS? This is the best method there is, safe and accurate! Been doing it for more years than I care to remember!

JG

 

Yeah definately the pen method - NEVER use anything sharp, (files, drills, scissors - what the hell are you guys thinking!!!)

I find a tapered steel barrelled pen works best, not a plastic Bic.

FWIW, in a lot of cases the hole is the correct size it's the label overhanging that makes the record tight on the spindle.

 

Now, that's my kind of talk.

Pens? Think of the ink! It's a disaster waiting to happen.

 

Roll a small strip of wet and dry sandpaper (fine to medium). Make sure rolled tight to fit in hole. Fit in hole and release. Alternatively turn back and forth and in and out to remove a small area of vinyl. Check for spindle fit and repeat if necessary. No chance of any damage this way unless you are particularly clumsy or accident prone. No risk from metal bits or ink. !

 

Was thinking the same unless you got the drill bit centred.

 

The pencil was suggested in the owner's manual back when I got my first AR turntable in about 1971, and it's never failed me (and I've never had to use anything else) since.

 

I have. Piece of vinyl stuck in the hole that you can't "pull" out. Has to be shaven to remove it. Pen just sometimes pushes it aside. Gimme dat round file and a few gentle turns does the trick.

 

Am I just unlucky,or are there many recordings released where the "hole in the middle" is to small to fit on the plinth spindle? Is there an accepted method of redressing this little inconvenience?

 

Drill press? Just kidding. I've used a flat head screwdriver and GENTLY enlarged the hole. Just a little at a time. Someone may have a better way. It hasn't been a problem too often for me.