If you collect a lot of records, you’ll occasionally come across a record with a spindle hole that’s too small.
When the spindle hole is too small, it can make getting the recording on and off the turntable quite precarious.
In severe cases, it can hug the spindle of your turntable so tightly that you’ll need to apply significant pressure to place the record on your turntable platter.
After you’re done playing the first side, you’ll have to apply excessive force to pull the record off, which will unnecessarily bend the disc and can often make it feel like you might damage your record or even the turntable.
The worst case of this I’ve encountered was a copy of ALT-J This Is All Yours where disc two was undersized to the point of being very difficuly to play.
How to Fix a Small Vinyl Spindle Hole
Fortunately, there are various methods to widen those spindle holes and ensure a perfect fit.
Using an LP Drill
One popular solution is the LP drill from Clearaudio. While it’s a high-quality tool, it can be quite pricey for what it is—a specialized drill bit. The LP drill is made from durable materials and features an ergonomic handle, making it easy to use. If you’re willing to invest in this tool, it can provide a straightforward solution that is a breeze to use.
Alternative Drill Bits
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, a standard 7.3mm drill bit can also do the trick. You can pick up a standard bit from your local DIY store, or even from Amazon if you’re feeling lazy!
While it may be less convenient due to its length and lack of handle, it serves the same purpose at a fraction of the cost. Just be cautious when handling it, as the longer design can make it tricky to use without slipping and potentially over-widening the hole.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have our tools, let’s go through the process of widening the spindle hole.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure you have a clean, flat surface to work on. It’s best to avoid doing this over your turntable to prevent any plastic shards from falling onto the equipment.
- Insert the Drill: Carefully place the drill into the spindle hole of the record.
- Drill Gently: Twist the drill gently in a clockwise direction to widen the hole. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don’t want to damage the record.
- Reverse the Drill: Once you’ve widened the hole adequately, reverse the drill to remove it from the spindle hole by twising in reverse (anti-clockwise).
- Test the Fit: Place the record on your turntable to ensure it fits perfectly. You’ll notice the difference immediately!
Other Tools to Consider
There are other products available for this purpose as well. One such alternative is the vinyl center hole reamer from Stable 33/1/3 RPM. This tool is designed specifically for widening spindle holes and comes with a well-crafted wooden handle. Although it’s another investment, it could be worth considering if you frequently encounter this issue.
Final Thoughts on the Process
While the Clearaudio LP drill is a solid choice, it’s essential to weigh the cost against your needs. If you’re a casual vinyl listener, a simple drill bit might suffice. However, for dedicated collectors, investing in a dedicated tool can make the process safer and easier.
Do you have any other techniques to share on fixing the common issue? Let us know and join the discussion in the comments below.
I very rarely need to enlarge the spindle hole because it is too snug, but I often need to enlarge it because so many records are pressed off center. I use a round file (bastard file) to reshape the hole. This way, I can manually center the record to eliminate “wow”. Very annoying to have to do this. I’m sure it destroys any potential resale value, but it makes the records listenable, at least.
Indeed: off-center pressings are a pain. Better that it’s playable for you though. Happy spinning