The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

As we all know, sometimes the hole in a record, especially Edison discs, is too small to go onto the turntable spindle. I have drilled these out, but it usually messes the label up some. Edisons drill easy, but regular all shellac discs are HARD! Even though I was using a new bit, they are really hard to drill. Anyone know of other ways to fix this? Is there a spindle hole reamer or some other better suited tool?

I have really never experienced that with a 78, but fairly often with Diamond Discs. Go to a hardware or home supply store and get a reamer. They are inexpensive, work like a charm, and are safer for the record than a drill. You ream it out a little on each side and try it on the spindle until it fits.

Clay

I just use a round file, same principle. Just a little at a time without much force. Usually it does not need much.

Andreas

Agree with alang: use round file. Be sure to run it around the hole uniformly so you don't end up with an ellipse
A reamer is mighty handy for some applications, but it's a "blunt" instrument, more suitable for metals than shellac, IMO. If you do use a reamer, be very careful to go gently, as andreas says!

The big advantage of a reamer is that keeping the hole round is automatic due to the way it works. Of course with any tool used on a delicate object you don't want to be ham fisted. A little at the time.

Clay

I use a rat tail file and It works like a charm.