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I have an early model Victrola crank, the knob has split and needs replaced. How do I remove the knob from the crank? Was this riveted?

Most (all?) Victrola cranks with a screw are reverse threads so loosen to the right. Jerry

Jerry B. wrote:Most (all?) Victrola cranks with a screw are reverse threads so loosen to the right. Jerry

This one is a female crank with a no screw for the knob, it looks flat like a rivet.

it's always better to posts pics in order for members to help you.

The early Victor and Victrola cranks had a long rivet peened on the drop down. There are 2 ways to remove the knob. First is the easy way. Follow the split and carefully pry with a thin screw driver. for an Oak or a Mahogany knob, use a small piece of corresponding veneer. That will fill in the gap. Clean the rivet from dirt or rust. Then glue the veneer on one of the knob halves. After it is dry, cut the cavity so the rivet fits. Then glue both haves together, making sure there is no glue on the rivet or crank drop, Then trim the veneer to the profile of the knob. Then stain and finish so everything matches. If the knob is a black one, do the same mthod, but paint black after the the shaping is done. To completely replace the knob, you will have to file where the peen is until the rivet comes out. Then replace the knob and peen. To me, the second method is more difficult, because you can damage the crank drop.
Harvey Kravitz

Phonofreak wrote:The early Victor and Victrola cranks had a long rivet peened on the drop down. There are 2 ways to remove the knob. First is the easy way. Follow the split and carefully pry with a thin screw driver. for an Oak or a Mahogany knob, use a small piece of corresponding veneer. That will fill in the gap. Clean the rivet from dirt or rust. Then glue the veneer on one of the knob halves. After it is dry, cut the cavity so the rivet fits. Then glue both haves together, making sure there is no glue on the rivet or crank drop, Then trim the veneer to the profile of the knob. Then stain and finish so everything matches. If the knob is a black one, do the same mthod, but paint black after the the shaping is done. To completely replace the knob, you will have to file where the peen is until the rivet comes out. Then replace the knob and peen. To me, the second method is more difficult, because you can damage the crank drop.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks for your help. Yep it looks peened in like a rivet. I actully just filled the knob crack with filler then sanded it down flat. I then stained it mahaogany and it actually looks good. Since this is a early gold finish one, it is probably the most economical route than buy another crank.