The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does anyone have a good method of flattening out the Hit of the Week records? I came across several dozen that need to be flattened out. There are a lot of great tunes on those records. Thanks!!! Ken Brekke

I doubt there is a safe method.

Some 20s/30s flexibles in the UK came with a little clip used to hold the record down on the turntable spindle. I use a bent paperclip.

I've heard of other people glueing them to a dud record.

You can’t really flatten them back out in a way that’s permanent. I’ve got some that have been stored under a high pile of diamond discs for years, with no change.

Some people glue them to each other back to back, and I’ve also seen them placed back to back and then stapled together in the label area. Both methods work but might be unacceptable to preservationists. I can also see gluing a pair to a sacrificial diamond disc as a viable but also potentially infuriating solution.

My standard method is to put a diamond disc on the platter, and then the HotW, then press the middle down and clamp the smallest size binder clip onto the spindle. The DD provides a good flat base surface and the clip takes out most of the bowing, while also helping to prevent rotational slippage.

Ken,

When I transcribed your Hit of the Week records, I turned a cocktail glass upside down and centered it over the record hole. Slight adjustments needed so that it was centered and did not fly off at 78 RPM.

The heavy glass held the record flat while it played. Worked for all the records I had.
Maybe you need my services again?

Marc

Thanks for the replies. The records hold down on the spindle well but the rest of the records are quite wavy. I am looking for a way to flatten them out. I have heard the dipping them briefly, about 5 seconds, in water and pressing them between card board to dry works but haven't tried it yet.

Marc,
Glad to hear you are still playing with records and working your magic on recording them. I might have to take you up on your offer. I hope you are doing well and wish you a Merry Christmas!!!

Are you playing them on vintage gear, or with a light tracking force (I almost said “modern”)?

Pro tip: play with old gear. Newer stuff will bounce right off.

PeterF wrote: Sat Dec 20, 2025 10:12 pm Are you playing them on vintage gear, or with a light tracking force (I almost said “modern”)?

Pro tip: play with old gear. Newer stuff will bounce right off.

Both. I just want to flatten the whole record. Not just to play it but more of a permanent fix.

Ok find one that’s already shot (typically the ones that have been folded, or are flaking) and try that water trick.

Then ask yourself why, and be glad you didn’t try it on a good one.

The plastic material and the paper base have dissimilar physical properties, and one has shrunk over the decades. Just be glad that they are mostly still playable.

I suppose you could glue them to some thin inflexible substrate, but why?

Here is an old post about the Durium Record Lock.

viewtopic.php?t=55312&start=10

I utilize a record weight used on modern LPs and turntables. It is heavy and covers the whole area of the label, helping to flatten the outer portions of the record.