The Center Hole Reamer is nicely made and presented: it includes a magnetically attached protective cover and comes in a small cloth bag. Most importantly it works great! The cost is $39.95 USD and $49.95 Canadian.
It's available through the stable 33.33 website or in America through Elusive Disc. Also at select dealers listed on the stable 33.33 website.
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COMMENTS
Interesting idea. Of course, if you still have an old Dual turntable, you won't need this, as I found the spindles were invariably undersized..a bit.
Hey..can this thing ream an oblong hole, so you can 'straighten' off-centre discs? I've done this many times, using a slot screwdriver. Fortunately, I'm fairly co-ordinated, so I haven't gouged any LP's.
I won't describe the method I use to figure out where to scrape, but I'm sure your readers can probably figure out how to do this.
I have an old BIC disposable pen. I took out the ink insert and just have the plastic tip and pen tube without the ballpoint. I just push and turn a couple times on each side of the record and it does the trick.
I have been using the BIC method for as long as I can remember. Just a couple of 'light' turns does the trick every time.
James, Dublin, Ireland
Your wonton use of a precision tool for purposes which with it was not intended is repulsive to those of us who respect fine tools. The BIC device was specifically engineered for rotating stuck cassette tape take up reels and should not be used for other purposes which may alter its carefully considered design.
The Clearaudio LP drill handle is solid metal, not plastic. And they go for $50, not $100.
From my experience, a snug spindle hole is typically the result of the label being out of center. A 9/32" drill bit is 0.005" less than the diameter of the spindle hole, and safely removes any paper crammed in between the spindle and the record with a few twists. Use the savings to buy something good to play....
Exactly!A lot less expensive than this tool and certainly the ClearAudio tool. I admit I have not tried the Bic pen method. I would think the plastic of the pen would be too soft against the plastic of the record (both are PVC, but the record is thicker and the spindle hole area can be pretty tough.). I'll have to try it though, my curiosity gets the best of me often.
Sometimes I wonder about the pricing of such items as these. You can make the ClearAudio tool for less than $20.I could see if they had to make a few thousand of them, but that just is not the case.
Much safer than a drill and not too expensive for audiofool kit.
I've been using this reamer for years. Works great. Don't apply pressure, just let the weight of the ream do the work. Half a turn and your ready to go.
Strange link name on Amazon, but it takes you to the reamer...
https://www.amazon.com/Military-Portable-Folding-Shovel-Pickax/dp/B07CWL...
You can use any old sharp knife, it won't matter - you're just making the hole a little bigger. Once it's on the platter the tonearm will take care of the minor fluctuations.
It's suggesting that you ream with a drill bit in hand, not powered by a drill. Great idea since the bit is sharpened. I usually use a Bic pen, myself, and only find a few hole each year the need reaming.
Sharp scissors... one side of the blade.. Twist one revolution... removed small vinyl ribbon.
Works Every time!!! Oh, 'cept one time... then I gave it another twist... Done!
Seriously.
for the other blade of the scissors!
Maybe take it apart and use just one side.
Just flip the other blade down and rotate once or twice. It is the easiest and most accurate way to remove just a bit of vinyl..
I have had a few records that wouldn't fit on the spindle, but I've had more that fit but won't come off the spindle as it was too tight. The scissors trick was completely effective. I've been listening to vinyl for over 40 years.
Nothing works better... or is cheaper.
Thousands of records and not once has this ever been an issue. Sure, there are some that are a bit tighter than others. Who cares? Just push it down onto the spindle and pull it back up. Not exactly rocket science.
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