Best way to enlarge spindle hole in vinyl records

Again: for heaven's sake be careful, if you MUST play the enlarging game, which inspite of what has been said above, I would refrain from. If you get the hole too large and you do not have a nice fiting contact between spindle and the LP you will get variable pitch, which you will certainly hear, especially on long drawn out notes. Also it would not do the suspension of your cartridge much good on the long run, adding more lateral strain to it than necessary.

Try this. If you have a small brush with a wooden handle that is at least slightly larger than the hole in the record, push the handle end into the record and give it a few gentle turns. I've used this method for years to open up -- just a little -- those too-tight discs. Cheers.

I agree with the argument that too large a hole may increase your chances of off-center playback, but I disagree that tight coupling to the spindle is necessary or desirable for most turntables. If you have a noisy platter bearing, tight coupling (and clamping) transfers that noise to the record. This is why Roksan has a removable spindle. My Walker gets away with tight coupling and clamping to the spindle because the platter's air bearing is effectively noiseless.

i suggest and use a center punch(9/16" - 5/8")with a very shallow pitch. set the lp on it and apply very gentle pressure, rotate 360.
takes the outer lip burr and rolls it out. no damage to the label or vinyl. kurt

Try a drill press with a Forestner (sp?) bit. (Different than a twist drill bit, this bit gives a flat bottom in material, not that important here, but usually gives a cleaner cut.) I only recommend this if you have access to an accurate drill press, and understand how to use it well. Start of with a bit that is the same size as the hole, and work your way up in one 1/32" increments. Make sure your bit is very sharp, and you should have no problem.