The Secret To Playing 45 RPM Records
Most 45 rpm records feature a large center hole that cannot fit standard turntables. A specialized adapter acts as a crucial bridge, allowing these small discs to sit perfectly centered on the spindle.
When the 45 rpm record was introduced, it was designed with a wide hole to accommodate the unique mechanisms of record changers. Because standard players have thin spindles, these clever adapters were invented to fill the gap. Some designs even allowed listeners to stack multiple records on a tall spindle for continuous play. Without this humble piece of plastic or metal, your favorite vintage singles would simply spin off-center.
Source: 45 rpm adapter