Many of us have old records lying around that we may not listen to ever again. Fortunately, they can be repurposed into a variety of functional and decorative pieces, such as a clock! It is an easy project that only takes a couple of hours, and only costs 20-30 USD… or even less if you already have some of the supplies at home!

Step 1: Collect the Following Materials

12’’ record
6’’ record
Scissors or drill (whichever is more accessible, including proper safety precautions)
Protractor
X-ACTO knife
pencil/pen
Record slip cover
Stencil (with numbers 0-9)
Clock kit (Artminds ™ Clock Movement Kit ¼’’)
Larger clock arms (depending on your preference)
E6000 glue
Batteries (AA)

Approximate cost of all materials combined is $20-30

Step 2: Check the Fit

Check to see if the record fits over the clock mechanism by inserting the protruding part of the clock mechanism through the 12’’ record hole.

If the 12’’ record fits over the clock mechanism, step 3 can be omitted.

Step 3: Widen the Hole

Use the scissors or the drill to gently widen the 12” record hole until it fits snugly over the clock mechanism. Be sure to use protective eye wear if using a drill and always have the scissors facing away from you.

Step 4: Trace the Numbers

Place the stencil on the desired slipcover and trace the numbers necessary for the clock. (Note: it will take five 1s and two 2s to accommodate all the needed numbers for the clock.)

Step 5: Cut Out the Numbers

Use an X-ACTO knife or scissors to cut out the numbers.

Step 6: Make Sure the Spacing Is Correct

Use the protractor to mark off the number placement on the 12’’ record with a pencil every 30 degrees

Step 7: Glue the Numbers

Use the E6000 to glue the numbers onto the 12’’ record.

Step 8: Glue the Records Together

Attach the 6'' record on top of the 12'' record using the E6000 glue.

Step 9: Battery

Place the battery into the back of the clock mechanism.

Step 10: Rubber Gasket

Place the rubber gasket on the clock mechanism

Step 11:

Place the record hole onto the clock mechanism and slide it to the bottom.

Step 12: Brass Washer

Place the brass washer on the clock mechanism

Step 13: Mounting Nut

Screw the mounting nut onto the clock mechanism until it holds the record sturdily.

Step 14: Hour and Minute Hands

Place the hour hand onto the clock mechanism, and then place the minute hand next. After this put the open nut on.

Step 15: Seconds Hand

Press the seconds hand into the open nut.

Step 16: Set the Time

Set to the correct time using the dial on the back of the clock

Step 17: The Clock Is Now Completed

And there you have it! Feel free to simply use the hanger on the back of the movement to put the clock up on the wall. You can also experiment with different colors of records, or cut out designs in the larger record for an even more ambitious project.

Introduction: Vinyl Record Clock