How to keep a CD from rotating in its holder?

[Twin2]

I have searched previous threads on mounting a CD and its case, but didn't find any information about my specific problem.

I have an Alice Cooper CD and its cardboard case which are to be mounted in a shadow box. The customer wants it mounted as shown below in the attached file. The CD case is not your normal plastic case. This one just has a cardboard cover with a plastic holder inside to hold the CD.

I plan on using strips of melinex to hold the cd case in place, however, the CD, itself, slips around fairly easily in its holder. I want to be able to keep the logo ("Alice Cooper Dirty Diamonds") on the CD as straight as possible. It doesn't seem to take much to have the CD move on its spindle, so I think the logo would go crooked very easily. The customer isn't concerned about reversibility, however, I'd prefer to find a method of mounting that would be the least invasive as possible.

Any ideas?

[Framerguy]

Heat the fingers on the CD holder with a heat gun and slightly spread them with a pair of pliers. Let the plastic cool completely and you should have a tight fit.

Framerguy

[Twin2]

Interesting suggestion, Framerguy, but I'm not sure it would work in this case.

The spindle doesn't really consist of 'fingers' (see below attachment for an enlargement of that area) - it seems to have 3 half moon shapes (with a solid centre), which I don't think would be easy to spread apart. I'm also hesitant in heating the plastic just in case I mess up since the plastic holder is attached to the cardboard cover. It wouldn't be as simple as replacing just the clear plastic case - I would have to splurge for a whole new CD ;).

I will keep your suggestion in mind for future projects, however, as I think it is a good one. Thanks.

[Pat Murphey]

I'd just put a tiny piece of ATG on the spindle to provide the necessary friction. The little goober would roll off easily if the mount had to be reversed.

[Dancinbaer]

Cut a couple pieces of mat slightly smaller than the CD. Put them in the sleeve behind the CD. Cut enough mat so the CD and mats fit snug in the sleeve.

[Twin2]

Cut a couple pieces of mat slightly smaller than the CD. Put them in the sleeve behind the CD. Cut enough mat so the CD and mats fit snug in the sleeve.

I tried your suggestion, Denny, but it didn't seem to work. I took a piece of mat and placed it behind the CD. It was too thick and the CD kept popping off the spindle. Then I tried layers of 1 ply museum barrier paper and either the multi layers were too thin (and the CD kept spinning), or adding an extra layer made it too thick and the CD wouldn't stay on the spindle.


I'd just put a tiny piece of ATG on the spindle to provide the necessary friction. The little goober would roll off easily if the mount had to be reversed.

This may be the way I go, Pat. I have some acid free ATG tape that I can use, or I have some 3M 889 tape from which I could cut a small piece.

I was also wondering if I could paint a thin coat of ph neutral PVA glue around the sides of the spindle and let it dry. Just to build up the thickness of the spindle enough that the CD will still pop onto the spindle, but not spin.

[Dancinbaer]

Most CD packs come with a blank CD of just clear plastic. Cut that down to the size of the "hub" of your cd. Place your CD in the holder, then put the hub size plastic over that and place a couple very small dabs of glue on top of the hub and spindle.:shrug:

[Twin2]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll try them and see what works best.

[Michael Kevin McCleary]

I would just buy a few different blank jewel cases, or even go through your own collection, as some seem to be more tight than other.

As a an addict (over 2000 cds), I often replace the originals with store bought blanks.

Good luck, and God bless

mike

[Twin2]

I would just buy a few different blank jewel cases, or even go through your own collection, as some seem to be more tight than other.

As a an addict (over 2000 cds), I often replace the originals with store bought blanks.

Good luck, and God bless

mike


I would have done that, Mike, however, this particular CD has a cardboard cover attached to the 'plastic' cd holder. There is no way to remove that cover without damaging it and the customer wants it displayed as well. It would have been much simplier if I could have just switched the CD holder with a tighter blank case. Thanks anyway for your suggestion.