1. The weight method: Place a metal weight on the center of the record, and lay it flat on a table or other flat surface. Leave it there for several days, and the record should eventually straighten itself out.
2. The oven method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the record on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to soften. Remove it from the oven and quickly place it between two pieces of glass or Plexiglas. Weigh it down with something heavy, such as a stack of books, and let it cool completely.
3. The hair dryer method: Hold the hair dryer on the lowest heat setting, and move it back and forth across the warped vinyl. Start at the center and work your way out towards the edges. Be sure to move the hair dryer constantly so that it does not overheat any one spot. Once the record is heated, place it between two pieces of glass or Plexiglas, and weigh it down with something heavy. Let it cool completely before removing the weights.
Some tips:
* Handle warped records carefully, as they are more fragile than undamaged records.
* Do not try to straighten a record if it is too badly warped.
* If you are using the hair dryer method, be careful not to overheat the vinyl.
* If you are using the oven method, be sure to monitor the record closely so that it does not melt.
* If the record is still warped after trying one or more of these methods, you may need to take it to a professional.