How to Maintain a Cassette Deck

By eHow Electronics Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

Cassette deck maintenance prevents and solves problems and improves recording and playback sound quality.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Clean Heads

Step1
Dip cotton swab in anhydrous isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub heads (these are the parts that read the tape).
Step2
Dry the heads with the other end of swab.
Step3
Use fresh swab when one gets visibly dirty.
Step4
Repeat until the swab does not appear to be discolored.

Clean Tape Path Parts

Step1
Use a cotton swab and alcohol.
Step2
Clean capstan. Turn on deck to spin capstan (the metal spindle to the right of the tape heads that works with pinch roller to guide tape). Gently move swab up capstan shaft. Follow Steps 2 to 4 under "Clean Heads."
Step3
Clean pinch roller (the black rubber roller that works with capstan to guide tape). Rotate pinch roller with swab in tape path between capstan and pinch roller. Follow Steps 2 to 4 under "Clean Heads."
Step4
Clean stationary plastic and metal guideposts.
Step5
Clean under reel hubs.
Step6
Wipe remainder of tape well with a dry swab.

Demagnetize Erase and Record Heads

Step1
Use a commercial tape deck demagnetizer.
Step2
With the deck off, turn on (or plug in, if the demagnetizer doesn't have a switch) demagnetizer away from deck, other audio equipment and tapes.
Step3
Slowly move tip of demagnetizer toward head.
Step4
Make sure the demagnetizer doesn't touch the tape head (the magnetic field will cause it to try).
Step5
Slowly move the tip back and forth across the tape head for a few seconds. Get close to the head without touching it.
Step6
Slowly pull demagnetizer far away from head. Unplug demagnetizer after demagnetizing both heads.

Tips & Warnings

  • Clean heads after about 30 hours of use or according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.
  • Commercial head-cleaning fluids contain additives that will cause more harm than benefit.
  • Some decks have two capstans and pinch rollers. See the information that came with your deck to see where the parts are on your equipment.
  • Use rubber cleaner on pinch roller if you have it.
  • Clean the tape path when you clean the tape heads.
  • Look for a demagnetizer with a plastic-coated tip.
  • Only demagnetize if you start to hear distortion on your tapes.
  • A hi-fi shop might also demagnetize your heads for you.
  • Used improperly, a demagnetizer will increase head magnetization.
  • A demagnetizer can damage tapes, speakers and other audio equipment.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Maintain a Cassette Deck

eHow Electronics Editor

eHow Electronics Editor

Category: Electronics

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads