How to Remove a VHS Tape From a Broken Player

VHS tape wrapped around the heads of a VHS player renders the player unworkable.

A VHS player uses a drive mechanism to propel the VHS tape across the recording and playback heads. A malfunctioning drive mechanism will cause the tape to wrap around the heads and burn out the motor if left unattended. You can remove the VHS tape cassette from the front loading slot of the broken VHS player without the need for any tools except a flashlight.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• Assistant

Instructions

1. Place the VHS player on a table with the front loading slot even with the edge of the table. Plug the VHS player’s power cord into a wall socket for power.

2. Turn on the flashlight. Have an assistant aim the flashlight’s beam at the front loading slot.

3. Press the power button to turn the VHS player on.

4. Insert two fingers of one hand into the front loading slot to raise the slot door. Push up against the top edge of the VHS cassette with your fingers.

5. Press and hold the “Eject” button on the VHS player with a finger of the other hand. Release your fingers from the VHS cassette.

6. Repeat the procedure of pushing up against the top edge of the VHS cassette until the cassette pushes back against you. Stop pushing up against the VHS cassette.

7. Grab the front of the VHS cassette with your hand. Slowly pull the VHS cassette out of the front loading slot.

8. Continue pulling the VHS cassette out of the front loading slot until all of the loose VHS tape has exited the front loading slot. Release the VHS player’s “Eject” button.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the heads of the VHS player once the VHS tape has been removed.

• Pulling the tape too forcibly can cause pieces to stay inside of the VHS player.

References

• Smockityfrocks: Removing A Stuck VHS Tape

Resources

• Burnworld: History Of VideoTape-VHS