How to Repair Audio Tapes
Audio tapes, also known as audio cassettes, have decreased in use since new technology like CD and MP3 players have come along, but they are still quite common. These devices can be damaged, however, though repairing them is not impossible. Fixing a cassette that was "eaten" or otherwise damage takes a little patience and the right tools.
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Instructions
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Inspect your cassette. The audio tape inside the cassette could have been damaged for a number of reasons. If the plastic cassette shell has been damaged, you'll need to replace it with a new one, but if only the tape has been damaged, you will probably not need a new shell. Inspect the shell to see if there are any cracks or missing parts. If not, you don't need a new shell.
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Take the cassette apart. Cassette tapes are usually put together using small screws, glue or plastic tabs to hold the two halves of the cassette shell together. If there are screws, unscrew these carefully and set them aside. If tabs or glue are holding it together, gently push on the tabs or separate the glued segments using a flat head screwdriver.
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Remove the tape. The audio tape is held on two small reels, circular devices with gears on them. Gently remove the reels from the cassette shell and set them aside.
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Inspect the reels. Damages audio tape typically looks crumpled, discolored, torn or otherwise shows obvious signs of damage. Locate the damages portion of the tape by carefully, and slowly passing the tape between the reels.
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Place the tape in the splicing kit. Tape splicers take two parts of the audio tape and join them together again using a piece of tape. Place the damaged portions of the audio tape in the splicer.
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Cut the tape. Use a razor blade or other sharp knife to cut away the damaged sections of tape.
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Join the cut pieces. Place the undamaged ends of the cut audio tape next to each other and apply the repair tape.
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Reassemble the tape. Once your tape is reattached, you need to place it back in the shell. If your shell is damaged, use the shell from a blank cassette tape. Reassemble the shell in the same manner you took it apart.
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References
- Photo Credit audio tape image by Vasiliy Koval from Fotolia.com
