How to Repair a Torn Cassette Tape
While cassette tapes are less commonly used these days, some people still hold on to their VHS and audio tapes for various reasons. A unique challenge which faces the cassette user is the possibility of a broken tape ribbon, which can become torn and distressed after much use. Fortunately, a kit, a few tools, and a little bit of time is all that is needed to complete this simple repair at home.
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Things You'll Need
- Radio Shack cassette repair kit
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Small X-acto knife
- Splicing tape
- Editing block
Instructions
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1
Remove screws from cassette shell. Take your screwdriver and carefully remove the screws from each corner of the cassette's outer casing. Detach one half of it, and set it aside. In the case of a sealed cassette, split the shell with the screwdriver. Take extra care in this step, as the case could break with too much force.
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2
Treat the tape delicately while removing it from the reel. Place a section of tape from the left reel onto the splicing block. Be careful while handling the tape so as not to damage it with your fingerprints.
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3
Use your knife to carefully remove damaged ends. Take your splicer and editing tape, and join the two ends of broken tape together on the splicing block. Be extremely careful with the broken tape; try to keep the two ends intact as you splice the ends. Cut away any damaged bits of tape, only splicing straight ends together.
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4
Position the tape around the pins and rollers. Your cassette repair kit includes a new case for your cassette tape. You should now take your repaired reel of tape and place it into the new casing supplied by the kit. Maintain your delicate touch in replacing the tape. Position the tape correctly around the pins and rollers, in front of the pressure pad and inside of the case's lip.
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5
Your repaired tape should be as good as new. Make small adjustments as necessary before attaching the top half of your new case with your screwdriver and five small screws. Tighten the screws. Your new tape should be intact and functional. Test it in a playback device to confirm the success of your project.
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References
- Photo Credit tape unraveled image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com screwdriver image by vnlit from Fotolia.com ribbon image by Albo from Fotolia.com pocket knife image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com cotton reel image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com tape image by Vasiliy Koval from Fotolia.com
