How to Fix Audio Cassettes That Drag

Cassette tapes that drag can damage the tape, so it requires fixing.

Audio cassettes are still available on the market, though tapes are harder to find now that CDs, DVDs and MP3 has replaced the audio cassette. When the cassette drags, fixing the cassette personally is a necessity. Drag problems are typically simple to fix and take only a few minutes, and once the drag is gone, the audio cassette plays well.

Instructions

1. Check the tape player. Place the audio cassette into another player and see if the drag persists. If it does not, the problem was due to the player rather than the cassette. Tape players can damage the tape by causing drag.

2. Rewind the tape completely. Fast forward the tape completely. Rewind the tape again. Try playing the tape again. Tension problems are among the most common drag problems. Rewinding and fast forwarding helps the tape remove the tension so that it no longer drags.

3. Preheat the home oven to the lowest temperature setting, which varies on each oven. Put the tape in the oven and allow it to bake for about half an hour to an hour. This allows the tape to play, though it is only a temporary fix.

References

• 8 Track Heaven: FAQs
• Science Tech Archives: Audio Cassette Drag Problem