How to Reduce Reel Tape Squeaking
Magnetic audio tapes tend to wear down over time, producing a squeaking or squealing noise as the tape passes over the tape head. The problem arises because the binder (a chemical glue) used to hold the oxide particles on the tape starts to break down, allowing urethane to leak through to the surface of the tape and causing the tape to become sticky. There is a surprisingly easy way to counteract this problem: "tape baking," which is exactly what it sounds like.
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Instructions
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Wind any squeaking tapes onto a metal reel. Tape baking does not call for high temperatures, but plastic reels may melt, so better safe than sorry.
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Place the squeaky tapes onto the center rack of your kitchen oven. Do not turn on the oven at this time. Refrain from packing the oven with tapes. Place the tapes in a single layer to insure they receive even heat.
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Place an independent thermometer inside the oven in a place where you can read it through the door. Invest in a thermometer you can read from the outside of the oven if your oven does not have a window.
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Set the oven to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Bake for 10 to 12 hours, monitoring the independent thermometer to make sure the temperature does not rise or fall more than five degrees during this time. Adjust the temperature as needed.
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Turn off the oven and allow the tapes to cool slowly inside.
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Tips & Warnings
You can bake tapes as many times as you like, but the fix may last as little as 30 days. Consider copying a squeaky tape to another, fresher tape.
You usually shouldn't bake more than three to four tapes at a time, but this depends on the size of your oven and the size of the tapes.
If you suspect your tape is moldy, do not bake it. If you do, you'll bake the mold onto the tape, permanently damaging it.
References
- Photo Credit magnetic tape image by Sergej Razvodovskij from Fotolia.com
