How to Fix a Cassette Tape
- Method 1 Disassembling a Cassette Tape Download Article. Unscrew the cassette case, if it has screws, using a small...
- Method 2 Splicing a Broken Tape Download Article. Use small, sharp scissors to cut off the damaged ends of the broken...
- Method 3 Putting a Tape Back on the Wheel Hub Download Article. Buy a new blank cassette tape to use for...
Full Answer
How to fix squeaky audio cassette tapes?
How to Fix a Cassette Tape
- Method 1 Method 1 of 4: Disassembling a Cassette Tape Download Article. Unscrew the cassette case, if it has screws, using a small Phillips screwdriver. ...
- Method 2 Method 2 of 4: Splicing a Broken Tape Download Article. ...
- Method 3 Method 3 of 4: Putting a Tape Back on the Wheel Hub Download Article. ...
How do I repair a cassette tape player?
How do I repair a cassette tape player? Take the reel from the new cassette and cut the tape about 1-2 inches from the end of the leader tape. This will give you a brand new reel, and a nice piece of tape to splice the broken tape onto. Remove the old reel from your cassette, and replace it with the reel you just cut from the new cassette. ...
Are audio cassette tapes really extinct?
No,cassette tapes are not extinct in any functional sense. The Maxell 5-pack shown above is the best selling blank cassette on Amazon. But they have other versions from Maxell, from TDK, from Sony, and probably a bunch of others. Far as I know, my Tascam 202 dual tape deck still works.
How to open cassette tape?
Open the cassette tape horizontally so the spools don’t fall out. Place the tape horizontally on a flat surface before you open it up. Pull the top half off and try to leave the bottom half flat on your work surface. This will keep the wheel hubs in place so you don’t accidentally drop them out and cause more damage to the tape. ...
How do I Respool a cassette tape?
11:5636:21How to Fix Cassette Tapes The Right Way. Open, Splice, Repair Like a Pro.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay. So I just wind it to make sure that when we put the other half on that we don't pinch or crimpMoreOkay. So I just wind it to make sure that when we put the other half on that we don't pinch or crimp this tape okay so go ahead and take this shell. Place it on top again be very careful.
How do you fix a messed up cassette tape?
0:064:23Freestyle Friday: How To Repair Your Broken Cassette Tape - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUm the adhesive on older cassettes such as this jada kiss tape from 2001 has probably just lost itsMoreUm the adhesive on older cassettes such as this jada kiss tape from 2001 has probably just lost its stick fortunately it's an easy fix so we just opened up the shell be careful not to crack.
Can you fix broken tapes?
mangled tape can be straightened out and carefully wound back up by turning the hubs on the cassette. broken tape in which both ends are hanging out of the shell still can be spliced without opening the shell.
Can a broken cassette tape be fixed?
Rips, tangles, and tears happen and can cause terrible damage to audiotapes. The only way to repair a ripped audiotape is to use splicing tape to repair the tear. In these scenarios, it may be best to request help from a professional tape repair service instead of trying to fix your tape at home.
Can you open a cassette tape?
0:178:17Repairing A Cassette Tape : How To Open a Cassette Without ScrewsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore if there are screws holding the cassette. Together they're relatively easy to get into youMoreBefore if there are screws holding the cassette. Together they're relatively easy to get into you just take out the screws open the shell and you can access the tape. Itself.
How do you restore a tape deck?
9:2118:02Restoring a Vintage Audio Tape Deck and How To Change The BeltsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pinch roller is still okay so i'm cleaning it with some rubber renew i did it twice and let itMoreThe pinch roller is still okay so i'm cleaning it with some rubber renew i did it twice and let it soak up into the pinch roller. This stuff helps regenerate the rubber.
What are the parts of a cassette tape?
They consist of:Two spools and a long piece of tape (443 feet of tape for a 90-minute cassette)Two rollers/spindles.Two halves of a plastic outer shell with some holes and cutouts. These hook the cassette into the drive.One tiny felt pad that acts as a record stop/playback head.
How do cassettes get damaged?
Dust and debris: Dust, tape debris, and smoke particles can affect the tape when it is being played, resulting in loss of signal, and subsequently damaging the tape. Corrosive gases: Magnetic tapes are susceptible to airborne sulfides, ozone, and nitrous oxides.
Does water destroy cassette tapes?
Extended exposure to water can eventually destroy magnetic tapes. Uneven drying or exposure to heat can cause tapes to deform.
How long does a cassette tape last?
30 yearsWhen properly cared for, your audio cassette tapes have a lifespan of 30 years. However, many factors can shorten that lifespan considerably. By this time, you've probably done the math. It has been almost 40 years which means your cassette tapes could be at risk!
How to remove wrinkles from cassette case?
Pull the two ends out of the cassette case. Any wrinkles, bending or folding on either side needs to be cut off with your hobby knife.
How to restack a bumpy tape?
Rewind a bumpy-looking tape to the end and then immediately fast-forward it once again to the end. This action will restack a bumpy tape on the inner reels , which will allow it to play normally.
How to splice cellophane tape?
When using cellophane tape, always tape it on the back side so as not to affect sound quality. Trim either splicing medium precisely with a hobby knife to the width of the original tape. This will ensure that the tape winds properly on the reels, and also ensures the least amount of playback degradation.
Why is a magnetic tape case important?
The case protects the magnetic tape and allows the reels to turn freely when played through a tape machine. Most often, the tape becomes the culprit when a cassette is broken, as the plastic casing remains static and has no bearing on how the tape inside turns or plays.
How to open a glued plastic case?
Glued-together plastic cases can be opened up by using a hobby knife to cut along the edges on the plastic case at the seam where they are joined. Start at the front at the opening of the cassette, and run the blade along the entire seam. Advertisement.
Can tape be rewound?
Any foreign object inside the plastic case must be removed. Bunched-up or folded tape can be gently straightened out and carefully rewound back onto the reel. Bound-up tape can be released from any area where it is "pinched" and won't move.
Can a cassette tape run in a machine?
Determine the problem with the cassette tape. Bunched-up tape, bound-up tape or foreign objects will not allow a tape to run properly in the tape machine. In every one of these scenarios, for a proper repair the case will have to be taken apart.
When did cassette tapes start?
Cassettes didn't exist till 1963 in Europe and 1964 in USA. If you're sure it's from 1960 what you have is not a cassette. Maybe a format RCA made that was like a giant cassette tape and actually contained reel to reel tape in it.
What is inside a cassette?
to explain what's inside a cassette, we'll use the one that came apart peacefully.#N#pic 1 - inside a cassette with half its shell removed.#N#pic 2- the slip sheet. this reduces friction between the tape and the shell. these can be clear.#N#pic 3 - the pressure pad. this provides even contact between the tape and the heads on the machine that read the tape. this is an important part and without it, most cassette players will have poor audio reproduction. there are some high end machines that don't require the pressure pad but about 90% of machines made need it.#N#pic 4 - the Mu metal shield. it has nothing to do with cows. it's a magnetic shield required by older tape machines.#N#pic 5 - the rollers. most cassettes have two of these. really cheap cassettes may have just a plastic peg here. these can squeal. the only fix is a miniscule amount of nylon safe lubricant on the metal shaft of the roller. we are talking a very small amount as you don't want any lube getting on the tape.#N#pic 6 - the tape "pancake".
What are screwed shell tapes?
screwed shell tapes make great donor shells. if you have any screwed together cassettes that don't interest you, don't toss them. they are perfect for transplanting the guts from a welded shell cassette that had to be cracked open for repair. Ask Question.
How to stop tape reels from dragging?
Take the cassette, hold it by the edge with thumb and pointer finger of same hand, slap cassette body against other hand with quick flicks of the wrist. this help settle uneven layering caused by fast winding which causes drag. Ultimately if it keeps binding you may have to move the tape reels themselves into another shell. It's possible the slipsheets are gumming up.
How to play FF/REW on tape?
A few brisk snaps against your palm to loosen the tape roll. Do it on both sides. Then put tape in machine and do a full FF/REW on it. Then try playing.
How often should I clean my tape deck?
capstan (s), pinch roller (s) and - most important - heads) must be cleaned with Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol every few tens of hours, depending on the tape quality (higher-end tapes leave less residue, allowing more time before cleaning). Generally, if you hear less and less treble over time, cleaning the playback/universal head is a good idea.
How many screws are in a cassette shell?
cassette shells basically come in two types, welded together and screwed together. the screwed together shells will have from 1 to 5 screws holding them together. the welded ones have no screws. both halves are joined using a process called sonic welding which makes repair a little difficult but not impossible.
How to change cassette shell?
Depending on the cassette shell, changing them can be fiddly - some shells are held together by screws and can be dismantled relatively easily with a watchmaker’s screwdriver. Some are moulded or glued, and these will need a little bit more attention - thought and patience are necessary to deploy in these circumstances.
Why does my tape fall off?
See that black blob of foam? Over time, these can decay or fall off all together. It’s responsible for keeping the tape pushed up against the heads during transport. If it’s gone or crumbling, the tape will not be making good contact with the tape heads, and poor sound quality will result. (And, if you’re unlucky, damage to the tape and possibly the player.)
How to separate the top edge of a knockout tape?
Insert a good-sized Stanley screwdriver head into one of the wells on the back of the tape where the knockout tabs go. If the head is the right size , turning it should force the two halves of the shell apart. Repeat with the other well, then slide the tip of the screwdriver to separate the top edge completely. Continue around the edges of the shell, sliding and twisting slightly as necessary. Leave for last the side where the tape is exposed, then separate that carefully so you don't lose any of the small pieces inside.
Can tape be dirty?
Additionally, tape heads can be dirty or magnetised. As tape passes over heads, some of its oxide covering can be left behind. Over a period of decades of use, this builds up and can have significant negative impact on sound quality.
Do cassettes wear out?
Cassettes can wear out, but generally they last.
Can you replace a cassette with a metal spring?
The metal spring on which the foam is mounted is replaceable and interchangeable from cassette to cassette - I keep a box of a few dozen of these just in case. Alternatively, you can obtain some foam, cut it into tiny squares, and glue on these replacements - but I prefer to use the transplant and cannibalise method. Sometimes you have to kill one cassette to save another - but worthless cassettes are all over the place now and not hard to find.
How to repair a tape that has been glued together?
If you are attempting to repair a tape that has been glued together, you literally have to break the casing in half in order to attempt any sort of repair. You can easily accomplish this by sticking a flathead screwdriver into one of the small openings at the bottom of the cassette, and prying it open that way. .
Can you lose the parts inside a cassette?
Be careful not to lose the parts inside as you break the casing apart, as sometimes they can go flying onto the ground.Once the cassette shell has been opened up, you can now get to work. For many cassettes, especially older ones, the tape will have pulled itself off one of the reels.
Can you splice tape without a splicing block?
This is possible without a splicing block, just keep in mind you’re going to be working with pretty thin tape, so it may take some patience and steady hands. After your tape is spliced together, we need to set it back in the casing the way we found it. You can look at the picture below to see the correct layout.
Can you thread tape back through reel?
When the tape is pulled off the reel, it can be difficult to thread it back through the reel, and even if you do manage to do it, chances are that it will not last for long. The recommended fix for this problem is to purchase a blank cassette at your local electronics store that we can use for parts. *Make sure the new cassette you buy has screws and not glued together.
