Fix the off-track video tape.
You most likely have experienced a video tape becoming unwound and the tape falling out of the track of the tape. This leaves you with a giant mess of tangled black webbing falling out of the video tape. You can fix this issue on your own without any special tools, you just need to be careful while doing it (the correction process is the same for all video tape sizes, from standard VHS to mini-DV). Ripping the tape permanently damages the content of the video tape.
Instructions
1. Press and hold down the small unlock button on the side of the video tape housing, or cassette, next to the retracting flap on the top of the cassette. This unlocks the flap. Push and hold it back so you have clear access to the off-track tape.
2. Insert your thumb into one of the spindles on the back side of the video tape housing.
3. Slowly turn the spindle. If your thumb is on the right side turn it clockwise, and if on the left side turn counterclockwise. The tape begins to spin back into the cassette.
4. Stop spinning the spindle if you notice the tape is folding over on itself as it enters the cassette. Unfold the tape gently with your fingers so it is straight, and resume spinning the tape until it is completely back inside the housing. Release the flap on the top of the video tape cassette once done.
5. Turn the tape housing upside down and remove the five screws with a Phillips screwdriver if you need to untangle any bends in the tape. Lift off the top cover of the cassette and correct the bends. Then replace the top of the cassette and screw the five plastic screws back in.
Tags: video tape, tape housing, side turn, side video, side video tape, video tape housing