Several methods can repair a damaged videocassette.
Though DVDs are one of the major current formats for movies, there are plenty of aging videocassettes around. The tape in these VHS videocassettes tends to get frailer with age, losing metal oxide particles and parts of the picture. It can also catch on the VCR player heads and become creased and crinkled. Fortunately, you can employ a simple fix so you can continue to use these videocassettes.
Instructions
Ironing
1. Push in on the square reel release button located on the side of the videocassette, and flip up the cassette door.
2. Gently pull out the damaged tape by several feet, and let the videocassette door close.
3. Heat the clothes iron until it is warm. Test the iron by dropping a single drop of water onto the heating plate. The iron is too hot if the water sizzles. Leave the steam function set to "Off," as any water vapor can cause further damage to the videocassette.
4. Straighten the damaged part of the tape as much as you can. Sandwich the tape in between two layers of a cotton tea towel. Lay the tape and towel flat on an ironing board.
5. Lightly iron the tape several times, lifting the iron immediately at any sign of the tape sticking to the towel or any scorching odor. Manually rewind the videotape into the videocassette.
Taping
6. Push in on the square reel release button on the side of the videocassette, and flip up the cassette door.
7. Gently pull out the damaged tape by several inches, and let the videocassette door close.
8. Straighten the tape with clean hands, and cut a piece of transparent tape.
9. Place the transparent tape over the damaged part of the videotape. Trim any excess tape.
10. Manually rewind the videotape into the cassette. Leave it for a few days, and then fast forward and rewind the videocassette in a VCR to make sure that the tape holds.
Splicing
11. Push in on the square reel release button on the side of the videocassette, and flip up the cassette door.
12. Pull out the damaged videotape section, and let the videocassette door close.
13. Cut out the damaged part of the videotape, cutting out the least amount of videotape as possible.
14. Cut two pieces of transparent tape about 1/4-inch wide.
15. Splice the two cut ends of the videotape back together by taping them on top of the videotape and underneath. Rewind the videotape, and let it sit for a few hours. Fast-forward and rewind the tape a few times before you play it again to test the splice.
Tags: cassette door, damaged part, door close, flip cassette, flip cassette door, Push square, Push square reel