In fixing a cassette tape, the first step is to determine what the problem is. The most common cassette tape problem is a bunched-up tape in a case, or the tape is broken.
You can fix a broken cassette tape by yourself, but it’s important to know how to do it so as not to permanently damage it.
The tools that you will need are those that can easily be found at home, such as cotton swabs for cleaning, a screwdriver, and a tape splicing kit.
Nowadays, cassette tapes are not commonly used but if you have old tapes at home, you want to keep them in good condition.
Fixing a cassette tape may seem a complicated task, but as long as you know how to diagnose the problem, you can easily find workarounds on how to fix it. Learn the step by step process on how to restore your old cassette tapes.
Bunched Tape or Foreign Objects Problem
Step: 1
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, the case will have to be taken apart for a proper repair.
Step: 2
Locate the screws holding your cassette together and remove them. They are tiny, and a jeweler's screwdriver works the best.
Glued-together plastic cases can be opened up by using a hobby knife to cut along the plastic case edges at the seam where they are joined. Start at the front at the cassette’s opening and run the blade along the entire seam.
Step: 3
Remove the cover of the cassette and inspect the problem. Any foreign object inside the plastic case must be removed. Bunched-up or folded tape can be gently straightened out and carefully rewound onto the reel.
The bound-up tape can be released from any area where it is "pinched" and won't move.
Step: 4
Replace the cover when the winding problem has been solved. A good way to check that everything is working is to wrap a few pieces of cellophane tape around the eraser of a pencil, then insert that end into a reel.
Hold the tape closed with your fingers and slowly wind the tape using the pencil as a drive mechanism.
If it winds easily, the problem is solved, and the case can be glued together by dabbing a little plastic glue on the edges of the cassette to join the two halves back together.
Step: 5
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.
Broken Tape
Step: 1
Pull the two ends out of the cassette case. Any wrinkles, bending, or folding on either side needs to be cut off with your scissors.
Step: 2
Cut the tape neatly on both sides with a sharp knife or scissors for a good splice. The best way to do this is to slightly overlap the two exposed ends and cut down the center.
Step: 3
Splice the tape together using either a bit of cellophane tape or a commercially made splicing tape. A good rule of thumb here is that if you intend to play the tape over and over, use a commercial brand of splicing tape.
It can be found at any electronics store. If you just want to play the tape once through to make a copy, a piece of regular cellophane tape will do the trick.
Step: 4
Tape the splice together. When using cellophane tape, always tape it on the bottom 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 ensures the least amount of playback degradation.
Conclusion
Sure, we've moved on from listening to cassette tapes for the most part, and that's what makes them special. Having an old tape that works is like holding on to a piece of living history.
These days we listen to audio on our phones, and it comes and goes at a rapid rate. It's not the same as having a cherished cassette tape or two that hold your favorite songs or voices. So, use the tips above to keep your memories alive.
