How to fix / repair a VHS Tape

[Riddler95]

I have a friend that use to do VHS repairs like this back in the old days, and when it involved cutting the tape and re-connecting it, he would re-connect the videotape using a special tape that was designed for Video/Audio Tape. He never used adhesive tape.

[pintorato]

Grazie!!!



[snipe609]

Hi what can I do for some vhs tapes that won't play it's the tapes because most of them will play in the recorder except these three they were put away for years I have never taken apart a vhs tape, should you not be able to turn them by hand? they won't turn?  if you can help me Thanks!

[chipotletv]

@snipe609 Hi there, I would be glad to help, just a couple of questions. The 3 tapes you mention, does they "spin" play in the vcr? or the VCR ejects them or get stuck?, The vCR plays them but you don't get any video or audio?

[snamaarGoliM]

@snipe609 There is a little hole in the back side of the VHS tape, centered between the two reels, and up a bit. Put a pencil or similar object into the hole, to push back the thing inside. The wheels can now be turned by hand as long as the pencil is positioned properly.

[rodmolinaro]

Yep :)

[ElvisRocksVinyl]

Long live VHS, I still love this platform even if we do live in a era of streaming internet video, dvds and blue ray, this always worked well on blank VHS tapes, didn't matter how much was cut out if the tape was used for recordings, films it would though lol it would always mash up in a good part with me, truth is if you keep your VCR well oiled and serviced it will never chew a tape, i used to service mine every year.

[RaineStudio]

Make sure the work surface is clean! You don't want to get debris on the tape, which will abrade the video heads. Also ensure the tape is dry (if you use the wetting method) before playing it.

[GeolinkWZRD]

Thank god for DVDs is all I gotta say. No more dealing with tracking, tapes getting jammed in the VCR, film getting damaged. Whew!

[Dan4TheRovers]

It's called a Phillips Screwdriver not a cross-head screwdriver

[coolvideogamekid1]

im a child and i fixed a vhs one time!

[coolvideogamekid1]

well, i dont have a screwdriver. ChiptoleTv.

[EXTREME4YEARSTOCOME]

at least you could fix good ole analog tapes. The only way to fix a dvd is to bin it.

[chipotletv]

@EXTREME4YEARSTOCOME well, dvds so as cds and games can be fixed, in most cases, depending on the scratch depth, but yes, when they are broke or cracked bin it. Have a great one!

[EXTREME4YEARSTOCOME]

@chipotletv yourself aswel

[tbskeet]

Hey.......Can't I use some adhesive instead of tape which will lose its stickyness and defunk?

[chipotletv]

@tbskeet Hi there, well the thing with adhesive is that its not flexible and it may damage the heads, a good brand adhesive will do the trick, and also its better if you can transfer it to digital format or make another vhs copy of it. remember the adhesive goes on the back side of the tape. Merry Xmas my friend!

[ReiMomo]

I remember doing that attempting to get a 9 hours VHS tape lol

[Morahman7vnNo2]

You couldn't just smooth out the wrinkled portion of the tape?

[enterthehatch2]

If you touch the tape with your fingers wouldn't that damage it?

[terratec365]

@enterthehatch2 Yes.You'll leave greasy fingerprints on it (which will then transfer the around the tape path in the VCR). Ideally, you should use a half inch splicing block and correcter tape cutter (not scissors). You should use the proper gloves when handling any magnetic tape, and don't use ordinary adhesive tape or cellotape.

Otherwise you'll ruin the VCR when the adhesive fails.

[Xinn2000]

Would a part of the movie be gone if you cut off part of the tape?

[chipotletv]

@Xinn2000 Yes, but usually cutting 1 ft of tape I think it would be like 3 to 6 seconds depending on the recording mode, its just a calculation, but better few secs less than nothing, hope your tape its not too damaged.

[2232xfire]

tomsonic41 if you want clean heads you have to do them manualy

[SebiStudios2]

I need help fixing a VCR.

[Tomsonic41]

I did this with snapped VHS tapes many years ago. Unfortunately the adhesive deteriorates into powder over the years, and whenever the splice goes by it makes the heads so dirty they can't play anything! I have to open up the VCR and clean them manually...

[rollercoaster1111]

Thank you for your help! I was able to fix a video of my 1st birthday! I think it only cut out about 10 seconds in the video which is fine :)

[neetal123]

Thanks!!! One of my Disney videos had been broken for 10 years. I finally built up the courage to open it up and fix it, thanks to your video!! It works great now!!!

[chipotletv]

@neetal123 I'm glad it helped you my friend, have a nice one!

[BRm2008]

i have to reattached tape to another reel. after getting a damaged tape in the mail. from a seller. i bought from.

[TOMOLSONSIGNS]

Excellent, To the point, no idle chit-chat

[sdwulfdawg]

Great Video!! What is the music??

[Ingoodefaith]

Truly enjoyed this video it has been very helpful, I was able to restore a family Christmas video from 1992. Please tell me the name of the music playing on this video ...Love It!!!!!

[zestydude87]

seems simple enough. Thanks for making this!

[chipotletv]

@zestydude87 Any time my friend, hope it helps you.