Repair a VHS Video Cassette

If the cassette is damaged and you need to swap the tape over, or the tape has broken inside.


Here's how you can do it.


First make sure you have a clean and clear work surface.
The cassette is in two halves so if you have any labels on the back of the cassette cut this first with a sharp knife along the the join of the two halves to allow separation.


Place the cassette upside down on your work surface and remove the five cross head screws. If the screw has only three slots, it was more likely an ex rental tape, you may need to obtain the correct screwdriver as they are done up pretty tight.
With all screws removed we are ready to separate the two halves. using both hands hold both sides together and turn the cassette the right way up and place back down on the work surface Press in the tab to release the front tape cover flap at the same time keeping the base well on the work surface. juggling the two halves with your fingers carefully withdraw the top half very slowly until clear of the base. There are a number of springs and leavers inside so don't rush or these will fly everywhere. If this does happen and you have a spare cassette, dismantle it so you can were all parts go.


With the top half removed we can now see the tape spools, you can lift each spool out one at a time to retrieve the broken end. pull out until the damaged ends are exposed then carefully replace the spool into the cassette ensure the spool brake leaver locates into its slot.
With both tape ends well exposed on the work surface and both spools back in the cassette we can now rejoin the two half's. Using a very sharp knife or a razor blade cut the ends of the tape removing all off the damaged section as squarely as you can. If the tape has been creased at the top or the bottom over a long length and its a treasured family recording for instance, you need to keep as much footage as possible so make a clean cut closest to the break. There maybe a flicker at the top of your TV picture but, Hey! that's better than loosing it all. Using a piece of sellotape butt the two ends squarely together and stick to the back of the tape. NOT THE SHINNY SIDE (And do not overlap) Press the sellotape as hard as you can to make the join, then trim the sellotape off to the same width as the tape. Make sure the tape rides over the metal rollers at each end of the cassette case, then carefully wind the tape back into the cassette.
So far so good. We are now ready to replace the top cover, holding the front cover flap open carefully lower the top back in place until both are securely together with no gaps. Using two hands holding both halves of the cassette turn upside down and replace the screws, center one first. You should now be ready to play the tape. A thick white line will move up you TV screen as the join passes over the video heads and you may hear it sound like an electric razor. I do not recommend you continue using the tape as continued use could damage your video machine. Therefore it is highly recommended that you transfer your treasured film to DVD As soon as possible.
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