Is this damaged VHS usable?

[jc daly]

Just a quick question, I'm dubbing tapes to DVD, and noticed one of my tapes was broken, like so:

http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/PA140005.JPG
http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/PA140006.JPG
(images are large, FYI)

Is it still usable in a VCR? I think it's possbile, but I don't want to risk jamming up the VCR somehow by trying it. As always, help is appreciated! Thanks!

-jcd

[Marvingj]

I personally would not take a chance because plastic pieces can destroy your head and other parts of your Vcr. But if you have a Clunker ( which I always have one and you don't mine in being hurt; go for it). On a good or decent Vcr the answer is No! You must have something good on that tape or important. Good Luck!

[redwudz]

If the reels and the tape are undamaged, just transfer them to another cassette.

EDIT: This site has some links to info and repair facilities, but may be out of date: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=119882

It's not that difficult, especially if the tape and reels are undamaged. I would take one or two apart first to see how they are made. There are some springs and small parts to watch out for. But the only tool you will need is a small Phillips screwdriver.

If the tape is broken, you might need to cut out the damaged section and splice it back together. You would need a splicing kit for that.

[bendixG15]

I would try and load the tape into another holder.

[victoriabears]

wait until you have 2-4 hours uninterrupted time and use another vhs shell and transfer the tape, be slow and careful.

Whats on the tape !, may be its around on dvd anyways !

[Marvingj]

Hopefully you know how to load the tape into another holder. If you don't know what your doing you can Hose it up and lose you movie.. Be Careful!

[hech54]

I would try and load the tape into another holder.

Exactly. I've done that several times.....it ain't brain surgery.

[theaveng]

Just a quick question, I'm dubbing tapes to DVD, and noticed one of my tapes was broken

I would shake it around, to make sure there are no lose pieces inside the case. Once I'm satisfied there are no loose pieces inside the shell, I would:

(1) Check amazon to see if I could just buy the DVD.
(2) If not I would go ahead and play the tape, and then capture the video to your computer or dvd

(3) Then toss the tape in the trash. (If it was Super High Grade I'd use it for tv timeshifting, but given it's just a standard grade tape (read: trash), I would not bother saving it.)

[lordsmurf]

I could fix that tape in about 5-10 minutes. Not a problem. Easy.

If you've never done it before, there's a trick to not making it worse. I'd suggest giving it to somebody who has done it before.

I usually charge people a few bucks to fix tapes, mostly to cover the other tape I had to cannibalize.

[Relayerman]

Like Lordsmurf, I change the shells out all the time in just a few minutes. When you open the old case (I think its 5 screws) just look where the tape is and load it the same way in the new shell. It really is easy.

[mikel]

It's easy...just be careful with the spring loaded parts.

[theaveng]

I don't think it's necessary to switch cases.

Just shake the tape & listen if there are loose pieces. If there are, try to get them to fall-out through the hole. Once you're satisfied all the pieces are out, you can play the tape & copy it to DVD.

That's what I would do.

[lordsmurf]

I don't think it's necessary to switch cases.

Just shake the tape & listen if there are loose pieces. If there are, try to get them to fall-out through the hole. Once you're satisfied all the pieces are out, you can play the tape & copy it to DVD.

That's what I would do.

No. It's very likely that some particles are lodged in place that won't shake loose, maybe even crammed against the tape spool itself. The only proper method here is to extract the tape and put it into a new shell.

[kerrex_2006]

Yeah, it's best to replace the shell and preserve it by transfering it to DVD and your computers (for multiple saves), after all, that particular title may never get a DVD release.

I learned that from my old Turtles Live tour tape.