Can a VHS tape be safely played without the leaf spring?

[astronautJungie]

I have a VHS cassette where the metal pressure spring (the leaf spring that sits behind the tape at the front of the cassette) has completely come loose.

Please see the attached photo—the part I'm referring to is the metal spring shown at the picture.

I'm wondering if it's safe to play the tape without it, at least long enough to digitize it, or if that could damage the tape or cause playback issues.

Has anyone actually tried playing a VHS cassette without the pressure spring?

Did it still play normally?
Did you notice tracking or picture problems?
Is there any real risk of the tape getting damaged, or is the worst-case scenario just a poor image?

I'm trying to recover some important recordings, so I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone with first-hand experience rather than just guesses.

Thanks!


[Attachment 93088 - Click to enlarge]

[VWestlife]

Swap parts from a donor cassette.

[Alwyn]

It's there for a reason. I'd just swap the tape to another cassette.

[darkknight145]

As you still have it just heat stake it back on.