What's good for conditioning pinch rollers & other rubber pieces?

[brassplyer]

I've got a bottle of Tascam cleaner/conditioner - says contains petroleum distillates. Wondering what if any Hardware store product will work as well or better for conditioning tape player and VCR rubber pieces?

Thanks

[sanlyn]

Tascam? No way. It will destroy many types of rubber used in capstans. Clean rubber parts with a cotton swab (NEVER use swabs on video heads ! ! ! !). and moisten lightly with water if necessary (usual;ly not). Video and audio heads and metal standoffs, guides, etc., are cleaned with head cleaner designed for that purpose, or with 90-95% alcohol. Check the internet for VCR and tape player cleaners. DON'T ( That's DO NOT, in English) buy any sprays, "digital" cleaning cloths/wipes, at BestBuy, Walmart, etc.

Never touch a drive belt. Period.

[johns0]

Try isopropanol 99% or 70% if you cant get 99%,I've been using that for years cleaning vcr parts such as belts,pinch rollers and heads.

[brassplyer]

Tascam? No way. It will destroy many types of rubber used in capstans. Clean rubber parts with a cotton swab (NEVER use swabs on video heads ! ! ! !)

You understand I'm talking about their rubber cleaner/conditioner, not the head cleaner, yes? You think their rubber cleaner is no good?

[sanlyn]

Contains petroleum distillates, including benzines. Try it on something that won't matter. ANything that eats rubber or leaves a greasy residue is going to makes play worse, not better. Also: stretch a belt, and you you have to find a new one.

I saw a post where somebody proudly proclaims they use Windex. Contains lye. Try it if you feel like living on the edge.