Can you fix the tape in a video cassette if it snaps

'Splicing'a damaged Video Tape

• • • This is purely a temporary measure and NOT a permanent solution. It may last indefinately, but, if it's just to get

important video footage off it then, do so and discard it. It's a lot cheaper to buy a new tape then to have your video repaired ! It's quite easy, but try not to handle the magnetic or(dull) side too much. If you are uncertain about tackling it, watch the 'How to... DIY' series on 'Youtube' --'Splicing a music cassette'. Basically, the same applies. To release the tape from the spools place the cassette on the table with the underside facing up. Release the spool sprocket spring lock through the bottom hole between the spools - only light pressure is needed. (You could tape something in there to give you two hands.) Now release the little flap spring lock at the side & lift the front flap to pull enough tape from either spool through either side of each guide roller to work comfortably. If the broken ends are inside the cassette then you will have to dismantle the cassette carefully and draw the ends over the guide rollers, replace the half and secure.

• • • Make sure both ends of the tape come through the tape transport path correctly before you attempt to 'splice'.

You will need:~ i. A4 card. ii. Selotape wider than the V-tape iii. Sharp knife iv. 2 pieces of firm sponge slightly wider than the selotape & about 20mm thick v. Pair of sharp scissors vi. Small x-head screwdriver(for cassette screws)if needed vii. A clean piece of soft cloth viii.Ruler & pencil ix. Extra pair of hands-if needed 1. Tape a piece of A4 card to the tabletop. Using a ruler draw a 'guide-line' accross the card through the middle. Draw a centre line 50 mm long at 90 degs. Draw two 40mm long lines either side of the centre at 13mm off centre -this is the v-tape end overlap line. Draw another two lines 70mm long 90 degs either side of the centre at 50mm off centre -this is the selotape guide line to give a clearance of 37mm either side of the overlap. Mark each line to denote it's function if required and arrow the selotape lines so as not to be confused on which side of the line to place the selotape-(arrows face away) 2. Using scissors, cut away any damaged tape. 3. Place the cassette at the top of the card -with enough tape spooled out from either side to work comfortably. (Orientate the ends correctly with the 'dull' side down) 4. With the sponge stuck in the middle of a length of selotape, secure one end with it's edge in line with the 'guide-line'. Position the v-tape in line with the guide line & it's 'joint' end at the opposite overlap mark drawn on the card.(Press on the sponge and then stick the other end to the card) 5. Repeat for the other end in the same manner. Looking from left to right you should have V-tape, selotape securing v-tape at right angles with sponge, 37mm clearance to the opposite end of the v-tape. The same repeated on the otherhalf of the centre line. 6. CHECK ALL IS CORRECT 7. Now, with both ends of the tape held in place, "splice" through both layers at an angle of 45 deg: with a sharp knife, remove cut ends. You should be left with a neat cut at 45 deg. Align the tape if necessary with the guide line. Measure and cut off a piece of selotape to give a 10mm overlap eitherside past the point of the angled cut-(approx: 35mm long) Carefully join the two halves with the selotape centralized 8. Press down on the selotape using a clean cloth to smooth out any air bubbles. 9. Release the v-tape carefully and trim off any overlapping sellotape along the long edge with sicissors cutting a fraction off the video-tape edge. This ensures no sellotape glue will contaminate the video heads. 10.Remove the ratchet lock release if taped in place AFTER Carefully windig-in the tape by rotating one of the spools. When released the lock will not allow rotation. Retreve important Video footage and discard cassette. Job done !