VHS Tape Repair
When a VHS tape gets crinkled, like in this example, the damaged section can get eaten up by the VCR. For this copy of Lost Boys (1987), on a play through this happened and when the tape was removed it caused it to rip. Here is some quick direction on how to get the tape back to a playable state albeit losing a few seconds of the recording.
using the appropriate size driver, remove the 5 screw on the back of the VHS.
remove the two reels and locate the section of damaged tape.
Using a precision knife like an X-acto, make a clean cut just outside of the ruined section of tape.
Lay both ends of undamaged tape over each other so that there is enough overlap to make a 45 degree cut on both parts. (A 45 degree angle provides the most surface area for the next step)
There are two sides to the VHS’s Magnetic tape. A glossy side that runs along the playback head and a matte side that doesn’t make contact with the internal mechanism of the VCR. Line up both 45 degree cuts and place a piece of scotch tape on the matte side removing any excess tape that may hang over the edges of the magnetic strip. It’s important to try and line the two pieces up as straight as possible so they run perfectly through the VCR. (There are specific tapes made for this but I’ve found that scotch tape works just as well and is more cost effective).
Reassemble the VHS and now your ready to enjoy!
Note: The standard tape speed for playback is 3.335 cm/s. In this restoration the damaged section was roughly 20cm so only about 6 seconds of the 1 hr 37 min movie were lost.
