Believe it or not, you can successfully repair tapes with clear adhesive tape.
It requires a steady hand, and a SHARP craft knife.
1) Extract the damaged portion of tape from the casing and cut it out.
2) Take the 2 severed ends of tape and lay them one over the other. Ensure that the recording surface is uppermost for both ends.
3) Cut through both layers at a 45 degree angle.
4) Take a small piece of clear tape about 1" long, and lay it adhesive side up on the cutting board.
5) Place 1 cut tape end onto the adhesive. Now CAREFULLY place the other cut tape end onto the adhesive, matching up the angles. The joined tape should be perfectly straight, and the join should be all but invisible. Take care NOT to create an overlap.
6) Cut off excess clear tape around the side of the video tape. Press down on the join with a piece of clean paper to ensure a good bond.
7) Wind the tape back into the casing and copy the tape. DISCARD the tape - don't be tempted to use it as it is, the join WILL degrade in about 12 months.
phil_saunders@bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders
June 2008
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