Found a box of old VHS tapes in my uncle's attic in Toledo

I pulled out his old VCR to see if any home movies were salvageable, but it just made a loud grinding noise and ate a tape. After taking it apart, I saw the rubber drive belt had turned into a sticky black goop. I cleaned the old belt residue off with some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab, then ordered a new belt kit online for about eight bucks. Got it running again in an afternoon. Anyone know a good way to clean the tape heads without a special kit?

2 comments

2 Comments

kelly33818d ago

Seriously doubt that q-tip method is safe long term. Those cotton fibers can shred off and get stuck in the tape heads, making things worse. You really need the proper cleaning kit with the right fabric to avoid leaving residue behind. Trying to save a few bucks might just ruin your whole VCR.

wren_jackson18d ago

Wow, I always thought you needed the kit but a q-tip with rubbing alcohol works fine.