How to lubricate your stuck/squeaky cassette tapes, safely.

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  • Опубликовано: 27 янв 2025

Комментарии • 83

  • @jamesleopard8518
    @jamesleopard8518 19 дней назад +1

    5:56 This sounds like the white screen and tone on the vhs screen ending whenever the tv show or movie is over after the end credits

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  19 дней назад

      Yes you are correct. It could sound like that. But, the test tones are for a real reason. (As they were on TV and VHS tapes) just different reasons. lol

  • @albertocabezas282
    @albertocabezas282 10 месяцев назад +4

    That's tapes are wonderful!

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  10 месяцев назад +1

      So I hear and the results on this were good for a type 2. Pity it had dried up. It was New Old Stock.

  • @monke7177
    @monke7177 9 месяцев назад +5

    I've got lots of old XDR Tapes that have dried up from not being played for decades. Would this work in restoring them to being playable as well? They forwardwind and rewind freely, but just won't play at all. Thanks for the video.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  9 месяцев назад +3

      It's worth giving it a try to see if you can revive ONE of those old XDR Tapes! It will not do any harm. Try one. If the content is valuable to you, it should allow you to play the tape a couple of times to copy it ( I would do a digital copy) and give yourself a backup in case the tapes go stiff again.

  • @SandySez
    @SandySez 3 месяца назад +1

    You have a great ASMR voice! I got interested in restoring tapes out of necessity. Last week I made a digital copy of a very sentimental 40 year old cassette for my son's birthday. I played it through on both sides to make timestamp notes. When I played it again to make the recording, the lead broke at the end of Side A! Out of panic and desperation, I had to find some tutorials on YT. I got it spliced and finished the recording! But I want to improve the quality and there are 2 more old cassettes, I now know I'd like to lubricate all 3 and get my digital copies made and do it sooner rather than later!
    I've never opened a cassette tape in my life until this emergency repair (or even played one for 40 years), but this project got me interested in learning more about them as well as care, restoration and transferring.
    Oh, and 1 of the tutorials I watched last week, he used a Q-Tip, sprayed with Silicone, then shoved it into one of the small holes (not the hub holes) on the edge near the exposed tape and held it against the tape as he ran it through a modified, cheap old tape player or it might have been a old tape rewinder machine, I forgot which. Glad I found your channel, I watched a few other videos before I came back here to leave a comment.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад +1

      Hi, Thankyou . I originally tried the qtip and winder trick but it was a lot of time, very risky for the tape and when you think about it it makes no sense. Either lube or do not lube. The conversation (professional) people soak the tapes in an oily oil. I think my version is the safest way to get results. Without all the risks. I am glad you found it helpful. ( spread the word) cheers

    • @SandySez
      @SandySez 3 месяца назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple Thank you for the feedback and opinion about the Qtip method! Especially since the tapes I need to work on are so sentimental.

  • @timklein3962
    @timklein3962 Месяц назад +1

    Great video; this solution was easy and it works !! Thanks !!

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Месяц назад +1

      I am glad it worked for you. Thanks for the feedback. Please pass the word about the video to your friends. 👍

  • @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777
    @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Год назад +4

    I want some of that spray silicone to keep some tiny plastic gears protected in my portable tape players - one brand has a tendency to have main drive cogs that crack - that can says it protects against cracking. !! makes sense as it probably jam cracks these cogs. I also want to try it with the tapes as well I'm glad it worked out for you thanks for sharing your results as this could potentially eliminate so many issues that are compounded and hidden by lack of lubrication .

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад

      It works well on wind-up mains extension leads as well but you have to lube the wire not just the reels. (It is the same problem as the tapes, just a lot larger components LOL)

  • @EnygmaRecords
    @EnygmaRecords Год назад +2

    I’ve been using some Last tape preservative in this capacity but I think I’ll give this stuff a try - thanks for the video!

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад

      I'm glad you found the video helpful! Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you.

  • @davidvarley2243
    @davidvarley2243 Год назад +2

    Can it help with vhs tapes that stick?

    • @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777
      @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Год назад +1

      it appears it may - I wonder what ratio it takes before it starts to build up ect on components heads ect

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад +1

      I would guess it would be OK . It should just work and as there is no residue it should be just fine. BUT I have not tried it. If your tape is useless then it is a good way to try and get it to work. There should not be any problems for the VCR that a head clean will not cure. in fact, the performance may well be improved all around. I would however make sure the tape has been left to dry for a couple of days before you try to use it AND Fast Forward and REWIND it before you play it.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад

      @@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 remember it is slippery and should /will reduce the Oxide from sticking to the head. ( Un lubed oxide is quite abrasive and happy to transfer) also remember the tape had lube in it from new. It has just dried up.

    • @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777
      @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Год назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple thanks Gary - I'll just have to experiment ! Maybe a video will result. :) I have a few donor decks around here that I can gum up if I need to haha

  • @angienewsom9872
    @angienewsom9872 Год назад +2

    I have a Samsung DV video recorder and my tape won't turn like its stuck inside somewhere. How or where could I have the sentimental tape restored with out damaging it?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад +1

      I would suggest you try contacting www.video99.co.uk/ They may be able to help.

  • @reyaadmohamed5375
    @reyaadmohamed5375 6 месяцев назад +2

    Will this help take out static background noises from cassettes?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  6 месяцев назад

      Cassettes will run smoothly so a much better sound will be produced.

  • @jmill3147
    @jmill3147 2 месяца назад +1

    I have a cassette I want to try this with but have a question. At the 2:08 mark, are you spraying directly onto the exposed tape there? Or are you just allowing what you spread on the cogs to drip down inside the cassette?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  2 месяца назад

      The problem with the tapes is that they are old and the lube used at manufacture has dried up. We need to get the lube to the tape "pancake" and for it to penetrate the layers of tape. The lube is safe but you need enough to do the job. I have seen other videos of people gingerly dabbing lube onto the tape. It seems to me, that this is a last resort "Fix" so it should be done with confidence. It is like knocking on someone's door very quietly to see if they are in. If you do not knock loud enough to be heard WHY BOTHER?. I am spraying into the cassette gap to reach the spooled tape. I hope that helps.

  • @MusicBoxVinyl
    @MusicBoxVinyl 7 месяцев назад +2

    What if the tape just sounds scratchy?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  7 месяцев назад +2

      If you mean the cassette spools sound noisy, or it squeaks a bit or chatters. They are all signs that the lube is drying out. It may well play OK but that sort of thing is the first signs of trouble. If you mean the playback sounds scratchy and not "Smooth" that is a classic sign of the tape dragging across the head and slightly sticking. (Like rubbing the rim of a glass to make it sing) that means the surface of the tape is lacking lube. Any problems of that sort will be improved by lubricating the cassette.

    • @MusicBoxVinyl
      @MusicBoxVinyl 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple I’m talking about the audio

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  7 месяцев назад +2

      If it is a no-name brand, that is the problem if it is a TDK MAXELL etc then maybe it has aged badly. Tapes exposed to heat can curl which will make playback scratchy. For any old tape it is worth Rew & FF a couple of times. Then check the felt pad is OK and then, just play it in both directions a couple of times to allow the tape to "relax". If it still sounds bad and it is definitely the tape and not the Deck. I would as a last resort Lube it, and if no improvement call it a DAY , you cannot win them all. (If it has something special on it Audacity is useful to improve the sound if you digitalise it). Good luck, Let me know how you get on.

  • @ConstantineCaviris
    @ConstantineCaviris Месяц назад +1

    Thank you for posting this! I live in the United States and the lubricant that you linked to is not available for sale in the United States. Do you have any other brands that you recommend? Is there anything in particular to look for or is any dry silicone lubricant spray going to be good?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Месяц назад

      Any non greasy dry silicon would work. I have used several different ones. If the tape you want to rescue is "special" try it on a run of the mill tape first.

    • @ConstantineCaviris
      @ConstantineCaviris Месяц назад

      @@GaryKeepItSimple Thank you for the reply! Be well.

  • @kelpkelp5252
    @kelpkelp5252 7 месяцев назад +2

    Hi, sorry to ask but I wasn't completely clear where you sprayed the lubricant. I saw you spray the spools but you also mentioned spraying somewhere else, was it the tape itself? Or should you pull the tape out a bit to give some slack and then just spray the inside of the cassette (underneath the tape) ?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  7 месяцев назад +2

      I sprayed both the spools and the tape "pancake" to allow the lube to get in the layers of tape. The important thing is to allow the tape time to dry the propellent before you use it. Give it a couple of rw ff before you test it. Good luck.let me know how you get on.

    • @kelpkelp5252
      @kelpkelp5252 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple Thanks! When you say the tape 'pancake', are you referring to the whole reel of wound tape?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  7 месяцев назад +1

      yes, just spray it in like you would a rusty padlock. Assuming you are using "DRY LUBE" there should be no problem. (But do not go silly with it obviously)

    • @kelpkelp5252
      @kelpkelp5252 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple Thanks. I will certainly let you know how I get on.

    • @kelpkelp5252
      @kelpkelp5252 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple OK. All I had available to me was some 3M Silicone Lubricant (1609) so I've literally just now sprayed onto the spools. I'll leave it 24 hours at least before I spray the tape itself. Luckily I have a screwed shell so will unscrew and spray a small amount on the tape reel itself and leave it a long time.

  • @stefos6431
    @stefos6431 3 месяца назад +1

    Hi Gary, Can I use Silicone Lubricant on Non-XDR tapes also? Thank you

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад +1

      You can use silicon dry lube on any cassette tape. Always do a test first if you are using a different make of lube.

    • @stefos6431
      @stefos6431 3 месяца назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple Thank you

  • @stefos6431
    @stefos6431 3 месяца назад +1

    Hi Gary, how did you get the silicone to get into each reel inside the tape?
    I have a can and thin spray nozzle. Thank you again. 😊

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад

      Spray the lube in to the cassette at the hubs and also at the ends where the the tape Comes off the spool. You just need to get it on the tape roll. It will penetrate naturally. But do give it time to dry before you run it in a tape deck. The propellent is needed to dry.

    • @stefos6431
      @stefos6431 3 месяца назад

      @@GaryKeepItSimple I have sprayed both hubs on both sides sir..Are you also saying to spray the tape where it exits/enters to make a reel/spool?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад

      @@stefos6431 yes. you are trying to get a small flood to ensure it can get into the tape pancake. Be sensible but with care you should be able to get it in. Remember if it needs it, you can always spray some more in later.

  • @arcanehierophant4606
    @arcanehierophant4606 5 месяцев назад +1

    I have two brand new cassettes that squeak and I know it’s not my player. I have tried the “tapping method” like one is packing cigarettes, and also fast forwarding and rewinding a bunch to loosen reels. No luck. Would this help with that, or any other advice? Thank you

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  5 месяцев назад

      What you describe is exactly what the tape in the video was doing. so YES it is posibly the cure you seek. It is worth a go as there is no other real option.

  • @TheGentleCreepers
    @TheGentleCreepers 3 месяца назад +1

    Sometimes youtube recommendations are scary. 👀
    I just got two Queen cassettes and they just stop spinning or get caught for a split second before spinning back again. I was thinking of typing in the search box 'How to fix an old cassette tape' but soon as I scrolled down, your video showed up.
    Now I'm thinking of opening the cassette itself and spray the silicone spray directly at it. Do you think it is a good idea?
    Then again thank you for the tutorial!

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад

      There is no need to open the cassette. You can get the lube in through the gaps. Taking a music cassette apart is not easy because they are normally sonic welded or glued. The shell is never the same again if it survives. Re-gluing is a tricky job.(Been there done that). Remember you are trying to rescue a tape that will not play and is only good for the trash. It is worthwhile trying the lube but do not add to your problems. Unless it fails to work.

  • @xvdifug
    @xvdifug 4 месяца назад +1

    Drum Roll ....AWESOME!!!!

  • @4130aykut
    @4130aykut 3 месяца назад

    Any lubrication to suggest?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад

      There is a link in the description. However any DRY silicon lube should do. It depends on what country you are in . It must be dry lube not oil based.

  • @Defensive_Wounds
    @Defensive_Wounds Год назад +2

    Would lithium grease in a spray form be better than silicone spray or worse? It is white but at least it lasts a lot longer...especially for the rails inside VHS and cassette mechanisms. But for this purpose silicone spray is better?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад

      In my opinion for the purposes of tape lubrication, The main point is it is a dry lube. It sticks to the surfaces it is applied to and stays there. I agree Lithium grease is better for long-term lube as you suggest on sliders and rails etc. but where contamination and transfer are possible I would always go "DRY LUBE". There used to be PTFE dry lube but that is not so easy to find, and is very expensive. This Silicon type is quick, easy, not too expensive, works and gets a tape playable that otherwise you would have to bin. It allowed me to test the Metal tape with respectable results. I would use it to play a stuck tape that was important to me BUT the first thing I would do is digitalise the content because we do not know how long it will last. As a bonus it will not harm the playback deck and any transfer to guides, heads etc will be small but beneficial.

  • @BigKelvPark
    @BigKelvPark Год назад +2

    That 1987ish would be the 1990-1992 range ;)

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад +1

      I did a quick Google Search and there was a listing as 1987 for a mh cd. But it looked older than the one I had. So that's why the ish. However this is the first tape I have had since I started the channel with the problem.

  • @taineasy
    @taineasy 3 месяца назад +1

    Simply use Permatex extra fine graphite lube on the felt pad and run fast forward and reverse. Problem solved.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад

      I tried the method with the qtips and lube but on a really bad tape no good. The graphite is not a good idea to my mind. Contamination is messy and preparation is poor. But if it works for you. This works on all tapes .

  • @davidsmith600
    @davidsmith600 3 месяца назад +3

    Hi before you go to the problem of lubricating the tapes...I have learned that simply fast forwarding and rewinding the tapes several times eliminates the "squeakiness" that the tapes have...God Bless you and hope that helps somebody!

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад +2

      I have always said that also. Some tapes it just will not be enough. That's when this is needed.

    • @davidsmith600
      @davidsmith600 3 месяца назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple thanks for your video

    • @sassymonkey
      @sassymonkey 3 месяца назад +1

      Yes, this squeaking and rubbing against the housing is from starting / stopping playback and generally knocking the tape about over time. You can see the issue on the tape itself where it looks rough and like steps of various layers. Forward and rewinding the tape once or twice realigns the entire reel of tape and it ceases to rub against the housing.
      However, tapes ship with lubricant which can breakdown and dry out over time, especially old tapes and those stored in hot cars. Then a light silicone lubrication procedure is needed.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  3 месяца назад

      @@sassymonkey quite right.

    • @davidsmith600
      @davidsmith600 3 месяца назад +1

      @@GaryKeepItSimple I have maybe 40-50 that need your treatment so I have the silicone spray, q-tips! and have removed the cover on a tape deck so I lube while the tapes spin...thanks for your video

  • @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777
    @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Год назад +2

    are you not confident to take the shell apart?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад +1

      No point all that does is allow you to see inside. ( Been there before, No actual help)

    • @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777
      @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Год назад +2

      @@GaryKeepItSimple so it migrates willingly to all surfaces?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад +1

      @@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 I sprayed it to flood it. it is happy to flow into the tape pack. Plenty of capillary action and the spray is intended to be "penetrating". The archive people use liquid oil on the cassettes. They have no problems worth worrying about. I think it says they use Nakamichi Dragons.

    • @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777
      @SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Год назад +2

      @@GaryKeepItSimple thanks Gary

  • @nritti_
    @nritti_ 5 месяцев назад +1

    The lubricant you recommend isn't available in united states. And all the other recommended lubricant isn't sold anymore. Can you recommend a lubricant that is available in 2024 in the United States?

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  5 месяцев назад

      This is available from Amazon.com and should do the trick.WD40 Silicon lube. amzn.to/3X2qrYk

  • @GTI1dasOriginal
    @GTI1dasOriginal Год назад +2

    🤦‍♂️

    • @GTI1dasOriginal
      @GTI1dasOriginal Год назад

      Ok... No idea why I deserved a "heart" response, because my comment was meant being "this is not a solution.. 🤦‍♂️" ok.. since you obviously didn't get it, allow me be to be way clearer then.. What you did here is beyond stupid and should never be replicated. 1 word: hopeless. Do whatever you want with your own tapes but dont advocate your "method" being any kind of solution.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад +1

      Did you not see the video by Anadialog a couple of years ago.. And did you bother reading the information from the institute? That is a pity because they all validate the lubrication of tapes. There is also a long thread on tape heads. The thing is, I cannot make you do anything, but knowledge is power and you have the right to have the knowledge. You do not have to action it. You have free will. ( PS I show what I do and the results. It is real.)

    • @GTI1dasOriginal
      @GTI1dasOriginal Год назад +1

      ​@@GaryKeepItSimpleI've been into tape since 1973. I've been into vintage hifi restoration since 1995. Those I do restorations for are blown away by the results. Many times I manage to outspec the original factoryspecifications by miles.
      Ever seen a cassettedeck being able to achieve a frequencyresponse of 10 Hz - 30 kHz? Having negligable wow and flutter? No? Give me a screwdriver, machineoil and grease, allow me to tear it apart till the last screw nut and bolt and I'll get it there for you.
      So all in all: I "think" I know a thing or two about the matter myself. Thanks for the offer.

    • @GaryKeepItSimple
      @GaryKeepItSimple  Год назад +2

      @@GTI1dasOriginal No problem.

    • @kelpkelp5252
      @kelpkelp5252 7 месяцев назад +3

      @@GTI1dasOriginal Great, so what is your method for getting a tape which is stuck and won't play to start moving again in the player?