People nowadays tend to hold on to their old VHS tapes due to the nostalgia factor. There’s something about putting a tape into a VHS player and watching the shabby print come to life on your TV screen that takes us back to our younger, carefree days. The fact that VHS tapes can still play remarkably well further encourages people to keep their timeless VHS tapes around instead of replacing them with DVDs or even discarding them.

Unfortunately, VHS tapes degrade over time, and there are chances that some of the tapes in your collection are already damaged. When you put them up to play, you’ll realize the true extent of the damage. Some could be beyond repair, but you just might be able to save the others through the steps mentioned below.

We have summarized the right steps you should take based on the kind of damage on your VHS tapes. Have a look, and good luck as you restore the videotape!

P.S. We always recommend our readers to get their VHS tapes transfer through a VHS to DVD service. These services offer you a way of safekeeping the contents of your VHS tapes in case they get damaged beyond repair.

Fixing Common Damages to VHS Tapes

For Lines on the Screen

If you have noticed lines or other disturbances appearing on the screen when you try to play your VHS tapes, it means that the tape is damaged. Here are some steps you can follow to undo this damage and ensure that you get clear, interruption-free images on your screen.

Step 1: Look for the tacking button or the wheel on the front of your VHS recorder.

Step 2: Insert the tape into the VCR and push the play button on the front of the machine. You can also play the tape by pressing the play button on the VCR remote controller.

Step 3: Push down the tracking button and adjust the tracking wheel while the tape is playing. Keep making adjustments until you notice the lines on the screen disappear. You should also make sure that the sound is clear and acceptable.

Step 4: Consider purchasing a head cleaner for your VHS player. When inserted, it helps the lines on the screen disappear and gives you smooth audio.

For Problems in Recording

If your tape isn’t recording, here are the steps you should follow for VHS tape repair.

Step 1: Find the break-out tab located on the edge of your VHS tape. This will be on the opposite edge of where you insert the tape into the VHS recorder.

Step 2: Cover the break-out tab with a piece of masking tape. You can also use electrical tape to do this.

Step 3: Insert your VHS tape into the VCR player and hit record. Your tape should work perfectly fine now.

For a Loose Tape

If you have loose VHS tape on your hands, don’t worry! Not all is lost, and there is still a chance that you might end up saving your precious memories on the tape. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Turn the VHS tape over and look for the screws on the back.

Step 2: Unscrew the five screws on the back of the VHS tape that is holding it together.

Step 3: Turn it back around and push down the small tap on the left of the tape.

Step 4: Hold the tape’s front open and gently lift the top off. Be careful not to mess up any of the other components of the tape.

Step 5: Turn one of the reels slowly until all of the loose tapes are back in their place. Take your time with this, so there is no overall on the tapes.

Step 6: Put the tape’s cover back on and turn it over. Put the screws back in position and screw them up tightly.

That’s it, you know, know of all the ways you can do VHS tape restoration at home!

Eliminate Repairs for VHS Tapes Through Video Transfer Services

The best way to ensure you never need a VHS tape repair again is by digitizing your tapes online.

VHS to DVD services offers you the perfect way to preserve your memories, your favorite movies, and any other content you may have recorded on your tapes. It allows you to keep the tapes as memorabilia while also eliminating the worry of losing your precious content in case the VHS tapes get damaged.

These VHS to DVD services convert your priceless memories into a digital format that you can save on your computer, hard disk, or even on cloud storage. The best part is that our expert photo scanners improve the quality of your videos and pictures to be enjoyed forever.