Connecticut State Library with state seal

Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

CASSETTE BOOK INSPECTION/REPAIR

Diagram of cassette parts

· Rewinding: Check each cassette to make sure it is rewound. Hold the cassette with the label facing you. All of the tape should be wound to the left side of the cassette. The open edge of the cassette tape will usually contain clear or colored leader tape when the cassette is completely rewound. If brown tape is visible, rewind cassette.

· Broken Tape: If tape or leader is broken, splicing is required.

· Twisted Tape: Monitor the sound while rewinding or fast forwarding. If the sound drops off, the cassette tape is twisted.

· Pressure Pad: If the pressure pad is worn or missing it must be replaced.

· Casing/Shell: If there is any damage to the casing/shell, including the plastic window, tape will need to be transferred to another casing/shell.

· Tape Alignment: View the tape through the plastic window to see if it is smoothly wound. If it is not smooth, then hold the cassette flat in the palm of your hand and rap on a flat surface several times. If this does not work then fast forward and rewind tape.

· Garbled Tape: This usually indicates the tape is misaligned or twisted.

· Damaged Tape: If the tape appears to be wrinkled, run it between your fingers gently to smooth it out. The warmth of your fingers will act as an "iron". Do not pull or stretch the tape.

· Loose Tape: If the tape is loose inside the casing, inserting a ridged pencil or pen into the spokes and turning may tighten it. If the tape is outside of the guides or hubs/spoked-wheels, you will need to open the casing/shell to fix.

See Tips on Tape Inspections for additional information.