Videotape stuck in the tape player? June 06 2015

Most of us don't use VCRs anymore, but on occasion we may find ourselves having to deal with a stubborn old VHS player or the like.

From time to time I hear about clients getting videotapes stuck in their video players.   Well, here is a quick tip to get the tape un-stuck without disassembling the player. This works in many situations.   Blow on it.  That's right!  Usually the tape is simply caught on one of the tape guides.  You can use a can of compressed air or simply blow in to the tape player.   The tape is so light that a few buffs of air will cause the tape to rise up over the guides freeing it from the tangle, and allow you to gently pull the tape out of the player.