How to Repair a VHS Tape - Video Tape Repair

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  • čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
  • How to repair a VHS video tape. For step by step instructions with photos, check out our blog post at: www.dvdyourmemo...

Komentáře • 316

  • @DrizzlingDrizzlers
    @DrizzlingDrizzlers Před 10 lety +157

    Sir, you're a life saver. I'm 27 years old and had footage of me when I was 3 months old. I was rewinding the tape so that I could digitalize it into my computer, when the film inside the VHS then broke. I followed your video and was able to fix the tape, and successfully copied the footage off of the aging VHS. Thank you!

    • @SnazzyZubloids
      @SnazzyZubloids Před 9 lety +4

      Same exact thing just happened to me. My dad wants all the old home movies on DVD and he's paying me to convert them. Just nearly lost some 33 year old footage due to the clear rewinding strap breaking. Got about 90% finished with the repair, but reassembly was daunting, this video worked perfectly.

    • @colinmulder6806
      @colinmulder6806 Před 7 lety

      Do you know how to FIX a VHS Tape that has the white part of it's beginning not connected to the black film?

    • @SnazzyZubloids
      @SnazzyZubloids Před 7 lety +1

      Just use some tape.

    • @DrizzlingDrizzlers
      @DrizzlingDrizzlers Před 7 lety +2

      Colin Mulder - Use some scotch tape, but be careful when rewinding with your VCR. If you rewind too far, the scotch tape might come loose and ruin the rest of your tape. After you've scotch taped it back in place, manually rewind the tape with your hand, not your VCR, using the method that the video shows at 7:26. Put the cassette back together and stick it in your player. Be sure to push "Record" on whatever device your copying it to (PC, DVR, DVD) and then hit play on the VCR, because you're not going to want to have to rewind the VHS tape again.
      That's actually where my tape broke. Not in the middle, but at the very end, but I was able to fix it and copy it off.

    • @colinmulder6806
      @colinmulder6806 Před 7 lety

      +DrizzlingDrizzlers Thanks a bunch good sir.

  • @Rockysjourney11
    @Rockysjourney11 Před měsícem +2

    Steve, you posted this eleven years ago!!! And here I am 2024 repairing a vhs because it hold some of life’s most precious memories!!! I was told this was not possible- and that left me crying and feeling pitiful!! I’m so glad I decided to check online- because your tutorial was so easy and detailed that I was able to fix the tape and save by copying!!!! My heart, and the hearts of my family for generations to come thank you good sir. GOD BLESS YOU!

  • @kat-den
    @kat-den Před 3 lety +9

    I sure appreciate your help Sir! I'm a 72 yr old woman and I could fix these years ago, but I forgot a couple of steps. Thank you very much for putting this on here. Had to finish watching one of my movies!🤗👍

  • @REDCAP32X
    @REDCAP32X Před 4 lety +18

    Exactly what I like in a video, to the point and crystal clear instructions. Big thank you

  • @rogerhyatt9712
    @rogerhyatt9712 Před 2 lety +6

    Thank you SO MUCH! Very clear instructions and I rescued a VHS with such precious memories on it that I thought were lost forever. I'm very grateful that you posted this

  • @PrometheousSG1
    @PrometheousSG1 Před 8 lety +41

    Thanks Kevin Spacey! My Star Wars original trilogy marathon can now continue

    • @jtrev492
      @jtrev492 Před 8 lety +2

      +Elliot Troutner my Star Wars New Hope VHS tape is messed up and turns off my VCR at the end on the trench run when Han shoots the tie fighters next to darth vader

    • @choppywordsinasloppyflow5319
      @choppywordsinasloppyflow5319 Před 8 lety +1

      +jtrev492 that sucks

    • @jtrev492
      @jtrev492 Před 8 lety

      yup

    • @codaassasin
      @codaassasin Před 8 lety

      Eww get the bluray version and rip it. way better quality

    • @williamhoare6357
      @williamhoare6357 Před 7 lety +2

      eewww blu ray shows off the matte lines and distract me from a good movie that was never meant to be seem so clear. Sorry i guess im just a sucker for actually enjoying a movie

  • @fenrislegacy
    @fenrislegacy Před 8 měsíci +4

    It's 2023 and I'm here repairing a VHS tape hahah Thanks for the tutorial.

  • @kenastroswazzuro848
    @kenastroswazzuro848 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Brilliant!👍😃 You're a star!🌟🌟⭐ Fixed a broken 42 year old video tape that snapped as I digitised it!

  • @jaynenorth
    @jaynenorth Před 2 měsíci

    Thank you! I had an old VHS that kept stopping after a few seconds. Turns out there was a huge broken piece of plastic caught in the tape. I got it removed and am not digitising old home movies. Great, easy to follow video!

  • @patrickp6679
    @patrickp6679 Před 3 lety +2

    Thanks! I was able to save my brother's wedding from 20 years ago. You explained everything so well, it made it easy.

  • @moksiegel
    @moksiegel Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you for this! It saved me. However, I goofed and opened it wrong. If anyone else does the same thing, the trick is to simply get out another VHS tape, and open that one the RIGHT way, then simply replace the entire tape spools. Worked! Thanks for your help.

  • @ScuttleProductions
    @ScuttleProductions Před 3 lety +11

    Thanks to you, the only surviving copy of a late mother's dance performance is digitized and can be saved forever.

  • @jo5epii244
    @jo5epii244 Před 9 lety +4

    Excellent tutorial. I just repaired a Vhs of my First Communion and a VhsC of my Dad who passed away a few years ago! I am having all my old family tapes transferred to Digital today so this repair has helped me a lot! I got both repaired within 10 mins each and excellent result! 🍀🍀🍀

  • @BamaDan197319
    @BamaDan197319 Před 7 lety +9

    Thanks for the video. I had to do this a couple of years ago. I was transferring a friend of mine's family videos on VHS to DVD. One of the VHS tapes broke. I took it apart without watching any CZcams videos or instructions on Google. I opened the tape up the wrong way and stuff fell out that I never could get back in. I got worried until I thought of a way to fix the problem. First I watched videos and Googled how to do it. Then I got an old VCR tape of mine and took the old tape out of it and put the family video in that case. Spliced it together and it worked great. Transferred it to DVD and advised my friend to throw that old VCR tape in the garbage. Just the other day I was about to do the same thing for another friend. Put the tape in the VCR and it immediately ate it. I had to cut it out of the VCR. Splicing them together will screw up a section of no more than 10 seconds of the original video, maybe even less than that.

  • @jeffstrecker1471
    @jeffstrecker1471 Před 8 měsíci

    Just followed this video and repaired my tape. Irreplaceable memories from 30 years ago saved. It will be a merry Christmas when my adult kids see this. .

  • @Nova7o9
    @Nova7o9 Před 4 lety +4

    Thank you! Not only was I able to fix my old family tape but thanks to your demeanor I was totally calm through the whole process. 😄 I really appreciate you!!
    Edit: PS I immediately completed the digital backup as per your instructions and the tape worked beautifully. 😁

  • @drjohnhong
    @drjohnhong Před 3 lety

    You saved my life! I was recording my mother's 60th birthday party (she is 87 now) that we just found. The tape snapped! But I followed your instructions and was able to transfer it into digital format. I was sweating bullets until I saw your great video. You are the best!

  • @johndirtj316
    @johndirtj316 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for posting the video. We are trying to salvage some of my wife's family videos that was cut

  • @DKW3735
    @DKW3735 Před 7 lety +1

    Thank you so much! I'm copying old VHS family movies to DVD. Most of these are over 25 years old and have been in storage. The tape broke on one while rewinding and I was so sad! But with your video I was able to successfully repair it! Whew! Thanks again for a great video!

  • @retrogamedoctor
    @retrogamedoctor Před 5 lety

    Here in 2019, you’re still a lifesaver! This video explains perfectly how to recover damaged vhs tapes and precious footage to keep them going in the digital era. Thank you sir!

    • @retrogamedoctor
      @retrogamedoctor Před 5 lety

      PeterTran it may, yes. Depends on how much you cut. Sometime it’s too subtle to notice.

  • @iyaramonk
    @iyaramonk Před 8 lety +56

    I love old technology. All you need is scotch tape and scissors lol

  • @turntablethomas2584
    @turntablethomas2584 Před 3 lety +1

    Bought a thrift shop copy of “Mask” starring Cher. The beginning tape wasn’t attached at first but thanks to you the movie is now watchable. 👍

  • @Tellico
    @Tellico Před 6 měsíci

    Saved my daughter's first piano lesson tape!! Thanks!!

  • @mariewhite7259
    @mariewhite7259 Před 7 lety +2

    A fantastically clear tutorial. I can now play my 1995 tape of memories and convert it onto DVD. Thank you.

  • @tuttiatavalo
    @tuttiatavalo Před 9 lety +4

    This is a great tutorial! Attention to detail is so important - thank you for taking us step by step through the process. I feel comfortable enough to try this on my own now!

  • @katmiriel
    @katmiriel Před 8 lety

    THANK YOU ! I have been transferring old family home movies and one of the best tapes broke ( at the beginning thank god) It was of a Great Grandma in the family who has been gone a long time and I was heart sick. When I found your video I had nothing to lose so I tried it and I want to tell you that it worked perfectly and Family who will cherish everything she had to say. THANK YOU SO MUCH !

  • @wandrilla
    @wandrilla Před rokem

    Hello Sir ! I'm french and I managed to repair my VHS tape. Thank you very much !

  • @longlovesretro
    @longlovesretro Před rokem

    thank you so much, was ripping old shows from the 90s and the tape was broken, you just saved my project :)

  • @kendallandbethchristensen6096

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!! My 2nd birthday is now able to be converted to digital! I rewound it and it broke :( Memories from 34 years ago are saved!

  • @marksegal9079
    @marksegal9079 Před 4 lety

    Thank you! My son with Down syndrome broke his favorite tape and with your video,I managed to salvage it!

  • @seanhammond4034
    @seanhammond4034 Před rokem

    I used to repair them all the time in the 80’s, this a great refresher, thanks

  • @polpot9795
    @polpot9795 Před rokem

    Thank you so much,you saved the only tape with my grandparents I have!

  • @JohnKyleMusic
    @JohnKyleMusic Před 6 měsíci

    Thank you for this perfect guide. I have a video transfer side-hustle and get the occasional broken tape. I took a cassette apart and everything fell out, found your video and was able to put it humpty dumpty back together, with a neat splice per your instructions. Great job!

  • @TheChadinKorea
    @TheChadinKorea Před 9 měsíci

    A video 11 years old just helped me save some really cool memories. Thank you for the help.

  • @groovtam
    @groovtam Před 9 měsíci

    THANK YOU!! You just saved my beloved duran duran tape 🧡

  • @eric_in_florida
    @eric_in_florida Před 10 měsíci +1

    Very helpful, thank you! Just fixed a Disney World tape from 1994.

  • @fortztherapper6767
    @fortztherapper6767 Před 5 lety

    I never thought fixing a tape was possible until this video. I always knew that a damaged tape couldn't be fixed due to how old the technology is. But if I ever feel like I don't won't to go on ebay for another copy of the lion king, I would go back to this video for help. Thank You!

  • @seanthebox
    @seanthebox Před 10 lety +7

    I like this. Very clearly done is easy steps and all major points covered. Nice job !

  • @pianopappy
    @pianopappy Před 4 lety

    I wish I had watched your presentation before I watched someone else's. Unlike your's, it omitted a warning to avoid "springing" the spring. Yes, mine popped out. But, after studying a freeze frame in your presentation, so I could see where the spring had to be re-installed, I was able to get it back where it belonged (eventually). Your instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I've spliced a lot of audio tape back in "my day"; but, I needed your help with VHS. Thanks.

  • @doyleaudio
    @doyleaudio Před 8 lety

    I have one of the rarest interviews on VHS of one of the Greatest Iconic men of the music equipment industry. The late Jim Marshall of Marshall amplifiers. The tape broke and I almost popped a baby. Thanks for teaching me to breath in and breath out lol. Great job. Something I think you could add that would be helpful is how to put in the lead to the reel. It breaks there frequently. Much respect.

  • @sunniehalstead6013
    @sunniehalstead6013 Před 10 lety +2

    Thank You!
    You Helped me repair one of my Beloved childhood montage of cartoons VHS tapes.

  • @b2generator
    @b2generator Před 7 měsíci

    Thank you for making this easy to follow tutorial! Just rescued a VHS for a friend. Much appreciated!

  • @user-ow6tm3gf5n
    @user-ow6tm3gf5n Před 8 měsíci

    Thanks so much too for showing a close-up of that cassette-door spring! Seeing its proper orientation solved the Rubik's Cube puzzle that I was trying to figure out! You've earned your pay for the year! Thanks again!

  • @suyinrecords5753
    @suyinrecords5753 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you for this, just saved the only video footage of a band I had from 31 years ago, transferred it to the computer now!

  • @tomaswolsink7620
    @tomaswolsink7620 Před 5 lety +1

    Just saved a old family video thank you so much :)

  • @MisterAlexEsquire
    @MisterAlexEsquire Před 9 měsíci

    Nicely done. Thank you for the helpful step-by-step guide-as well as the important reminder that we're only fixing it so it can then be copied.

  • @tonydibona3634
    @tonydibona3634 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for a very well described procedure to restore the VHS cassette. We are currently transferring our precious VHS videos to digital and had to repair a couple of cassettes where the tape came off of the reel. Your instructions guided me to a flawless conclusion.

  • @leelarsonmusic5377
    @leelarsonmusic5377 Před rokem

    Thank you dear Sir! The key part about that spring was crucial.. it went flying, so I took one from another blank tape, worked great. Now I can watch my Dad and I play in his band from 1993!

  • @wilshelton5596
    @wilshelton5596 Před 2 lety

    You were 100 percent correct! Tonight I fixed a VHS tape that got tore up in a VCR I no longer use that was in 2014 here in February 2,2022 I was able to fix a movie I love and watched twice in a row tonight. Thank you brother for your help

  • @scottjanssen65
    @scottjanssen65 Před 7 lety

    Thanks for posting this. Was repairing a VHS tape and the rollers fell out and I was able to use your video to see where they were supposed to go. Repair successful! Thanks!

  • @mawilson2952
    @mawilson2952 Před 3 lety

    You are a terrific instructor! Thanks for the inspiration to repair two damaged tapes.

  • @MikeV607
    @MikeV607 Před 5 lety

    THANK-YOU very much! I had a stack of old VHS tapes from when our daughter was a baby/youngster. I was gonna convert them to DVD's as an xmas present for my wife....when our old VHS recorder did not release the tape on eject. I damaged two important birthday/xmas tapes. I found your video and was able to repair the tapes (so simple once you see it done/explained!) and with a borrowed VHS player, was able to get the job done. THANK-YOU

  • @williamhallett5657
    @williamhallett5657 Před 4 lety

    This video is fantastic! I have VHS tapes of my daughter back in the late '80s and early '90s. Two of them got eaten and the tape was mangled. With this video, I was able to snip out the mangled tape and repair it. I have a VHS/DVD recorder and I've since transferred both tapes to DVD format! I don't have to worry about the VHS any more! Thanks!

  • @jimw3842
    @jimw3842 Před 4 lety

    I know this has been up for a while, but I just used it today. Just wanted to say, "Excellent video, and thank you very much!"

  • @alexcentury2166
    @alexcentury2166 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks to your tutorial, I was able to transplant the reels from a broken VHS tape into a new tape.

  • @jdrs4214
    @jdrs4214 Před 3 lety +1

    I've seen someone on a video long ago, straighten out wrinkled VHS iron oxide tape strips by pressing them between two decent round pencils, and running them along the length of the wrinkles. The before and after shots were amazing, being played on a working TV, and VCR.

  • @jayedg9591
    @jayedg9591 Před 4 lety

    Thank you very much, excellent instruction. My VHS tape disconnected from left side, but following your instruction and playing it by ear... took the left spool off and used double face tape to reconnect. Thank you again, I didn't have to figure out what parts (rolling around the table) went where as I carefully, per instruction disassembled the tape, all parts remained in place.

  • @pirajacinto4
    @pirajacinto4 Před 4 lety +1

    I can't believe that it's the year 2020 and I STILL need to do this XD Thanks so much for the tutorial!

  • @altoid2971
    @altoid2971 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks. I fixed 4 tapes. They'll help during the lockdown. Much appreciated.

  • @muguette51
    @muguette51 Před 10 lety +5

    direct and helpful, clear instructions, Thank you so much!

  • @NighttimeJuneau
    @NighttimeJuneau Před 6 lety +2

    Much appreciated! I loved your performance in "American Beauty" and the first two seasons of "House of Cards"!

  • @dlichtenberg
    @dlichtenberg Před 2 lety

    this is excellent. I ordered a VHS movie through ebay. came with rattling capstan piece on the inside. Was able to fix it with your clear instructions!

  • @Ozmulki
    @Ozmulki Před 4 lety

    Thank you very much Steve. I have fixed many audio cassettes and 16 mm microfilm by splicing them both at home and in my former job, but I've never fixed a video tape which is so much easier with your instructions. I have now saved a tape as I was going to digitise it for a friend.

  • @bobbailey7235
    @bobbailey7235 Před 2 lety

    Because you made a lifesaving video God has reserved a special place in heaven just for you!

  • @rooseveltwaits
    @rooseveltwaits Před 4 lety

    Great video! I fixed a vhs from my childhood so my kids could watch and worked. Very helpful!

  • @mattsmith2329
    @mattsmith2329 Před 2 lety

    This video is VERY helpful and VERY well done! Thank you! I was able to repair 2 very old tapes and then digitize them. Thank you for helping me to be able to save these memories.

  • @stevefriedman868
    @stevefriedman868 Před 4 lety

    This worked great! Fixed my first videotape first time! I did not open the case, though. I had enough tape sticking out to grab hold of. And I learned elsewhere the trick of pushing in the button on the bottom of the tape to allow the spindles to move. Tape: fixed!!!

  • @calciofan828
    @calciofan828 Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much!! This is a very well made, informative video. My VHS tape snapped when I was rewinding it and your video helped me fix it perfectly. Beautiful memories are saved because of your great video! 👏👏👏👍

  • @hrtichenor
    @hrtichenor Před 10 lety

    Thank you, I followed the directions and it worked great. I did have to remove the 2 reels and put them into another opened tape house to get them to work. I was about to give up. Thank you.

  • @AvatarYoda
    @AvatarYoda Před 9 lety

    Thank you so much! My widescreen "Empire Strikes Back" tape broke a few days ago, and using your video, I was able to repair it. I have never done that before. And stupid me, I took apart the tape upside-down, so those springs fell out, so I had to fix THAT at the same time, but I got it back together and the tape seems to play again. I don't know how long the repair will hold, but your meticulous instructions helped me fix it. Great video! Now I know how to fix those 80s/90s Christmas mix tapes I have, should they ever break like this.

  • @x3Julle
    @x3Julle Před 3 lety

    Your video helped me a lot!
    The tape ripped in the clear part of the reel. Didn't know the direction of the tape through the casing and had a bit of a worry if I open the VHS that some springs will fly all over the place.
    After 5 min of work my tape was already put back together and rewinding in my machine without any issues :)

  • @kaysee7219
    @kaysee7219 Před 11 lety

    Great job. I've looked at other instructional videos that show how to repair VHS tape which left out some "critical information". You are right on point. Thanks.

  • @stevesumpter2969
    @stevesumpter2969 Před 3 lety

    Thanks from the UK! Very clear, helpful video. I've just fixed a couple of early 90's VHS tapes (stuff recorded off TV). Brilliant! Thanks again.

  • @the_angry_empath
    @the_angry_empath Před 2 lety

    As others have said, you're a life saver! Thank you! I just rescued my copy of The Blair Witch Project from a hungry VCR!

  • @johnbillman2441
    @johnbillman2441 Před 8 lety

    Thanks a million! Just fixed our tape as we are also transferring to DVD. Great tutorial as our tape also broke off at the start where the clear tape is.

  • @dave631bnetzero
    @dave631bnetzero Před 9 lety +16

    If you want this splice to last, use splicing tape, not scotch tape. Scotch tape will blead the adhesive to adjacent tape and foul you video head. This will work for a while. Splicing tape does not blead adhesive onto adjacent tape.

    • @jakeornot6306
      @jakeornot6306 Před 4 lety

      Splicing tape. That is a helpful point. At the end of the instruction video, he does say that you're only going to play this one more time, (with the scotch tape fix).

    • @luckyclowncarhobosunion9139
      @luckyclowncarhobosunion9139 Před rokem

      @@josecarlossilva6574 splicing tape is 10 bucks on ebay

  • @jumavapo
    @jumavapo Před 10 lety +4

    Thank you Kevin Spacey i love house of cards and now this helpful video.

  • @michaelmyers650
    @michaelmyers650 Před 7 lety +30

    Kevin Spacey sure knows how to fix video tapes!

    • @AnimationNation2004
      @AnimationNation2004 Před 4 lety

      Is it a coincidence that I’m coming across this video to see if I can repair my tape of American Beauty😂😂😂. Like I look up videos, come across this video and I see comments saying Kevin Spacey. It’s pretty funny that this guy looks a lot like him

  • @debsmith1476
    @debsmith1476 Před 8 lety

    Thank you so much for making repairs so simple yet detailed. It has helped me a lot.

  • @lelandup2
    @lelandup2 Před 10 lety

    Good video instruction. I fixed my own vhs tape watching this. And it plays without messing up too. Thanks.

  • @lacanuck1
    @lacanuck1 Před 3 lety

    Perfect demo - saved the tape with out a hitch. Thank you

  • @doantoni
    @doantoni Před 3 lety

    Was so happy to find this video, did everything in it, fixed my tape, put it in my vcr, the vcr destroyed it again 😓

  • @PhillipDrange
    @PhillipDrange Před 3 lety

    Thank you very much for the step by step help. I was able to get my tape put back together!!

  • @estiamaliqari5393
    @estiamaliqari5393 Před 5 lety

    Thank you sir! This really helped me fix an old tape I thought lost forever

  • @danshafer5961
    @danshafer5961 Před 3 lety

    thanks you so much ! clear and simple... i wishe that god will always send you someone that will help you if you need .

  • @sethhorst6158
    @sethhorst6158 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much for the useful video, it helped me save a Disney Robin Hood VHS tape I've owned since early in my childhood.

  • @nemowindsor8724
    @nemowindsor8724 Před 4 lety +1

    Fixed my VHS game with this! Thanks!

  • @MeditationByLaughter
    @MeditationByLaughter Před měsícem

    EXCELLENT!!! Just what I needed to see! Thank you!

  • @tadams7447
    @tadams7447 Před 3 lety

    Very good instructions. Thank you so much!

  • @davidchall7684
    @davidchall7684 Před 8 lety

    Thank you! Helped get a torn tape of a family trip from 1990 converted to digital.

  • @srirachaegg2518
    @srirachaegg2518 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for this. Very thorough, lots of questions answered.

  • @MsBluheart
    @MsBluheart Před 10 lety

    TY!! Just what I needed for a quick and temporary fix until I get this on dvd!!!

  • @romanbrown2029
    @romanbrown2029 Před 3 lety

    Thank you very much sir. Very good video. I followed it step by step

  • @BamaDan197319
    @BamaDan197319 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the video. Transferring some VHS to DVD for a friend. My DVD Recorder/VHS Player ate one of the tapes. Years ago this happened and I tried to fix it myself without watching a video like this. You're right. If a part falls out it's near impossible to put it back together. I lost a part and couldn't get the tape back together. Then I watched a how to video and fixed it by taking a different VHS tape and putting the tape in the old case. Was scared there for a while.

  • @richdilorenzo8145
    @richdilorenzo8145 Před 3 lety

    Very clear and concise. Thanks

  • @gliedo
    @gliedo Před 5 lety

    You rock!! Thanks!! With your help I recovered a GEM!

  • @flashtu
    @flashtu Před 5 lety +1

    Thx you saved my parents mariage Video from 1987 so i can save it to the Pc.

  • @bobyoung5733
    @bobyoung5733 Před 4 lety

    Thank you. I fixed a tape full of memories!

  • @AndrewsMagicandMore
    @AndrewsMagicandMore Před 6 lety

    Thanks a million for the help/suggestions!

  • @DanielImmanuel2143
    @DanielImmanuel2143 Před 5 lety

    Brilliant!! Great tips especially 45o cut. Always remember a 3hrs tape is over 3hrs by 1 or 2 minutes so cutting a little excess will not shorten tape hours. This is a temporary repair, but I'm wondering if it's still good to keep on using it. Bearing in mind the tape snapped due to age