How can I repair a VHS tape that is cut?

I mentioned using Scotch tape for a temporary repair. I neglected to mention that it is VERY temporary. It should allow making a duplicate tape.
There is a special tape that is much more permanent, but is rather hard to locate. There also used to be precut patches that used the special mylar adhesive, but are also hard to find anymore.
It is tricky business with an everpresent likelihood of damage to your videoheads, so unless the tape is really important to you, I would discourage risking a DIY job.

DocNoble
February 2006

Forgot to say in the previous answer, that a good fit and no overlap is vital to avoid damage to your VCR heads. The damage is not bad, and might be cleared up by a head cleaner, but one never knows in the new electronic age.

DocNoble
February 2006

A difficult problem. Easy to patch with scotch tape, but repair must be carefully trimmed. Then a duplicate tape must be made if one is lucky. Tape must be on the side away from the scanning head of the VCR. Even then, there is the risk of some of the goo getting on the heads of the VCR.
I would not recommend the repair unless it is of videotapes of historical or family events that are really desirous of saving. Then make a CD of the tape also. Many old audio tapes cannot find a reel to reel tape player that is still working. I have some old 78 rpm home made records and it is hard to find "record players" (now called stereos) that can play them.

DocNoble
February 2006