VCR Maintenance

[Olivia Bauer]

I just need tips on how to keep my VCR in good shape. Every time I watch something I need to fiddle with the tracking.

[Jack]

There are various types of head cleaners available.  I don't know which type works best (if any), they all claim they're better than the others. I used to take mine in for service when it started eating tapes, then it was good for another year or so.  I don't even know if places do that any more.

[Trevor]

I just need tips on how to keep my VCR in good shape. Every time I watch something I need to fiddle with the tracking.

If you open your VCR cover, it's quite easy to clean the heads which you'll find on either side of the head (or the silver thing, as I used to call it). Use a soft cloth to clean the heads and you shouldn't have an issue with tracking problems any more. Ensure that the inside of the unit is as clean as you can get it too. 

[carchase]

On my VCR, I'll unplug it and take the top cover off. Then I'll dip a Q-Tip in some alcohol ( not the comsume to make a movie better kind,that's a waste) and clean the heads in the VCR. After I put the lid back on and plug it in, I put in an old tape that I don't care about and play it for a few minutes. It gets rid of any excess alcohol.

[The Burgomaster]

Sometimes, the tracking can get knocked out of alignment.  I had a VCR many years ago that had tracking problems.  I opened it up and inserted a pencil eraser against one of the gears and it magically stabilized the picture!

[Javakoala]

You take the cartridge and you blow on the contacts...wait, that's high tech Nintendo repairs.

Never mind. As you were.

[Ash]

Then I'll dip a Q-Tip in some alcohol ( not the comsume to make a movie better kind,that's a waste) and clean the heads in the VCR.

I clean my VCR heads with Sam Adams.  Always a good choice.   

[RCMerchant]

On my VCR, I'll unplug it and take the top cover off. Then I'll dip a Q-Tip in some alcohol ( not the comsume to make a movie better kind,that's a waste) and clean the heads in the VCR. After I put the lid back on and plug it in, I put in an old tape that I don't care about and play it for a few minutes. It gets rid of any excess alcohol.

Same method I use,man!!! 
Tape I use is GREASE 2!

[carchase]

I use an old copy of "Cold Sweat" because I have two old copies