Cassette decks are alive and well--or at least alive. Compact disc (CD) players have become more popular than cassette decks, but there still are millions of decks in use--though many of them are overdue for a meeting of the Fix-It Club. The repair process is relatively easy and replacement parts are readily available, so let's have at it.

How Does It Work?

The head reads the signals off the tape. The capstan roller pulls the tape across the head.

A cassette deck is a motor-driven electronic device that records and plays audio signals stored on a magnetic tape. The tape is encased in a housing called a cassette.

More specifically, the cassette deck player passes the cassette tape over magnetic heads that record or read the information already stored on the tape. The tape wheels are turned by a small belt connected to a motor. Newer cassette decks feature reliable electronic circuitry that means most problems that occur are mechanical. Cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of broken belts will add years of useful life to a cassette deck. Most electronic problems require professional service, but there still are many things you can do to fix your cassette deck.

What Can Go Wrong?

Many things can go wrong with cassette decks because they have numerous electrical and moving parts. The electrical power cord can be faulty. The drive belt can break or be damaged. The read and record heads can be misaligned, worn, or dirty. The pinch roller that pulls the tape past the heads can be glazed. The tape motion sensor may be faulty or dirty. Switches can fail and connections may be dirty. In many cases, the problem is with the cassette itself. However, if the problem is electronic, take the deck to a professional repair person.

Fix-It Tip

You can fix a bad cassette tape by carefully removing the screws that hold the cassette together, then rewinding the tape on the two spools and across the pad between them. If you're working on a treasured tape you don't want to toss, buy a new tape that looks just like it, then take it apart to see how things should look. You may even be able to borrow a part or two from the new cassette to fix the old one.