Recently purchased 50+ Maxell XLII and TDK-SA's from bidding site, and maybe 10% have the recording tabs broken out. Some I've been able to carefully lift tabs back in position and super-glue, but many are missing. - I didn't think of broken tabs; in 40+ years i never used this feature, but didn't realize so many others did. - The tapes are in great shape (only found one that has been "eaten" so far), but I hate putting scotch tape on the hole, many tape bodies have irregular surfaces and tape looks bad and tape doesn't stick well. - I noticed some of the Nakamichi tapes appear to have a standing tab, instead of covering the hole... how does this work? that seems easier but i am not sure what it looks like in real life. - I've been able to reproduce J-cards and A-B side labels by scanning good un-molested items, and finished looks good. I'm starting this thread because I've searched and have not been able to find any reference, other than scotch taping holes, on a couple of cassette sites. Advice appreciated. Thanks in advance, image credit to "Walkman Archive"
I don't know what the shells are made of but ABS or PVC cement might work better than super glue. Super glue sits on the surface, the others actually "weld" the parts together. If I had to guess, I'd say the shells are ABS and you can get either cements at the local home builders stores. There might be another option.... https://www.duplication.ca/tab-plugs-convert-tab-out-cassettes-to-tab-in-25.html
You only need the tape across the holes when you want to record, it's the easiest and best way to do it. All my tabs are broken off or twisted over as soon as I have any content on the cassettes. Put the tape on the hole when you want to record and remove it when done, simple. Below are some of my cassettes when they have content on them.
Mister X, that was exactly what I was looking for. I ordered 2 sets, 50 plugs total... within 10min of your post! 5.00 canadian for 25... my order was $17USD and they'll be here in 2wk. great concept, probaby easily 3d printed, but why... only suggestion, change color choice unless you want the default, which is white! @toocool: those TOTL TDK MA's have reusable flip up recording inhibitor! even better than scotch tape!
Initial review of "duplication.ca" recording tab repair plug: Fast shipping, nicely packaged, nicely made. they fit well in the cassettes, but raise the height of the cassette .04mm shy of 1mm, so say +1mm. they fit easily in my Sony TC-K71 and Denon DR-M33 Sony Walkman : they fit and door closed without forcing in my EX-502, EX-102, EX172 Panasonic Walkman: RQ-S25, S30, S70, SX1V: Door would not easily close, had to force to close... so Id say it's a NO-GO for Panasonic RQ...
Ok some good news, but a little more work... I sanded 3 sides on 120 grit paper for a few seconds then cleaned up with a file, and the plugs go lower into the opening! So these can work, and I can avoid tape.. the repair tabs are the right height to push down further and bottom without sanding those retaining tabs...
Cassette Tab Repair simplified! Use small Side Cutter tool to snip off extended sides of tab: no additional effort needed! Below is everything needed: "Snip Fit" photo below, L-side no sanding! R-side sanded: Recommend don't sand! Mister-X, great find, thank you!
