Tape Head Cleaning - Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter gvdv
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gvdv

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Hi,
I have been transferring some old demos from cassette to digital format, and find that I need to clean the heads and transport mechanism of my cassette deck but no longer have any tape head cleaner.

Does anyone know where I can locate good tape head cleaner, preferrably in Toronto, Canada?

I have read and heard totally contrary opinions about using Isopropyl alcohol, so would appreciate any comments and advice that people have about this. For example, the person here
http://www.kvglabs.com/PDF/cleaning_and_demagnetizing.pdf advises avoiding anything but 99% Isopropyl alcohol, and recommends American Recorder S-721H Head/Pinch Roller Cleaner, and says that the use of Xylene is O.K..

On the other hand, the person here Cleaning and Demagnetizing says that 91% Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol are fine to use.

In the past, I have used denatured alcohol, but would like to use what is best.

I found the American Recorder S-721H Head/Pinch Roller Cleaner here, https://www.americanrecorder.com/detail.php?id=941&search=tape%20head%20cleaner&start_pos=10.

I also notice that the American Recorders site has those cassette head cleaners (in the form of a cassette), but I thought that that type of cleaner could actually damage cassette decks because it is a relatively 'rough' method of cleaning.

I also found a couple of bottles of Rubber Renue http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/408a.html, for cleaning the rubber rollers, that I don't think that I ever used - I'm a bit put off by the fact that it says on the bottle that R.R. contains poison, and that one should not get it on one's skin. Does anyone know if it is safe to use this?

Thanks,
GVDV.
 
Last edited:
go to your local pharmacy/Target and for $2.00 get a bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol.
 
Agreed, or 99% isopropyl if you can find it, but at least 91%. That's for metal heads and guides, keep it off rubber parts such as pinch rollers as it will dry them out.

If the pinch roller is noticeably dried out and knackered you're probably OK using the rubber renue (caveat: I've never used the stuff personally). If it's in ok condition but just needs a little cleaning, some windex might do the trick for you.
 
GCalo said:
I should have just stated "isopropyl alcohol" w/o a % figure!!!
Click to expand...

No, glad you did--most isopropyl on pharmacy shelves is 70%, too much water for tape heads. Best to get 91%+ IMHO....I've found 99% a little tricky to find at least in my area but there's one store (Fleet Farm) that carries it, and dirt cheap to boot. Many pharamcies/supermarkets don't carry anything higher than 70% and the OP might do well to check hardware stores if having trouble finding 91 or 99% elsewhere. It's relevant! :D
 
Hi GCalo and briank,
Many thanks for your replies.

I am pretty sure that the local drugstore/pharmacy/chemist probably carries Isopropyl with a high percentage of water, so will check hardware stores, too - that's a good suggestion.

I'm thinking that the Rubber Renue is probably better than Windex or a non-dedicated product for cleaning the rubber roller, so will try that.

Thanks, once again,
GVDV.
 
I would not use windex on any valuable item I have. There are drying agents in it as well as lubricants.

As to the alcohol, as long as it is at least 91% it does not matter where you get it.

Mouser has the Rubber Renue 408B P/N: 590-408B-125ML. I will order a small bottle tomorrow w/my regular order and try it. I have a feeling it is very similar to Xilon products for rubber renewal.
 
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