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How to Splice an 8-Track Tape

Back in the seventies and eighties, many albums were released on 8-track tapes. These 8-tracks are still available, but often become problematic as time goes on. Tapes frequently break and require splicing if you wish to listen to the album again. It's not hard to splice the tape either with special splicing tape or with clear tape and common household items. With proper attention and care, your 8-tracks can last for many years to come.

Things You'll Need

Jeweler's screwdriver set
Small scissors
Splicing tape or clear tape (gift-wrapping style)
Craft knife

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the method used to hold the 8-track body together. If there are screws, unscrew them using a Phillips-head screwdriver from a jeweler's screwdriver set. Keep the tape face-label-up when removing the screws. If both ends of the broken tape are already accessible outside the 8-track casing, proceed to step 4.
- 2
  Pop the retaining prongs if your 8-track has the plastic tab-style fasteners. These are found on the bottom of the cassette. Push a flat-head jeweler's screwdriver into the prong hole and move it back and forth to disengage each retaining hook. There may be up to five hooks, and some may be under the bottom label. Keep the 8-track face-up and horizontal when disengaging the last hook. If your cassette is glued together, you will have to cut the glued edge with a craft knife to open it up. Start at the open end of the 8-track.
- 3
  Lift the top face of the 8-track off the bottom portion, keeping the bottom part horizontal to avoid spilling the contents of the cassette. Set the top aside and set the bottom onto the table.
- 4
  Locate both ends of the broken tape and feed them carefully through the 8-track body opening as they would normally travel while in use. Pull four or five inches of tape out on each side, being sure not to twist the tape.
- 5
  Match up the ends of the broken tape, laying them flat on the work surface. If the tape is chewed or ragged, cut off the ragged portion with small scissors. Align the tape and overlap slightly if necessary.
- 6
  Cut a small piece of invisible tape, about 1.5 inches long. Push the center of the invisible tape down onto the area to be spliced, making it perpendicular to the slice. Push it down so it completely covers the 8-track tape and even sticks to the table a little. Carefully pull up, making sure the splice is securely attached to the invisible tape. Cut the excess invisible tape off the splice, being sure the clear tape does not exceed the width of the 8-track tape (you should see no excess if holding the tape up). Alternatively, you could fold the clear tape onto the back of the 8-track tape, securing the back as well. Cut as detailed in this step.
- 7
  Re-wind the tape back into the 8-track. Reattach the top half of the 8-track to the bottom assembly, keeping the bottom horizontal at all times. If necessary, tape the case closed to secure it.

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