How to retrieve a stuck tape in a VCR

Here are some steps you can try:

1. Unplug the VCR and wait for it to cool down. A warm VCR can cause the tape to expand, making it harder to remove.
2. Locate the cassette holder release button, which is typically located on the front or side of the VCR. Press the button to open the cassette holder.
3. Gently pull the tape out of the VCR using your fingers. If the tape is stuck, try gently rocking it back and forth or wiggling it to loosen it.
4. If the tape is still stuck, try using a pair of tweezers or a pencil to gently push the tape out of the VCR. Be careful not to damage the tape or the VCR.
5. If the above methods do not work, you can try turning the VCR upside down and gently shaking it to try to loosen the tape.
6. If none of the above methods work, you may have to disassemble the VCR to remove the tape. This should be done by a professional as it can cause damage to your equipment and void the warranty.

It's important to remember that attempting to forcefully remove a stuck tape can cause damage to both the tape and the VCR, so it's best to be patient and use gentle techniques.

The belt on the loader motor is slipping. This causes the tape to not completely position itself to allow the tape to load around the drum. The machine senses this and ejects the tape.

This means the system detected a fault and shut down to protect the tape. Have you tried another tape? Probably needs servicing - hard or cracked rubber belts or idler tyre, or a seized arm due to lubrication drying up or becoming sticky.

There are any number of reasons why it won't play. The loading basket is jammed, the video tape has got tangled up in the mechanical section of the vcr or the loading gears are stripped. Unplug machine and remove top, [screws side and back] if the tape is spewed carefully remove by cutting it and clean tape particles, for any other problem have a technician check it out.

Try these steps:

1. Open the tape cover fully until it clicks open.
2. Turn the camcorder on to "VCR Mode."
3. With the cover still open and the camera in "VCR mode," take out the battery.
4. Put the battery back in--out should pop your tape.

Keep us updated.

One way is to take off the cover of the unit so that you can see where the tape is hung up and help push the tape out. (One of two problems are usually involved: the cassette cover isn't closing down evenly (a high corner blocking the travel path) or a loop of the tape blocking the cover closing.)

On my VCR unit it was ~4 screws on the back that held the cover in place. (That was VCR only. There might be a few more screws in the larger unit.)

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

judt open the player and pick the tape out

you posted 2 different problems here...
to answer this one ". The tape is stuck, won't eject and I'd like to get it out without damaging the VCR unit."...open unit, find motor that moves tape ejector and spin that motor by hand (power off)

the other problem, "the VCR will not insert a tape. It keeps rejecting it."...open unit and fully turn ejection motor until home position is reached...this is a home sensor switch not being activated.

You might have to take the VCR apart. Depending on how old the model is, you might just need a simple Phillips Screwdriver to open it. After you open it there should be a shielding case or something to keep static from disrupting the reader head. After you take the shielding off you should be able to see where the tape is stuck and you can pry it that way. Then put the thing back together.

At least that's how the old models do it. The new ones might be a little hard to get into.

Good luck.

Not enough info. What is the product? Brand, model, how old?