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UTUSN

(77,795 posts) Thu Apr 30, 2015, 08:46 PM Apr 2015

Any ideas on how to "shred"/destroy ruined VHS tapes? 9 of them. [View all]

They've been "stored" outside for months and got rained on and whatever. Who knows what's on them (not porn, maybe a little family stuff), maybe some movies.

First, I tried hand over hand unspooling: Egad, it must be miles and miles!1

Then tried punching out the center of the spools to "cake" the tape out in one piece, no go.

Even, a hacksaw through the roll of tape. The stuff is indestructible!1

Now I'm thinking the tapes can't be ruined after all for being indestructible. Maybe should try VIEWING them?!1

17 replies

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Any ideas on how to "shred"/destroy ruined VHS tapes? 9 of them. [View all] UTUSN Apr 2015 OP

try a big magnet. hollysmom Apr 2015 #1

Good idea. What seems to be working is breaking off both sides of each spool and UTUSN Apr 2015 #4

~ fire ~ NYC_SKP Apr 2015 #2

A big-ass magnet, maybe? arcane1 Apr 2015 #3

Lay them on the ground.. MicaelS Apr 2015 #5

Down to SIX!1 With the break-spool/punch-core method n/t UTUSN Apr 2015 #6

THREE to go!1 I'm going to deserve my frozen pancakes when done!1 n/t UTUSN Apr 2015 #7

ANnnnd *done*!1 The speediest evolution was to break off ONE side of the spool, then UTUSN Apr 2015 #8

Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds. rug Apr 2015 #11

Thermite or just a log fire seveneyes Apr 2015 #9

To me, LiberalElite Apr 2015 #10

exactly. nt UTUSN Apr 2015 #12

Put the case in a vise with the top or bottom facing you. Special Prosciuto May 2015 #13

Ah. Well, I do have some other ones that are stored properly but are more identifiable and UTUSN May 2015 #14

fire? Blue_Tires May 2015 #15

I love the fact that you had sharp_stick May 2015 #16

Agreed with magnets. hifiguy May 2015 #17