Fix for loose reel holders:

[analoge4ever]

First off, sorry if someone has already addressed this issue, but my search didn't find the answer.


My Teac A1500-W reel holders don't appear to be in too bad of shape, but they just don't hold the reels securely anymore. This is especially an issue when I fast forward or rewind the entire length of tape.

My work around is to place tight fitting O-rings under the reel holders, so that it is really the O-rings holding the reels in place, but all you see is the Teac parts.
I haven't found anyone selling new reel holders, laboratory stoppers and other overpriced substitutes notwithstanding.


Any ideas as to better solutions for this problem? :scratch2:

 

[Jonny Ramone]

Any similar sized chunk of rubber will do, really. Just drill a hole in it. I used a door stop for a bit. Tour a hardware store. Someone suggested rubber stops from a pinball machine, but they're not real cheap to order online.

 

[troutfisher]

I have made myself new ones for a pioneer 707 with the help of a small metal lathe and some file work takes some time but it works great

 

[iloveamps]

Corks work pretty well, too.

 

[audiojones]

I've used rubber stoppers that are available at any hardware store or home center. Drill an appropriate size hole half way through in the center and you're done. I used a washer of the same diameter as the stopper to get the exact center for the drill bit.

 

[Tuquala]

On my 4010S, I took the originals, cleaned the hole out good, put some plastic wrap on a similar sized bolt as the spindle, filled the hole with black silicone, pushed plastic wrapped bolt into holder, let set up, pulled bolt and plastic out of reel holder, and finished off with a razor blade. Still holding after aboot 10yrs!!!

 

[audiojones]

On my 4010S, I took the originals, cleaned the hole out good, put some plastic wrap on a similar sized bolt as the spindle, filled the hole with black silicone, pushed plastic wrapped bolt into holder, let set up, pulled bolt and plastic out of reel holder, and finished off with a razor blade. Still holding after aboot 10yrs!!!

Hey, that's a really good idea! I'm glad I saved all of the old dried out reel holders I've had over the past 30+ years instead of throwing them out - I'm going to give that a try :yes:

 

[Tuquala]

You could also use a small balloon cut to just fit over the bolt head. Either way, the silicone won't adhere and the clean up is pretty easy!

 

[eddisc]

You could also use a small balloon cut to just fit over the bolt head. Either way, the silicone won't adhere and the clean up is pretty easy!

...or Teflon pipe tape:thmbsp:

 

[skywavebe]

As I have addressed this issue due to the many decks I have had to work on some being the older ones, I have settled on the #4 or #5 stopper with a one hole in them not drilled. The professionally pinched hole is much more accurate than any drill job I have done and they are clean holes as well. If they are at first too tight add a tiny amount of Lubriplate to the hole and they will go on easier. I bought about 20 on then so I have several bags of extras in case someone wants some. I find this lockdown system as a pain but then we are working with 1960's or early 1970 type machines. Strangely enough the A6010 on my bench now has regular lock downs like the A2300S but that the nylon screws hat were in the reel table snapped and had to be replaced by new metal ones- thank goodness for Mc Master Carr- they do not know how many tape deck parts they are providing.

 

[Joey1111]

I was looking for a solution to this as well and I know it's a thread that is almost 8 years old but I came up with an idea that is working well:

E6000 glue - it is very rubbery when dried and it lasts a long time. You simply take a pencil or small shish kebob skewer and put a drop of the E-6000 glue on it and rub it around in a circle inside the hole of the reel holder, the inner side that contacts the reel of course, and let it dry for about 30 minutes. Works like a charm. If it's not tight enough, repeat!