Leader tape glue? Good old Elmer's or something special?

[jeep jones]

What is the prescribed glue to use when attaching the white leader tape to 1/4 inch reel tape? I have an older reel that separated.

 

[danj]

Splicing tape made for the purpose. Use anything else and it might cause problems down the line. A Google search should find you a seller such as this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Splicing-Tape-10-8-Track-Reel-To-Reel-Cassette-New-/362013945938

 

[jeep jones]

Splicing tape made for the purpose. Use anything else and it might cause problems down the line. A Google search should find you a seller such as this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Splicing-Tape-10-8-Track-Reel-To-Reel-Cassette-New-/362013945938

Fantastic, I'm glad I asked. Thanks Danj!

 

[62vauxhall]

Definitely use splicing tape and make a butt joint do not overlap leader onto tape. I've gone through 4 or 5 spools of this stuff and received two more last year likely from this same vendor.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Scotch-3M-...739901?hash=item2ccb61b7bd:g:jGIAAOSwIgNXtN4x

It's NOS although how old I don't know but none I've had has been age affected. Since each spool is 100 ft. it's cost effective.

EDIT: Using a piece of splicing tape on each side of the join will reinforce it. Or, a piece of metal foil tape on the top side (still with splicing tape on the back side) which contacts the heads is good as well. A lot of decks with auto reverse need this sensing tape to change direction. Some tapes were so equipped from the factory.

 

[MaxxVolume]

A good splicing block is a one-time investment, and will serve you well. I have both wood and metal models, and prefer the metal ones.
(Be sure to get a 1/4-inch tape model)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/XEDIT-1-2-...216468?hash=item25eb2a6e54:g:hUgAAOSwy1NaYTuz

 

[MaxxVolume]

Once you collect all the necessary hardware, you`ll need to practice a bit to achieve those smooth splices. Most tapes have a fair amount of blank space in the beginning, which you can use to your advantage....sacrifice a foot or two of this blank space for the purpose of making several "dry run" splices. Once you`ve done it a few times, it will be like breathing....a very natural exercise. You`re looking for a perfectly-joined butt splice.
Good luck !

 

[jeep jones]

This is cool. Another aspect of this hobby that I have yet to experience. I had it in my mind to dab some glue on the lead and press them together.

Very interested in trying my hand at this. Getting tools and supplies on order.

Thanks for all the great info guys!

 

[tom3]

Nothing too critical with leader tape splicing. Pair of scissors and some clear Scotch tape will do the job. Lap the leader over the tape, make a diagonal cut, put a strip of Scotch tape across the splice, cut the sides of the tapes cutting into the tape/leader just a bit to insure none of the Scotch tape hangs out. Splicing a broken tape needs to be a bit more exacting.

 

[edwyun]

Nothing too critical with leader tape splicing. Pair of scissors and some clear Scotch tape will do the job. Lap the leader over the tape, make a diagonal cut, put a strip of Scotch tape across the splice, cut the sides of the tapes cutting into the tape/leader just a bit to insure none of the Scotch tape hangs out. Splicing a broken tape needs to be a bit more exacting.

Scotch tape will work in a pinch but not recommended for long time use/storage. The adhesives will separate and oose out over time and will stick to the tape. Use proper leader tape.

For a tape splicer, look for an copy of the Akai tape splicer. Easiest way to cut, tape, and trim the excess tape. For example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-...308766?hash=item25eadf8b9e:g:diQAAOSwXtNaXTYR

 

[Chip Chester]

No "edge trimming" is needed when using proper splicing tape; it stays away from the edges by design. A simple aluminum splicing block is the right tool for the job, along with demagnetized single-edge razor blades. (Demag is important to prevent thumps at joints.) Dip fingertips in lemon juice to eliminate skin oils that would weaken the joint (but beware of any cuts on fingers.) Double-taping (front/back) is unnecessary when using real splicing tape (3M link above). Just burnish it down securely when affixing, watching for uniform change in transparency of splicing tape. If you happen to be splicing 8-track, broadcast cart, or other back-lubricated tape, either splice on the oxide side if there's no audio content there, or clean off back-lube in the area of the splice if it is an audio content splice.

 

[I LIKE MUSIC]

The Gibson Girl splicers were popular back in the day. An all in one unit that does it all...



That is not to say that I haven't spliced my share of tape using a splicing block mounted on an Ampex deck.

 

[eddisc]

splicit.com is the one stop choice for EVERYTHING the pro's use. NO AFFILIATION.

A neat 'trick' sometimes necessary w/older tape is to use a "Post-It' (that you've stuck to your CLEAN shirt first!!) to hold down the ends of the tape at the far edges of the splice block.