How to Make a Videotape Rewinder

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

If you own a VCR, then you may know how long it takes for a video tape to rewind. All that time, the machine is wearing out it's motor, and some may even start to break tapes over time. Instead of this annoying method, try making your own video tape rewinder. Sure, you have to use some energy, but exercise is good for you, right?

Steps

1
Using pliers, untwist a standard wire hanger into a long, straight line.
2
Then cut this in half.
3
Bend the paper clip so that the two loops are at a right angle with each other. But don't bend the loops!
4
Bend the hanger into a shape wherein it is straight until the very end, where about a 3" part of the wire should bend at a 90 degree angle. Also, at about 1" in on the opposite side of the right angle, and small "c" shape should be made pointing down. The width of this shape is crucial, and should be approximately 3/5" wide.
- If you are rewinding a Beta tape, the C-shape should be 7/10". If you are rewinding an 8-millimeter tape, it should be 2/5" wide.
5
Push the paper clip into the release hole of the tape.
6
Press the C-shaped end of the rewinder into the take-up reel.
7
Hold the paper clip in the reel-release hole and turn the crank arm with your other hand.
- In no time, the video tape will have been rewound.