Rust on tape heads

From: Paul Koning <pkoning_at_equallogic.com>
Date: Mon Aug 30 08:48:41 2004

>>>>> "Gooijen" == Gooijen H <Gooijen> writes:

 Gooijen> I would first check if the rust is actually from the metal
 Gooijen> of the head or just "rust" that has come off from an old
 Gooijen> tape ... that can probably be removed with a soft cloth. I
 Gooijen> am not so sure about using *any* fluid on the head! I do
 Gooijen> not have experience in this field, but don't those heads
 Gooijen> have a small slit / gap? (like all other magnetic heads)
 Gooijen> What will the fluid do when it get in that gap ...?

Your guess about oxide from a tape sounds reasonable.

Tape head gaps are filled with a nonmagnetic filler; they aren't
open. Tape heads are designed to be cleaned with fluids.

Head cleaner made for audio tape units should be fine. I have used
good quality isopropyl alcohol, as well as politically incorrect
fluorocarbon liquids.

DECtapes (TU55/TU56) are the most abuse-resistant tape drives in
recorded history, but they do like occasional cleaning.

         paul
Received on Mon Aug 30 2004 - 08:48:41 BST