The number two and three guides normally do not require much attention. In extreme cases, lots of tape travel can cause flat spots, which can be seen on the right hand guide in the photo above. When they get in this condition they must be replaced, flat areas increase friction and when multiplied over several guides, it can produce considerable tape drag. More common is the build up of oxide and dirt as can be seen on the guide on the left. Careful cleaning is all that is needed in this case. The purpose of these guides is to angle the tape up properly on its way to the threading block assembly (number five guide). Round smooth surfaces and correct positioning is important to the health of the tape and for flawless operation. Because of their design and their spring-loaded action they must flex up and down during each loading and unloading. An improper loading can cause them to break off at their pivots or bases. Other times they can become deformed and get lodged out of position or become trapped. Then the gear that drives the ring will strip the teeth off the threading ring. (You can see the teeth on the ring in the above photo.) In some extreme cases the threading ring can even break. These last two extremes require that the ring be replaced, a time consuming and tedious repair because it involves removing, re-installing and adjusting a lot of hardware that mounts above the ring. To go back to the window for THREADING RING AND SHUTTLE BLOCK click here. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage