Fixing old audio tapes

[ExtraSlow]

So here's a weird one. My wife's family has some audio tapes of a journal from a deceased relative. They are hoping to digitize them, but turns out a couple of them had an issue. The issue is that the tape pulled off the spool at the end (tape did not snap, just pulled out). Does anyone know of anyone who would be experienced in repairing these audio tapes well enough that they could be played a few times for the digitization process? And as a side note, is there anything special needed to digitize them?
I don't want to DIY this and wreck them, they are literally irreplaceable. would be much more comfortable giving the job to someone who took money for the work, ya know?

[mr2mike]

I'd take another tape you probably have since you're boomer-esque, replicate the pulled tape.
Carefully tape the end to the spool. You'll probably lose the last few seconds of the tape.

The reason tape players stop at the end of the tape is a spring loaded tension setup. Too much tension and it activates a shut off. Probably can't get that tension the same with simple scotch tape.

I don't expect it to be a difficult fix. But I'd also consider moving the entire tape to a newer cassette.

[Nufy]

cassette tapes or some other type ?

I used to take cassettes apart when I was younger. SHould not be a big issue.

[ExtraSlow]

yeah normal cassette tapes. It does appear that these are glued together not the type that have screws to take them apart, but I assume that would be easy enough to deal with.

[Nufy]

Gotcha...Yeah you will wreck the case prying it apart if it is glued together.

As noted you should transfer to a new case.

The procedure should still be simple but as you noted, the tapes are one of a kind so best left to a professional...Just in case.

[mr2mike]

I view this as ExtraSlow's National Treasure.
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"what's on those tapes!"