How Do I Repair a Broken DVD?

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Sometimes you can save a scratched DVD with a little effort.
Image Credit: Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

You can use wax and polish and sometimes glue and tape to repair a scratched or broken DVD. Deep scratches may not be repairable, and may require professional help. Discs broken into two or more pieces are generally not repairable.

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Repairing Minor Scratches

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Step 1

Apply wax or polish sparingly to the scratched area. Spray furniture wax like Pledge seems to work best.

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Step 2

Hold the disc firmly and use a polishing cloth (not a paper towel, napkin or tissue paper) to buff gently in a back-and-forth motion. Avoid using a circular motion or you may make the damage worse.

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Step 3

Let the disc dry completely before you try to play the disc.

Repairing Deep Scratches

Step 1

Carefully apply modeling glue or super glue, using a pin or toothpick, to the damaged area. Apply only to the damaged area.

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Step 2

Allow the glue to dry completely. Time will vary depending on the glue.

Step 3

Try to play the disc.

Repair a Cracked Disc

Step 1

Apply a tiny amount of plastic glue to the crack, using a pin or toothpick. Try to work the glue into the crack, if possible. Wipe away excess glue.

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Step 2

Give the glue ample time to dry. Time will vary depending on the glue.

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Step 3

Try to play the disc.

Repairing a Physically Broken Disc

Step 1

Align the broken parts of the disc.

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Step 2

Apply light pressure with your fingers to make sure the pieces are contacting each other, and then apply Scotch tape to the label side of the disc to hold the pieces together.

Try the disc. If it fails, go on to the next step.

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Step 3

Tape the disc together as described above, and then, using a toothpick, apply plastic glue sparingly to the crack on the label side, next to where the tape is holding the pieces together. Try to work the glue into the crack, but not completely through it.

Step 4

Give the glue ample time to dry. Time will vary depending on the glue

Step 5

Carefully remove the tape and then try the disc.

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