CD scratch repair

Posted by: JamieL on 19 December 2008

I know this was discussed some years ago, but am looking for up to date advice if there a way to fill scratches in CDs.

There might be a company who do this, or there may be resins, waxes, or home solutions.

I have been getting some original releases of Miles Davis box sets, and on one disc there is a tight group of five 2mm scratches at the edge, which causes the last track to jump. It looks like the disc has probably been packed next to a staple at some point.

I have the reissue of this disc, but it would be nice to get the original to play and then maybe pass the reissue on to a friend.

Jamie
Posted on: 19 December 2008 by dave simpson
Used the Skip Doctor for years. Resurrects every unplayable scratched disk I can throw at it. I can't tell if the repair degrades the sound. I've yet to find the need to go out and replace a repaired disk though. That's a good sign.

Made by Digital Innovations dot com and available from Amazon.

P.S. I use their battery powered cd cleaner as well on used CDs I frequently purchase--highly recommended.

Posted on: 20 December 2008 by BigH47
Looks like a circular saw, a bit drastic I would have thought? Roll Eyes
Posted on: 20 December 2008 by dave simpson
LOL...it does look like a circular saw. Those are bling vents I suppose. Basically it uses a grinding wheel to remove and polish a microscopically thin layer of the damaged surface. It does work regardless.
Posted on: 20 December 2008 by BigH47
I got something identical to the JML thingy from Poundland, seems to clean OK doesn't do anything for most scratches though.
Posted on: 20 December 2008 by JamieL
Thanks for the replies.

I have read the reviews on Amazon, it looks like it is good for surface scratches, but the scratches at the edge of the disc I have are quite dug in, I suspect from a staple, so I think they might need something to fill them, and then polish off with such a device.

Looks like it is worth getting for general maintenance, especially for the kind of light marks the car CD player sometimes makes.
Posted on: 22 December 2008 by Skip
There is a place in my town that sells computer games and dvd's second hand. They polish every one and will do mine for a couple of bucks apiece. I do not know the device but they come back perfect.
Posted on: 22 December 2008 by Cal
Skip. Just got to let you know that you made my day replying to a scratched CD thread Smile
Best

Cal (still grinning)