Any thoughts on how to fix a scratched CD?

[spork891]

Hey guys, does anyone know how to fix a scratched CD? I accidentally scratched my dad's "AM Gold" CD over the weekend and he's crushed! :(

[glc]

I've seen a kit at CompUSA that supposedly can do this, but I've never tried it or heard any feedback.

[sdkfz]

There are devices that can take out a moderate scratch, I think even newegg has them, I just can not find it now, do a google search on "CD scratch remover" and there are several good hits. You can also find them at Record (boy that tells you something about how old I am) Stores

If the scratch is on the bottom you are probably going to be OKO, if it is on the top (label) side you might be in mores erious trouble, the reflective material is actually cloer to the top than the bottom.

Good Luck

[spork891]

Thanks for the assistance, it's just a moderate scratch! :-)

[HAL9000]

Silverware polish and a soft cloth combines with lots of patience and elbow grease.

[homer15]

also, toothpaste will buff out a scratch. put a little on the scratch, and use a very softcloth to remove it. go from the inner edge of the cd outward. use light pressure.

[Penguin]

Go to your local music store, and ask them about cd reapir and they should have a packet that cost 99cents. It has a cloth and a packet of polishing gel. You can usually repair about 5 cd's with this. Can't remember the name of it. I have one sitting on the shelf at home. Tonight I will check the name.

[homer15]

hey pengiun, i know it sounds sort of weird, but i think that polishing gel acts just like the toothpaste. same abrasive componant that smooths out the scratch. i'm not sure though...

[Blakhart]

There is also software that can pull data from a badly scratched disk. Spent abt 30 mins going thru my demos to find it. Somebody musta swiped it. Darnit.

[heidthebaw]

I have 300 vinyl LP's that got scratched during drunken parties during the early 1980's. At present they are in a bathful of Colgate and hot water.
When I finish this post I am going upstairs with my wire brush to repair them all.

Good Luck spork!

[trulad]

heidthebaw: Don't forget to sing "Splish Splash I was Takin' A Bath".
Trudy

[Jenni]

If it is too badly damaged, just go download the MP3's and make him another copy of it. After all, you "own" the original.

[doctorgonzo]

I've used both the toothpaste and silver polish tricks, and they work fine on moderate scratches.

[HAL9000]

One thing I forgot to mention (kinda important too), if you use the silver polish, be absolutely positive that it is not solvent based for obvious reasons.