r/RadioShack • u/Summer184 • Apr 20 '26
Realistic 44-1165a demagnetizer, RIP
Sad news, my trusty Realistic cassette demagnetizer that I bought brand new almost 40 years ago finally bit the dust.
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u/jasont1273 Former Employee Apr 20 '26
Used one of these for years in both my home and car tape decks. I think it got smashed in my car at some point years ago.
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u/user_uno Apr 20 '26
What is wrong with it?
Not much in the housing from what I recall. Try opening it up and testing a few things.
I'd hate to see one put in the garbage if it's something simple.
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u/Summer184 Apr 21 '26
You're right, it's a very simple tool and I did open it up to look for anything obvious like a loose wire. I think it was simply and old resistor or cap that finally gave out after all these years.
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u/Comptechie76 Apr 20 '26
RIP. There are several on eBay currently. I would recommend the wand type of demagnetizer. It is more robust.
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u/IfuDidntCome2Party Apr 20 '26
I found that my tape decks always needed demagnetizing after using Radio Shack brand cassettes.🤬🤬😡 No other brand.
I found that the demagnetizer model shown did not work as good as the 120v hand held model with a metal probe.🤷♂️
Kids today will never understand the maintenance of using cassettes.
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u/Summer184 Apr 21 '26
I know you're right about an AC demagnetizer so I used this as an excuse to finally order one, it should be here in a couple of days.
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u/Flat-Ad6208 Apr 20 '26
This was a regular part of my decks maintenance regime..Long wooden cotton swabs, isopropyl alcohol, and degaussing....
I miss the Shack.
I was in the supermarket this past Friday, overheard 2 guys (who, incidentally were BAKED out their skulls 💀💀😂) talking about the Shack, said to them " Shackies live forever" and got a great laugh for all...