Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When you buy this, you need to know several things, and have realistic expectations. I have used this to repair several disks that skipped badly and could not even be played in a computer DVD drive with success. But you need to go into this with realistic expectations an understanding of how the process works. Firstly, skips are caused by several things, including a failing laser in a DVD or Blu-Ray, but they are generally caused by DEEP scratches. All those little surface scratches you see don't really hurt anything, but DEEP scratches scatter the laser, and that causes skipping. You can remove ALL of the superficial surface scratches, and still have skips if there are DEEP scratches. So depending on how badly it is scratched, it may not be salvageable. The disk is read in a circular path, so circular scratches are the worst. Scratches that go from the edge to the middle (perpendicular to the path of the laser beam) don't cause skipping generally. Secondly, this product only has a VERY fine grit surfacing pad. It will quickly remove minor scratches and polish the disk, but it will take more time to remove (or more correctly lessen the degree of) deeper scratches. If you have DEEP scratches, this tool will still help, but you may need to add some of your own ingredients - namely toothpaste. Toothpaste is a more aggressive polishing agent. Use something like original Colgate that has a nice even consistency. Just spray the disk with the included fluid to wet it, put a SMALL amount of toothpaste on your finger, and rub it around until you have a very liquid paste, or an even coating. Then, spray it again to wet it some more, and then run it for at least 3 full rotations in the SkipDr. Pull the disc out, wash it off under the tap, dry it and try it again to see if it still skips. If this does not work, as they say, wash, rinse, repeat. The SkipDr WILL eventually fix the deep scratches, or you will eventually have to accept that the disk is too badly scratched to be repaired. Thirdly, lubrication is your friend. Spray the disk really well before you start, then spray it again about half-way through the first rotation. When the polishing wheel is wet, it will be easier. You don't want a dry disk. It won't polish as well, and you will use a LOT more force trying to accomplish the job. The spray is nothing but filtered water with some alcohol, if you run out, you can just use regular water. Don't use Windex or other window cleaners. You are not trying to make the disk shine, you are trying remove or diminish scratches to make it less likely to scatter the laser beam. You don't need ammonia or other cleaners that may make the abrasive wheel come apart. Lastly, if you have a double-sided DVD, this device MAY remove some of the writing around the inner ring when you use it to repair the second side (what is normally the top of the DVD). Cranking the device is a bit of a pain after a while If you won't have the patience or stamina, consider buying the motorized version. I opted for the manual version. if I get tired of cranking, I let the kids who made the scratches in the first place take a turn. :) They have UNLIMITED energy. If you have a LOT of badly scratched disks that are EXPENSIVE to replace, you may want to consider the more expensive professional systems like a JFJ Easy Pro. But, for a few disks that skip, this is the way to go in my opinion. Hope it works for you as well.