SkipDr Manual CD & DVD Disc Repair System

FAQ

How does SkipDr work?
SkipDr uses the patented FlexiWheel™, with its unique microfrictional surface, to uniformly repair damaged discs by resurfacing the coating applied on the disc.

When should I use SkipDr?
If a disc is not playing correctly, always clean it before using SkipDr. Wiping the surface with a soft cloth might solve the problem as it will remove fingerprints, dust and particles that could interfere with playback. If you still experience playback issues after cleaning the disc, look at the surface for scratches. If scratched are visible, you will need to use SkipDr. If there are no visible scratches AND you experience issues with several other discs that have no visible scratches, your laser lens might be dirty. Check out our Laser Lens Cleaner line for more information: https://www.digitalinnovations.com/product-category/laser-lens-cleaning

Will it damage my disc?
No the radial resurfacing action polishes away only the thinnest possible layer from the polycarbonate plastic coating applied on the surface of the disc. Resurfacing the disc removes the ridges created by a scratch and allow the laser to focus properly on the data track, thus eliminating playback issues.

Will it repair any type of discs?
SkipDr is recommended for repair of CD and DVD discs and game discs for older game systems (XBOX 360, PS2 and older).

What’s the difference between the different versions of SkipDr Disc Repair Systems?
The SkipDr is available in motorized and manual versions. Both versions of the SkipDr Disc Repair System from Digital Innovations use radial resurfacing, the preferred method for fixing virtually any type of scratched disc.

I’ve seen some SkipDr’s that were different colors or had different color flexi-wheels. Why is that?
Different color SkipDr’s and Flexi-wheels have been sold over the years but the way they work to repair discs is the same.

Is the type of scratch important?
Yes. The shape, size, direction and angle of a scratch have varying degrees of impact on play performance. Circumferential scratches (curved scratches that lie in a direction around the disc) are more likely to cause problems than radial scratches (scratches that go from the inside of the disc toward the outside, like spokes on a bicycle wheel). Note that very deep scratches that reached the data layer underneath the protective coating can not be fixed.

How do I identify label side damage?
The play side of the disc is the shiny side, the label side is the dull side. Scratches visible on the label side of the disc are always due to label-side damage, but the reverse isn’t always true.
Method #1 – Hold the disc 12″ or so from a light source with the play (shiny) side facing you. If you can see through a scratch, that scratch is definitely on the label side. If you can’t see through the scratch, it is probably on the play side. Use Method #2 to be sure.

Method #2 – Tilt disc so you are looking at the scratch from an angle. If the scratch has a reflection in the surface of the disc then the scratch is on the play side. If not, the scratch is on the label side.

How many times can I repair the same disc?
Many times. Removing a significant amount of material from the play side would eventually affect your disc player’s ability to focus on the data. However, since our scratch repair device is designed to remove only a very thin layer of material (just enough to repair most discs) from what we refer to as the “safe buffing zone”, the same disc should be repairable a dozen or more times.

How many discs will I be able to repair with a one FlexiWheel™?
You can repair an average of 25 discs with one FlexiWheel™.

Can I use SkipDr CD & DVD on a Blu-ray discs?
No, the coating used on CDs & DVDs is different than the coating used on Blu-ray discs.

Should I use SkipDr when I just want to clean my disc?
No, this is a repair device. You should use our disc cleaning spray and cloth to clean discs. Avoid wood-base products like paper towel as they could scratch the protective layer.

How long should the FlexiWheel last?
The FlexiWheel should be replaced after approximately 25 disc repairs. The microfrictional surface on the outside of the wheel will lose effectiveness after repeated disc resurfacing.

How do I clean and maintain the FlexiWheel?
Rinse the microfrictional surface on the outer rim of the FlexiWheel under cold water while rubbing with your fingertips. It’s important to rinse the wheel once it becomes white in color, as that is a sign of plastic build-up from disc repair.

Is it normal for the resurfaced disc to have lines radiating out from the center of the disc?
Yes, this is normal and it does not affect the playability of the disc. Most of the spoke-like resurfacing pattern can be buffed out with the buffing square.

How many times should I spray the disc?
Spray the disc 3-5 times for each complete revolution in the repair device.

Can I wash the drying cloth and buffing square?
Washing these items is not recommended. If used only for intended purposes, you should not need to wash the drying cloth or buffing square. Replacement drying cloths and squares are available in the Replacement Accessories Kit.

Why is buffing the disc with felt important? Why must it be done dry?
The final buffing step restores the reflectivity of the disc to approximately its original condition. Think of it as wiping away the condensed steam on your bathroom mirror after a shower. Just as wiping away the steam allows the mirror to reflect your image, buffing away the resurfacing pattern allows the disc to properly reflect the laser from the disc player.
The buffing process is best done dry because it relies on heat from friction to smooth the play-side surface (like glazing ice). Any water remaining on the surface cools the disc so that it doesn’t “glaze” as well.

Be sure to properly store the buffing square to keep it clean and free from debris, which could cause scratches.

What is in the Rejuvenating Fluid?
The Rejuvenating Fluid is distilled, filtered water with .05% alcohol added as a preservative. Tap water is not recommended because it may contain minerals and contaminants that may impact the effectiveness of the repair process. We recommend purchasing replacement Rejuvenating Fluid for more consistent results. It is available in a 1 fl. oz. bottle, or as part of the Replacement Accessories Kit.

What happens if I attempt to resurface a disc without Rejuvenating Fluid?
Do not do this. The FlexiWheel will wear out much more quickly and the resurfacing will be less effective. Dry resurfacing could result in the adhesive from the wheel being smeared onto the disc surface and may damage the disc.

Is the disc supposed to turn so slowly?
The repair process involves the removal of a small layer of the plastic coating on the CD or DVD. This process requires precise and consistent application and slow movement.

How do I know when the disc has made a complete revolution and is finished?
The repair progress can be monitored the left of the wheel. You can gauge the progress by simply watching the disc as it goes around.

I have seen I can use toothpaste to repair scratched disc, why should I use SkiprDr then?
Toothpaste is only a temporary solution if you have no better option available. The paste will fill in the scratche(s) and wear out overtime. It will only work on light scratches though. SkipDr on the other hand allows you to permanently and safely repair your damaged discs.