On reassembly, you will have to duplicate this exact same tape path in order for the tape to play properly. After noting the precise tape path, pull out enough tape from both sides to permit you to manipulate the ends for splicing them together. Using the scissors, tweezers, and Scotch tape, carefully trim a small piece of Scotch tape to the appropriate size for splicing purposes. Ideally, the adhesive tape should allow you to cover both sides of the sliced magnetic tape ends without any exposed adhesive tape protruding beyond the edges of the magnetic tape. Use the scissors to trim any excess adhesive tape and make sure that no exposed adhesive tape remains, because it could cause the cassette tape to stick together after reassembly.

After checking the physical integrity of the splicing and ensuring that no excess adhesive tape remains, leave the open cassette housing flat on the table and manipulate the tape reels with your fingers, carefully rolling back the tape. Make sure...

Carefully reposition the other half of the cassette case above the half on the table and line up the edges so that they meet perfectly and then reattach the two case halves.
Before replacing the screws in the cassette case, carefully pick up the unit and while squeezing them to keep them together with one hand, use the pen to turn the spools inside the cassette case to ensure that the tape tracks smoothly. If the tape does not, carefully observe the tape path to identify the problem, disassemble the case and reposition the tape in the proper path before repeating reassembly and retesting. Once the tape tracks smoothly, use the tapered-edge tool to separate the edges very slightly so that you can place a thin coating of glue in several places with the toothpick. Press the case halves together and replace the fastening screws that you removed from the cassette housing in the first step.