A friend gave me a stack of VHS tapes as a challenge to recycle. VHS tapes have many different materials, molded plastic pieces, springs, screws and spools of magnetic tape. The cases too may be made of various plastics or cardboard.
Taking the tapes apart usually requires removing five phillips screws and cutting any labels so the two large plastic parts of the case can open.
The tape is usually held in place on the spools with a plastic key. If the last person to use the tape did not follow the "Be Kind Unwind" rule then you can use an electric drill with a piece of metal folded in the chuck to spin the spool and wind on the tape.
Removing the key releases the tape from the spool.
I am still experimenting what the various parts can be used for and I have started some art projects with the tape.