Are cheap jewel cases bad for discs?

[wip3outguy7]

I always move my CIB Saturn titles and other games with unique boxes into standard CD jewel cases. They are easier to manage and not as expensive to replace if destroyed, of course.

I noticed a very strange chemical smell coming from some of the jewel cases while cleaning my gaming shelf last night. After further inspection it appears that the scent is coming from the black insert plastic holding the CD. The clear plastic is scent free when removed and placed aside for a few minutes. All of the jewel cases affected were from the same batch. The sent is strong and it takes your breath away after a sniff.

Hobie and I discussed this a bit last night, but I have nothing better to do so I decided to start a topic.

I was unable to find much information online other than a few random suggestions to stay away from recycled plastics based jewel cases. The sources were questionable, however. To be safe, I moved my high value games into older CD cases that are definitely made of virgin plastic.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions? Could the chemical breakdown in these cases affect the CD labels and ultimately lead to premature disc rot? And what kind of jewel case does everyone consider the best to store CDs in?

[MrPopo]

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much. I'd be more concerned about a cheap jewel case that allowed the surface of the disc to be scratched easily from the normal movement of the discs.

[Hobie-wan]

If you're really worried about it, I have a ton of non stinky tray inserts from replacing cracked jewel cases.

[wip3outguy7]

If you're really worried about it, I have a ton of non stinky tray inserts from replacing cracked jewel cases.

Sure, send em' my way. Still a valid topic, though.

[CRTGAMER]

I don't think any smell emanating from the cases are "corrosive" enough to do any damage. The holder is the biggest issue for me. I sometimes will bust one of the teeth on a slim case to prevent it from cracking my disc.

[Hobie-wan]

I sometimes will bust one of the teeth on a slim case to prevent it from cracking my disc.

What crazy slim cases are you buying that hold that hard with those 3 tiny teeth? If you break one off then the discs will just fall out when you open the case. If they're really that tight, maybe just hit one of the teeth lightly with a file or sandpaper to shave it a tiny bit.

[CRTGAMER]

I sometimes will bust one of the teeth on a slim case to prevent it from cracking my disc.

What crazy slim cases are you buying that hold that hard with those 3 tiny teeth? If you break one off then the discs will just fall out when you open the case. If they're really that tight, maybe just hit one of the teeth lightly with a file or sandpaper to shave it a tiny bit.

I don't like discs flex when I remove them
Its the reason why I vice grip the disc tabs of Gamecube cases. A crap design in the slim cases I bought, Memorex I think. The tabs have notches that are sometimes tight that they really "hook" onto the disc. A pain to file each case, I just break the bottom tab. The disc does not slip out when I open the front cover. Adequate for the shelf, not going be stored in a paint shaker.