The screens themselves are often forgotten in regular cleaning procedures. Another way foreign matter finds its way onto film is via the method of moving film onto a platter. Instead of doing it by hand or with makeshift cardboard or wooden transporters, use a specially designed device made of high-impact plastic. Make sure film is only touching the platter slightly at the very edge. If the image side runs over the platter, it can cause fine hairline scratches.
Scratches can also occur in the platter ring.
Check the little white clips and file them if they are rough. If you hear a rhythmic click as the film is running through the projector, one of the teeth on the sprocket wheel might be bent. The sprocket wheel will need to be replaced, but a quick temporary fix is to put the wheel on the other way so the bent tooth isn't catching the sprockets. When troubleshooting, follow the entire film path to determine where dirt or scratches might be introduced. CUES S econd-run houses need to take the time to look for and remove cue tape that may not have been removed by the theatre that previously made up the print.