sctatched records

Well, since I can't say it will help, I guess I have to say it could damage the stylus tip. Depends whats in the groves, but if they are truly dirty the answer is definately yes. Clean your records before you play them - the clicks and pops from scratches and production defects will not really do any damage.

I got a few old records from a friend and one of them had several deep scratches and I was afraid to even try and play it.