contact cleaner

[odysseybmx414]

i have contact cleaner wondering if its safe to use on potentiometers to clean them. it says safe on plastics and metals. also says can be used on pcbs. also removes dust, oxidation, dirt, etc. i bought it from radioshack.
someone please help me out!!

[sbrads]

It'll be safe but whether it's any good I don't know. It will probably work but what you tend to find is that some makes (don't me ask which) have a shorter period of effectiveness, i.e. the noises return after a week or two.

[Geoff H]

Potentiometers need a bit of lubricant. In Australia we have a product called Inox. It's better than WD40 in many respects. A squirt of either will keep pots noiseless longer.

Regards,
Geoff.

[v-bro]

At the repair department where I work we use two stage contact cleaner, one can for the cleaning the other for durable maintenance, works quite well for a long time...

First use Kontakt 60, after that use Kontakt2000 gold:
http://www.ts-audio.de/tsshop2/WGS/6...che_Sprays.htm

[imix500]

We also use a two step process. Caig D5 to clean, then Caig MCL to lubricate.

[unclejed613]

i've been using wd-40 for years, then began using remington oil with teflon, but recently discovered a product called De-Oxit which works extremely well.

wd-40 was good for flushing dirt out, but the lubricating film would evaporate within a week or so. the rem oil would lubricate better, but the teflon solids could eventually pile up on pot wipers causing them to get intermittant again, deoxit seems to work better, and is supposed to eliminate oxidation on contacts.

[imix500]

unclejed613, yup that's what we use on everything that's not gold plated. If you're using the 100% (D100) metered spray you're ok, but the 5% (D5) liquid does not have much lubricant in it, that's where the MCL is used next as that's all it is.

[v-bro]

Another thing that is very important is never to use too much, access oil attracts more dust and will make the contacts dirty again quick...I know it's tempting to get rid of that tedious crackling by drowning the potmeter in oil....I would advise to (if the potmeter allows this) even wipe off all access oil....or start by adding only just enough....

[norskfisker]

When cleaning pots and faders, it there ever too much of the cleaner? Also, would using cleaner without lube expose one to more crud than before?

[v-bro]

If the pot is worn it won't help, but if it's really dirty you can clean with cleaning spray and add a little lube spray when it has dried...