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Post by oldnjplayer on Jun 23, 2022 10:09:31 GMT -5
looking for recommendations for contact cleaners for guitar pots and auto electric plugs. Seems like so many available. Thanks
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Post by Auf Kiltre on Jun 23, 2022 10:13:11 GMT -5
Deoxit D5 and Peavey Funkout have worked well for me.
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Post by Pinetree on Jun 23, 2022 10:20:24 GMT -5
DeOxit D5
About $15 on Amazon, and will probably last you a lifetime.
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Post by themaestro on Jun 23, 2022 14:05:56 GMT -5
Be careful with Deoxit. A little goes a long way. According to a respected amp designer over on another bass forum, Deoxit is hard on plastics, like plastic connectors and inside potentiometors.
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Post by Auf Kiltre on Jun 23, 2022 14:39:46 GMT -5
Be careful with Deoxit. A little goes a long way. According to a respected amp designer over on another bass forum, Deoxit is hard on plastics, like plastic connectors and inside potentiometors. The ingredients of Deoxit seems a little ambiguous but does have the following caution: "When in doubt, always test for compatibility, especially vintage equipment with aging ABS plastic(s)." Years back when I ran a service team of fax repair techs (remember those things?) We had a particular make where the document sensor actuator was always getting stuck in the down position. I can't remember the brand of lubricant we carried but I found a little dab at the actuator pivots addressed this. That is, for a week or so before it completely disintegrated the ABS plastics.😄 I fondly remember saying that ABS stood for "always breaking somewhere". I had my can of Peavey Funk Out for probably 10 years without any issues. I've been using the Deoxit now for maybe a year with no problems.
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Post by LVF on Jun 23, 2022 17:11:49 GMT -5
I have the Deoxit as well and have never used it...yet. Instead, I also have CRC QD Contact Cleaner: Quick drying, leaves no residue and is plastic safe. This is what I use anytime I need to clean contacts.
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Post by Leftee on Jun 23, 2022 17:38:11 GMT -5
The thing with Deoxit, etc., is that you’re headed towards a pot change any ways.
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009
Wholenote
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Post by 009 on Jun 23, 2022 19:55:04 GMT -5
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Post by oldnjplayer on Jun 24, 2022 5:40:26 GMT -5
thanks for the input. 009 you described my selection dilemma. Will probably go with CRC
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009
Wholenote
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Posts: 523
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Post by 009 on Jun 24, 2022 5:50:49 GMT -5
I tend to agree with LVF, and will use this as/if needed, but follow that with a good lube. Those Fader products seem to do some minor cleaning/flushing on their own. I’ll use this initially alone. If the pot is still scratchy, then go to the cleaner (and follow up with the lube). I think the lube is almost essential. There’s just way too much info regarding way too many products; seems like there is an awful lot of overlap. I find their obfuscation frustrating. PS - The only pots I've seen constructed with a carbon infused plastic resistive element are the sealed ones from Bourns (so you don't have to clean, lube, etc.). I think the typical pot is not usually made with such plastic. I'm not sure. But this is the Fader product I think I'll get (no solvent): caig.com/product/deoxit-fader-f100s-l2/The Craig Q&A suggests using this or the 5% (with solvent) option for pots with carbon elements. I'll avoid the solvent (even though they say it's safe on plastic; amount of lube is unknown) and use the CRC when I need some real cleaning power. It seems like the F100S-L2 would be a good maintenance item, use it on old and new pots not having a problem; a preventive measure, with minor cleaning capability. Anyone else have some analytical thoughts? ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potentiometer )
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Post by Leftee on Jun 24, 2022 8:14:34 GMT -5
I don’t have anything to add. I’m in learning mode now. Great thread!
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Post by Pinetree on Jun 24, 2022 8:17:59 GMT -5
I don't know guys, sounds like a lot of overthinking to me.
If a pot is that scratchy I just replace it.
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009
Wholenote
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Posts: 523
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Post by 009 on Jun 24, 2022 8:22:09 GMT -5
I don't know guys, sounds like a lot of overthinking to me. If a pot is that scratchy I just replace it. Yeah, makes a lot of sense. Reading all the stuff on that Craig products website makes you overthink, or rather, frustrated. I've been looking at that site since last night, and I feel like choking the crap out of that nerdy meme that keeps popping up.
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Ragic
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Post by Ragic on Jun 24, 2022 8:36:29 GMT -5
CRC works wonders. I can even clean my N scale track on my layout and the wheels on the engines and it all runs like brand new! I cleaned every plug and contact on my 68 Cougar and I think it's awesome.
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Post by Lesterstrat on Jun 24, 2022 17:32:25 GMT -5
I don't know guys, sounds like a lot of overthinking to me. If a pot is that scratchy I just replace it. Back when I was a gear hound that would make Joe Banamassa look frugal, I would use a scratchy pot as a reason to buy another amp. Lol
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Vman
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Post by Vman on Jun 24, 2022 18:20:27 GMT -5
I use Deoxit 5 for all pots and slide/rocker switches followed by Fader lube for vintage stereos, guitars & amps.
The Deoxit formula changed due to EPA laws and is not as good as it once was. The original cans came with the red tube taped to the side. The new formula has the flip-up tube.
I've never had any negative results with Deoxit & fader lube and quit using CRC because of it's performance.
YMMV
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Post by larryguitar54 on Jun 24, 2022 19:05:36 GMT -5
Happily used both Deoxit and CRC with no issues.
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