What kind of switch / contact cleaner do you use / recommend  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 10:01:39 am
content: It strikes me that there are so many competing types of switch and contact cleaners on the market that some might be better than others and better value for money given the quantity v price equation.I used to use Servisol years ago but lately I've been using WD-40 specialist fast drying contact cleaner which seems to fairly be good and comes in 400ml cans for around £7.99 from Amazon UK as opposed to £6.27 for a 200ml can of Servisol which does get a 5 star rating against 4.5 stars for the WD?

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 11:53:44 am
content: Kontakt 60 from Kontakt Chemie.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 12:24:16 pm
content: I've found Electrolube EML to be very effective on signal contacts. Farnell used to sell it in a handy pen dispenser but now only in aerosol, so you need to resort to spraying in the lid and a cocktail stick for very localised application. CPC and RS have it too.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 01:02:19 pm
content: WD40 if you just need a good oil based solvent/cleaner, and for stuff like organic matters, and anything that's just gunked on (or also for removing sharpie), Isopropynol, highest concentration available, is my go to.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 03:42:52 pm
content: I use Deoxit. While more expensive than generic brands, a tiny bottle lasts a long time and it works well.

author: IanMacdonald
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 05:44:58 pm
content: WD-40 was originally designed for electronics, though rights to it were taken over by an automotive products manufacturer, Finnigans.I don't know if the current product sticks to the original specs. but an important requirement was that it should not detune circuits to any significant extent. Many other switch cleaners will put RF stages out of whack if overspray gets on them.Oh, and some switch cleaners degrade the cheaper types of cabinet plastic, but only over an extended time. Therefore always clean off any overspray or you may have your control mountings disintegrate sometime later.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 06:37:09 pm
content: Servisol, tried and tested ever since I was an apprentice telly fettler.If it's particularly sensitive gear then Colclene (rare as hen's teeth) TF and if I strike lucky and find it for cheap, then Phillips own contact cleaner,390CCS.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 08:27:38 pm
content: I use alcohol because it evaporates fully and doesn't attack metals.In my experience contact cleaners ruin equipment in long run due to the acids. Also wires wick the chemicals to places you don't want it and attack good parts as well. I've seen quite a bit of gear wrecked beyond repair due to the use of contact cleaner. It is better to address the root of the problem by replacing worn switches, connectors and potmeters. Only then will you give a piece of equipment a new lease of life.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 08:42:09 pm
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on October 19, 2017, 03:42:52 pm+1I bought some 57g cans and they've lasted years. The only downside is finding them in the larger size in Australia can be tricky.I wouldn't have thought WD-40 would be suitable in electronics? Doesn't it leave an oily residue over everything?

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 09:21:14 pm
content: Judging from some of the posts in this thread that there is some confusion over the WD-40 and this might be down to the product I have been using not being available worldwide yet, who knows. But to aid understanding of what I'm talking about, here is a picture of the 2 types of WD-40 that I'm aware and they have completely different uses.

author: IanMacdonald
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2017, 09:52:31 pm
content: The original type is the one NOT labelled contact cleaner.BTW, Servisol is one that's likely to cause some types of plastic to disintegrate. Had experience of that.I agree that it's better to replace where possible, but economics sometimes weigh against that. The time and parts involved in replacing all the pots and jacks on a guitar amp, for example, might double or triple the repair cost. The owner might not want that done anyway if he only uses it for practice. If WD-40 will quiet the old pots down then that's a better result than leaving them crackly, but without the excessive cost.I recall one guy who started a raging argument because I'd replaced three pots which had broken shafts. It wasn't what he'd put the unit in for. In that case the cost of the pots was a minimal addition to the job so I replaced them anyway. You just can't please some people though.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:03:29 am
content: Quote from: Specmaster on October 19, 2017, 09:21:14 pmYes, deciding to make your brand name the same as the first product you produced (Water Displacer No.40 or whatever for the US military) is bound to cause this sort of confusion.I've seen it happen several times in different threads now.It makes it very important to quote theentire product titleevery time you mention it. Just saying WD40 is likely to make a horrible sticky mess of the equipment of the uninitiated.From what I can see on their website, they also make various mechanical lubricants, penetrating oil, various degreasers and carburetor/throttle body cleaners (actually those last two might help with the cleanup of the first mess!) etc. all under the prominently displayed WD40 name.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 10:33:45 am
content: Yeah watch out - WD40 is a generic brand now.I have prepared the following for this thread:VISUAL IDENTIFICATION GUIDE FOR SWITCH CLEANER FROM WD40Both available from Halfords for less than Amazon too...

author: babysitter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2017, 07:10:02 pm
content: Quote from: Benta on October 19, 2017, 11:53:44 amBut get rid of it after cleaning to prevent it from continuing eating, thats what ehm.... Kontakt 61 or WL is for. You will find thousands of Kontakt 60 bottles which have corroded lower end.... sounds bad.I belong to the Teslanol Oszillin religion.