Easy LT button fix

[jontpt]

I posted this fix as a reply to another thread, but thought it might warrant its own since it seems to be such a common problem.

So, as you all know, the firing button frequently refuses to work, causing no end of frustration and sore thumbs. Why this occurs is a mystery (to me, at least), but I think it may have to do with dust or debris left over from the manufacturing process. Anyway, here's what you can do:

1. Get a can of electrical contact cleaner (WD-40 might work, but no guarantees).
2. Attach the plastic tube to the nozzle (make sure you buy a brand that comes with one. I lost mine, but a very thin coffee stirrer works too).
3. Remove the bottom cap from your LT, place the plastic tube right up against the switch innards and blast a couple of times.
4. Shake out any excess, punch the firing button a few times and it should be good as new. Was with mine.

[Hottody]

WD-40 has worked just fine for my Vector Varible Volt / Lava Tube when the bottom gets sticky!

[jontpt]

Yeah, but I'm not sure what effect it would have on the electrical contacts. Might leave a residue, but it's probably ok.

[Pappy]

WD-40 attracts dust and grit. It may be a good short term fix, but in the long term I think it will just add to the problem. The contact cleaner is a much better product for this use.

[media]

deoxit is the best contact cleaner I have found. just get the regular and not the gold kind.

It works better than any standard contact cleaner sold at say, Home Depot. You can find deoxit at radio shack and fry's if you have one near you.

[jontpt]

Very true. Deoxit's the gold standard, although a bit more pricey than generic cleaners.

[media]

I repair hifi stereo equipment as a hobby. I find one cleaning with deoxit is the last I ever have to do. When I use others, I end up having to open the case and take things apart for another cleaning. It's worth it's weight in gold.