Cleaning the new contacts

[Joe A]

Im really writing this as an FYI, as I just did this myself. While the old contacts needed a sanding occasionally, the new contacts also need to be cleaned along with the batteries. For the past couple of days I have been noticing the performance drop on my rebuilt Reo's. So today at work I took and old rubber eraser and cleaned the new firing pins and also the spring. While I was at it I cleaned the batteries I had with me. Took a lot of build up off of both. This way there is no chance of removing the plating and you get a fairly thorough scrub that soap and water wont do. Now its just like I installed the contacts on the first day.

If this has been posted before, my fault. And if someone has a better way let me know.

 

[Chowderhead1972]

You do realize an eraser is abrasive to gold, right?

 

[FACE MEAT]

I'm not sure what type of eraser you used, but a pink eraser is basically abrasive encased in rubber. It will remove gold plating.

I wouldn't be too concerned with abrading the gold plating on the contact. The berryllium copper underneath the gold is an excellent cunductor.

 

[Chowderhead1972]

The benefit of the gold is less for conductive purposes and more for the fact it will not oxidize unlike the copper.

 

[oplholik]

So, what's the best way to clean the gold tip, alcohol and a Q tip?

 

[supertrunker]

I use alcohol and a soft pencil eraser.

I thought about using some fresh bread rolled into a ball.....but i ate it.

T

 

[Joe A]

I use alcohol and a soft pencil eraser.

I thought about using some fresh bread rolled into a ball.....but i ate it.

T

no alcohol, but that's all I used. Works great

 

[e30ernest]

no alcohol, but that's all I used. Works great

Bread?

I must try that.

 

[Chowderhead1972]

Not sure how the bread is going to work... May smell like toast when sub-ohming.
This:http://www.amazon.com/DeoxIT®-Pen-NSN-6850-01-477-1444-100-solution/dp/B001EQ7H82/ref=pd_cp_e_0

 

[GreatestUnKnown]

Picked up this pair from Fry's Electronics today for $24 out the door. I run my REOs down to .17Ω and still get arcing but so far there are no signs of oxidation.

For those who have been using DeoxIT, what is your normal routine, every time you install the bat do you use it? and how often do you apply it to the contacts?

 

[oplholik]

Maybe use this on a Q tip to clean?

DeoxIT #D5S-6 Spray Contact Cleaner and Rejuvenator : Cleaners & wipes | RadioShack.com

 

[Rat2chat2]

Thank you for posting this question. I have just been using Everclear with great results but these are some good suggestions. That's what I like about looking through these threads.......I always learn something good.

 

[NicLiq]

Is there anything not good about cleaning with hot water, mild dish soap and a toothbrush?