Contacts polishing (fine polish for brass or copper)

[Cloudd]

For plated brass or copper contacts you could sand down the layer of coating for a lower voltage drop but sanding produces a rough surface, which at first better than a flat surface (as it moulds onto the contact) , that over time it will oxidize and cause a high resistance spot.

Here's how you could polish soft metals using talc powder and paper, mimicking a fine polish emery. If the contacts were coated, use a fine sandpaper to remove it. This is mainly for the removal of oxidized coating.


Here's the cheap talc I've got


Spread the talc evenly onto the surface of the paper


Gently wipe the contacts on the paper, I suggest doing it on the floor (tiles), you'll need a mess-proof flat surface. The removed irregular metal surface or oxides will leave a black or red streak on the paper.


All done and shiny

Hope it helps

ADD: doesn't work on stainless steel, works fine for silver, brass, and copper.

 

[Froth]

Good tip, I've been using the same old worn out can of Nevr-Dull for going on ten years, I could use a change of pace.

 

[Cloudd]

Good tip, I've been using the same old worn out can of Nevr-Dull for going on ten years, I could use a change of pace.

For more radical and damaging approach, use autosol. It polishes stainless steel just like that.