Mechanical Mod contacts

[kowen]

Hey just a quick question, I was wondering what type of metal is best for the contacts. I know that silver is the best but I still hear of people preferring brass. The problem with brass is that I know it takes a lot to maintain, because when its dirty and not polished its no better then stainless steal. So I was wondering what metal is best and how I can get the contacts custom made. Thanks

 

[Fury83]

Brass is fine, not really that hard to maintain. Silver is better, still have to maintain it. Gold is too soft. Copper is very good but harder to maintain.

Plated brass is the new thing, how well it holds up depends on what the plating is and who's plating it. Well it's not new, but it's the new thing. I like what Super T does, plate brass in gold (maybe something else first) and then in Rhodium. Rhodium doesn't tarnish like the other metals mention and the thickness won't effect the conductivity.

Really though, brass is fine no matter what any reviewer who exclaims hardest hitting for any new mod claims. Just maintain it every once in a while and it will be good to you.

 

[kowen]

Damn I think I want to sell my new Zen 2 now haha It's gold and I've been hearing people say that its too soft. Any mechanicals you recommend? That are somewhat easy to come by haha.

 

[frazam]

Isn't brass just 28% as conductive as silver? Was looking at a conductivity chart awhile ago and silver is first, then copper. But brass is definitely better than steel.

 

[dubneg]

silver and copper are good.

 

[AttyPops]

Is there only one answer for all parts?

Don't most mech mods just have a center pin that makes contact for the button? It's going to be replaced regularly due to pitting anyway I would think. All button contacts arc. Depending on design, aren't you better off using fine sandpaper on the button pin?

Out of curiosity...what is the battery's contact made out of? (On the battery itself)

As to threads and center posts....meh. The gold plaiting should tarnish less, I would think. They don't get used as much as a button contact. That's why a lot of electrical contacts are gold plated.

Of course, wipe/clean contacts no matter what they are made of.

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So now I'm curious why everyone in the mech crowd is so brass nuts.

Can someone explain?