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Looking for a contact cleaner recommendation.

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graywoulf

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I have a few vintage tube type radios that need some work and I am trying to find a good contact cleaner to use on the tube sockets and controls in order to get the job done. I am hoping that someone can recommend a good all purpose cleaner if there is such a thing. Any advice on cleaning the tube sockets would be appreciated as well. I have been trying to find some type of small brush for this work if such a thing exists. Thanks for any suggestions and help on this.
 

jassing

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You could try CRC electra clener; but I don't think it would help, and may harm plastics.
So I would think some mild soap/water/amonia (very mild solution) and use a small brass brush (bb gun cleaning brush, or similar, might have something in a welding shop too).
I don't think you're going to get any "quick fixes" for this.
 

graywoulf

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Hi jassing and thanks for the tip on the BB gun brush. As for the CRC cleaner, I have used it before on automotive parts but after reading some reviews about it, I found out that it is safe for plastics so I might just try it on my old radios. I found the "CRC 05103 QD Electronic Cleaner" on eBay for less than eight dollars which is a bargain in my opinion.
 

graywoulf

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jassing

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crc also makes a 'contact cleaner' which might be appropriate. No matter what, I think you're going to need mechanical contact to clean it.
 

graywoulf

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crc also makes a 'contact cleaner' which might be appropriate. No matter what, I think you're going to need mechanical contact to clean it.

I agree that the mechanical contact will be necessary. That is why I like the kit that I mentioned as it has the proper size brushes. Its going to be a tedious job for sure considering the number of tube sockets in the radios that I have and want to refurbish. One of which is my dad's old Johnson Messenger 223 base unit and a few antique AM radios. I also have an old portable tube tester that I inherited from one of my uncles that needs a good cleaning as well.
 

graywoulf

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D5 is a cleaner and lubricant, it leaves an oil residue that lubricates moving parts and protects the contacts from corrosion. This is what you want to use on switch contacts and potentiometer wipers. And recording studio patch bays, etc.

That sounds good as you say for controls and switches but will the oil benefit the tube sockets and tube pins?
 

graywoulf

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Yes. The lube reduces friction on the pins when putting tubes in and lessens corrosion over time. The Deoxit spray also cleans the metal surfaces and reduces electrical resistance.
I thank you kindly for that information and recommendation. I would assume as well that the lubrication will protect the metal surfaces from oxidation for a much longer period of time than not having a protective coating.
 
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