Author Topic: Contact Cleaner and Switch lubricant (Read 28740 times)

BMac · « **on:** February 19, 2013, 07:18:32 pm »

I'm looking for response on what "contact cleaner" also "switch lubricant" that is used or preferred and why! I am in the middle of repairing a couple of tektronix scopes and some of the switch actions are dysfunctional so I need a cleaner/lubricant, something preferably that won't alter the high frequency response through the switch. Looking forward to the feedback!

BMac

robrenz · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2013, 07:21:22 pm »

Caig Deoxit D100L for cleaning. Deoxit G100L for lubrication, except non wire wound pots where I use Deoxit Fader lube.

ddavidebor · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2013, 07:45:15 pm »

I use isopropilic alcool for this.

You should search product for audio equipment use, there are a few ones made for potentiometer.

BMac · « **Reply #3 on:** February 19, 2013, 09:29:33 pm »

I find if I use IPA only on switches it removes the lubrication and the switch tends to stick!
BMac

Lightages · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2013, 11:08:40 pm »

I second what robrenz said.

nanofrog · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2013, 04:48:39 pm »

+1 for the Caig products robrenz mentioned.

Not cheap, but it works brilliantly, and a little goes a long way when used properly.

robrenz · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2013, 06:58:49 pm »

Excerpts from other posts of mine.

I get the bottled liquid instead of the spray. If I need to spray it I put a drop or two in a fine solder paste dispensing needle and put it on my paste dispenser and give it a 70psi blast. With that you can get into places the spray cans cant touch.

I don't have a problem with spray cans. I just like the versatility and cost effectiveness of the bottles or tubes. You never run out of propellant pressure with my method and you can swab every last drop out of the bottle. I keep a micro brush applicator with each bottle for non spray application. I have more control with the hypodermic/paste dispenser method as to the amount and where it goes. a carefully located drilled source (and drain if needed) micro holes in a switch or pot can allow cleaning and lube without disassembly. You can put as much IPA or your favorite cleaning solvent into a glue dispenser syringe as you feel appropriate and inject it under pressure. Then take the piston out of the syringe and blow it out with just the air. Then blast the conditioner or lube in.

This is what I did to my de-oxit bottles. I flattened the bottoms of the bottles with a harbor freight diamond block to get a roughened flat surface that super glue would adhere well to. Then super glued it to a suitable block of steel so tipping them over is way less likely and I only need one hand to open or close them.

BMac · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2013, 08:59:28 pm »

Great ideas! Thanks for the tips! I ended up using Deoxit for my Tektronix 466 repair/calibrate project, seems to have worked well.

BMac

saturation · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2013, 11:05:34 pm »

Brilliant idea, robrenz, those bottles are about $20 each and one needs only minuscule amounts to work. They also make a container with a needle tip dispenser.

Quote from: robrenz on February 21, 2013, 06:58:49 pm

Excerpts from other posts of mine.

nanofrog · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2013, 11:38:41 pm »

Quote from: saturation on February 22, 2013, 11:05:34 pm

Brilliant idea, robrenz, those bottles are about $20 each and one needs only minuscule amounts to work. They also make a container with a needle tip dispenser.

Best I've seen on this regarding cost in the US, is Amazon. Lubricant (G100L @ 7.4ml in a glass bottle w/ brush), I've only seen at MSRP.

If anyone can link better pricing for the US, it would be appreciated. TIA.

cwalex · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2013, 11:08:02 am »

Quote from: robrenz on February 19, 2013, 07:21:22 pm

Caig Deoxit D100L for cleaning. Deoxit G100L for lubrication, except non wire wound pots where I use Deoxit Fader lube.

I keep hearing great things about this product and since I seem to be following your advice with other equipment I'm considering buying some of this product just so I have it on hand. I don't think I have heard anyone say a bad thing about this product but I just have one question. Does this product have a best before or used by date? I'd hate to buy some and find that a year down the track it is out of date and no use.

sorry for the hijack, I think my post is mostly on topic

@robrenz: in a couple of months I'm going to be hitting you up with a pile of questions about metal work and milling machinery. I hope you don't mind it, you can tell me to piss off and I won't be offended

<grovel>robrenz you are my hero

</grovel> obviously second to dave!

robrenz · « **Reply #11 on:** February 23, 2013, 03:38:17 pm »

Caig products shelf life ~~here~~ keep in mind these are very conservative values. The MSDS on these says discoloration is an indicator of end of life. Many shelf life values are just numbers picked out of the air. But you are smart to not buy more than you expect to use in the nex three years.

No problem on machining questions. Just keep in mind I have industrial machinery and I am no expert on the hobby level equipment as to what is the best brand etc.

I am not hero worthy but thanks anyway.

Edit: Caig pdf attached

nanofrog · « **Reply #12 on:** February 23, 2013, 10:06:09 pm »

Quote from: robrenz on February 23, 2013, 03:38:17 pm

Caig products shelf life here keep in mind these are very conservative values. The MSDS on these says discoloration is an indicator of end of life. Many shelf life values are just numbers picked out of the air.

Hi rob, the link isn't working (goes to a login screen).

Took a look at the datasheet on caig's site, and that doesn't list a shelf life either, and don't recall ever seeing one.

robrenz · « **Reply #13 on:** February 23, 2013, 10:33:31 pm »

Fixed, I attached the pdf to the post.

cwalex · « **Reply #14 on:** February 23, 2013, 11:44:58 pm »

Quote from: robrenz on February 23, 2013, 03:38:17 pm

Caig products shelf life ~~here~~ keep in mind these are very conservative values. The MSDS on these says discoloration is an indicator of end of life. Many shelf life values are just numbers picked out of the air. But you are smart to not buy more than you expect to use in the nex three years.

No problem on machining questions. Just keep in mind I have industrial machinery and I am no expert on the hobby level equipment as to what is the best brand etc.

I am not hero worthy but thanks anyway.

Edit: Caig pdf attached

Cheers mate, I think I can live with a 3yr shelf life. My questions will probably be more about milling/cutting bits and machining not necessarily machinery.

nanofrog · « **Reply #15 on:** February 24, 2013, 06:05:00 am »

Quote from: robrenz on February 23, 2013, 10:33:31 pm

Fixed, I attached the pdf to the post.

Thanks.

Copy saved.

BravoV · « **Reply #16 on:** February 24, 2013, 10:10:30 am »

Quote from: robrenz on February 19, 2013, 07:21:22 pm

Caig Deoxit D100L for cleaning. Deoxit G100L for lubrication, except non wire wound pots where I use Deoxit Fader lube.

Robrenz, at where I live, the only Caig product available is only D5 spray can type, no other else.

Now questions, is this also good enough for cleaning + "lubricate & protection" for delicate electronic switch and contact ?. Also at Caig web, there are also dilluted version vs 100% version like yours, mind educate us a bit on this as well ?

TerraHertz · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2013, 10:26:53 am »

Very useful information, thank you!
I'd never heard of Deoxit type products, till I read one of the scope restoration threads. Definitely something I've needed for years.
Though, it still hadn't made it onto my 'to find & buy' list. I keep forgetting. NOW it will!

cwalex · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2013, 10:33:02 am »

Quote from: TerraHertz on February 24, 2013, 10:26:53 am

Very useful information, thank you!
I'd never heard of Deoxit type products, till I read one of the scope restoration threads. Definitely something I've needed for years.
Though, it still hadn't made it onto my 'to find & buy' list. I keep forgetting. NOW it will!

Yeah, good priced local aussie suppliers would be nice. I'm being lazy now...

TerraHertz · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2013, 10:58:13 am »

Why not just assume there aren't any, and buy online?
Very likely to save a lot of pointless trouble. Not to mention outrageous markups.

saturation · « **Reply #20 on:** February 24, 2013, 01:57:37 pm »

In the EU, the original formulation Cramolin can still be purchased. There is a soap opera story between Deoxit and Cramolin that you can find in the eevblog archives.

http://www.siber-sonic.com/electronics/caig.html

http://uk.farnell.com/cramolin/contaclean-400ml/cleaner-contaclean-400ml/dp/840038

robrenz · « **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2013, 09:12:24 pm »

Quote from: BravoV on February 24, 2013, 10:10:30 am

Now questions, is this also good enough for cleaning + "lubricate & protection" for delicate electronic switch and contact ?. Also at Caig web, there are also dilluted version vs 100% version like yours, mind educate us a bit on this as well ?

Caig technical page here all I know comes from this section and looking thru all of the rest of the site.

BravoV · « **Reply #22 on:** February 25, 2013, 03:37:06 am »

Thanks !

BMac · « **Reply #23 on:** February 25, 2013, 08:24:53 pm »

FYI, I found Deoxit and Deoxit Gold at my local "Guitar Center", in the US, $14.95 5oz spray can. Pretty good deal for Deoxit and "Guitar Center is open Sundays too. (It is repackaged by "HOSEA").

BMac

tjw · « **Reply #24 on:** February 25, 2013, 10:50:32 pm »

Hi,
For Australian members there is an alternative to expensive import products. CRC Industries in Castle Hill, NSW have been manufacturing cleaning and lubrication products for the Electronics Industry for many years. I remember having a can of CRC 2-26 at least 20 years ago. They make no residue contact cleaners and combination switch cleaner / lubricants that I have used with success for years. MDS and TDS data is available on their website.

WES components in Ashfield and Prime Electronics is Homebush sell CRC products - even Dick Smith used to sell it before they became a toy shop.

I am surprised they have not been mentioned in this thread - maybe Dave could go there and make a short video.

Regards.


EEVblog® Main Site	EEVblog® on Youtube	EEVblog® on Twitter	EEVblog® on Facebook	EEVblog® on Odysee

Author Topic: Contact Cleaner and Switch lubricant (Read 28740 times)

Share me