On Tue, 27 Feb 2007 10:14:00 -0000, "N Cook"
wrote:

I often come across corroded or dirty contacts so the amp stops functioning.
If the spriginess of the metal has failed then replace obviously, but what
about the more usual case where it is only corrosion/airborn contaminaion,
not really necessitating pulling the amp apart to replace them. Any ideas
how to deal with.
1/ solvent clean the contact/s

Yes.

2/ abraid the contacts with file

By all means NO. Don't file, sand or otherwise remove metal from
switch contacts. That will make matters worse. If I can get in the
right spot, I'll "polish" them with a dollar bill (open the contacts,
put the bill between the contacts, close the contacts and work the
bill around or pull it out a few times.)

3/ coat the contacts with something

Caig D5 usually does the trick.

3/ add compressible material , glued in place, over the spring section to
add closure force

Nah. If it's worn out, replace it.

4/ if the sockets are never used for effects etc , bridge tightly across the
contact with fine copper wire, soldered in place, "shorting" the switch - if
plugged into at some future point then the wire will break

You're better off just using a short patch cord from Out to In.


-Dave