Wild_Bill wrote:
Naptha is a very thin solvent and probably still the main ingrediant in cigarette lighter fluid (and possibly charcoal
lighter fluid).

Naptha and other cheap substitute solvents won't provide the same cleaning qualities or lasting lubrication on pot
elements.

In relation to...?

I agree that naphtha is an excellent solvent and provides no lubrication.
Doubtlessly there are better products available for lubrication after
gunk is liberated from working parts. Naphtha *is* the main
ingredient in DeOxit, only 5% of which appears to be a lubricant.
http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Product...004%20MSDS.pdf

Naptha isn't the sort of product I'd want used on any of my equipment. It will most likely be absorbed by nearby
materials, and if something goes wrong (during or after application) I suspect that the combustibility ratings of the
various otherwise safe materials will be significantly increased.

Naphtha is extremely volatile and flammable.
Common sense dictates *lots* of ventilation and
separation from sparks and open flame.

In most instances, it dries within minutes and presents no more serious a
hazard than the equipment itself.

I've used it safely for years.

I'm no stranger to flammable solvents.. I spent many years working with them every day and never had a fire incident.
There are safety precautions which must be obeyed to minimize the risk of fires.. and careless storage, disposal or
handling of solvents is asking for trouble.

That's common sense. There is nothing careless about the safe use of solvent though.

In the past, I've recommended against the not use of other solvents in electronic equipment (WD40 is stoddard solvent)
for any anecdotal "werks great for this" problems.

Yes. WD-40 is awful for most purposes.

Improvising with a product just because it's cheaper or more conveniently available isn't rational logic, IMO.
If the electronic gear isn't worth servicing properly, then it would be better to just sell it for parts.

For many cleaning tasks, naphtha is the fastest, most effective, least expensive option.

I've encountered cheap customers that have wanted something repaired/serviced for almost free since they only paid $2
for it at a flea market.. and they believe they're being sensible.
I've let them know that they aren't going to waste any more of my time.

Good on ya.

--Winston