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WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
** It is not possible to "lubricate" a sealed pot, you need to make a small hole in it first. Sealing a pot does not prevent it becoming noisy.
There are two basic ways to do this, and one semi-exotic way, the last being universally successful, but with lots of caveats. All but the first require removing the pot from the device. a) A pressure pump - this will drive the lubricant down the shaft. A threaded tube connects to the pot with an internal sealing O-ring. It is then pressurized with the lubricant inside. In 80% of pots - including the likes of Revox - this works fine. I keep just such a device. b) Removing the pot(s), warming it (warm, not hot) and dropping it in cold lubricant. The cooling action creates a vacuum and draws the lubricant into the pot. Works in about 75% of those pots that do not respond to the first method. Getting to 95%. c) Using a small vacuum pump, create a moderate low pressure around the pot, while it is immersed in the lubricant. This will draw air out of the inside of the pot, which when the vacuum is release, will force lubricant into the void. For some hobbyists, especially those who do castings, this will be easy. For others, not so much. And caution is required as too much of a vacuum will entirely fill the inside of the pot. At which point, the process is repeated with the pot 'dry'. This will remove most of what is inside the pot. Few things are "not possible", with care and attention. Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
wrote:
** It is not possible to "lubricate" a sealed pot, you need to make a small hole in it first. Sealing a pot does not prevent it becoming noisy. There are two basic ways to do this, ** FFS you trumpet blowing, bull****ting IDIOT !!! Drilling a 2m hole take only seconds. A squirt of WD40 takes even less. Take your stupid, OTT public waking a shove it. ...... Phil |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 9:21:08 AM UTC-4, Phil Allison wrote:
Evil Phil said: ** FFS you trumpet blowing, bull****ting IDIOT !!! Reasonable Phil said: Drilling a 2m hole take only seconds. A squirt of WD40 takes even less. Evil Phil said: Take your stupid, OTT public waking a shove it. John says: Some pots are held together with the four folded over tabs, and bending them up with a slight pry will allow access with a flattened spray straw. This will allow me to spooze the crevice but good with my favorite lubricant (I should write for Penthouse Forum.... ) Bend the tabs back tight and all is well. Other than that, yeah, a small drill does fine and a dab of RTV will cover the hole nicely. Either method take very little time. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:08:30 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 9:21:08 AM UTC-4, Phil Allison wrote: Evil Phil said: ** FFS you trumpet blowing, bull****ting IDIOT !!! Reasonable Phil said: Drilling a 2m hole take only seconds. A squirt of WD40 takes even less. Evil Phil said: Take your stupid, OTT public waking a shove it. John says: Some pots are held together with the four folded over tabs, and bending them up with a slight pry will allow access with a flattened spray straw. This will allow me to spooze the crevice but good with my favorite lubricant (I should write for Penthouse Forum.... ) Bend the tabs back tight and all is well. Other than that, yeah, a small drill does fine and a dab of RTV will cover the hole nicely. Either method take very little time. So, tell me, without removing the pot from the device, even with a good vacuum cleaner, would _YOU_ wish to use a drill and possibly let metal shavings into something? Or would you prefer to leave a pot in place and lubricate it with a rather simple tool that covers roughly 80% of applications? And, if the pot is coming out anyway, why drill it if there are simple alternatives? Worst of all, even if using a brass-bit, what about getting some shavings into the pot? Don't tell me that has never happened?? "First, do no harm". Applies here as well as anywhere else. Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 9:21:08 AM UTC-4, Phil Allison wrote:
wrote: ** It is not possible to "lubricate" a sealed pot, you need to make a small hole in it first. Sealing a pot does not prevent it becoming noisy. There are two basic ways to do this, ** FFS you trumpet blowing, bull****ting IDIOT !!! Drilling a 2m hole take only seconds. A squirt of WD40 takes even less. Take your stupid, OTT public waking a shove it. ..... Phil What happened to "NOT POSSIBLE"? Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 10:40:02 AM UTC-4, wrote:
Or would you prefer to leave a pot in place and lubricate it with a rather simple tool that covers roughly 80% of applications? What about the other 20%? Not only does old man Murphy know me on a first name basis, I believe he's related to my wife.. And, if the pot is coming out anyway, why drill it if there are simple alternatives? Simple if you have the tool. If I had the tool you use in hand, yes I'd use it. I don't have one. 99.926 percent of the electronics I repair haven't had physical pots installed in them in two decades, so it's not a tool I need. Recurring problems motivate me to seek easier solutions. Also, one doesn't necessarily have to remove a pot to drill it if necessary.. And again, on the small percentage of pots that actually have no open access, bending the fold tabs back gives me the access I need. Not only can I flush it but good with the pot opened, but it gives me enough access to add some viscous silicone slime if I want to restore that slick feel. It takes less time to bend tabs back than it does to pull a vacuum on it, and I don't have to unsolder it. Worst of all, even if using a brass-bit, what about getting some shavings into the pot? Don't tell me that has never happened?? Never happened... |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Mon, 15 May 2017 18:11:12 -0700, Jeff Liebermann
wrote: Copy of the original kerosene and ATF article posted at... Oops. That should be acetone, not kerosene. -- Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558 |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
wrote:
---------------------- ** FFS you trumpet blowing, bull****ting IDIOT !!! Reasonable Phil said: Drilling a 2mm hole take only seconds. A squirt of WD40 takes even less. Take your stupid, OTT public waking a shove it. John says: Some pots are held together with the four folded over tabs, and bending them up with a slight pry will allow access with a flattened spray straw. This will allow me to spooze the crevice but good with my favorite lubricant (I should write for Penthouse Forum.... ) Bend the tabs back tight and all is well. Other than that, yeah, a small drill does fine and a dab of RTV will cover the hole nicely. Either method take very little time. So, tell me, without removing the pot from the device, even with a good vacuum cleaner, would _YOU_ wish to use a drill and possibly let metal shavings into something? ** In most cases, one drills into plastic. In other cases the swarf is easily removed. And, if the pot is coming out anyway, ** Of course it is not coming out. Forcing fluid around the shaft and its bearing is to be avoided - since it removes the layer of grease that gives pots their silky feel. On trick I sometimes employ to save disassembly / reassembly time is to remove the knob and hex nut, then drip some WD-40 around the thread with the shaft pointing upwards. It soon find its way onto the track and presto. ..... Phil ..... Phil |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Tue, 16 May 2017 18:36:39 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
wrote: Forcing fluid around the shaft and its bearing is to be avoided - since it removes the layer of grease that gives pots their silky feel. Damping grease: https://www.nyelubricants.com/damping-greases I have some for lubricating microscope gears. Kinda expensive, but a small tube lasts a long time. No way to re-lube a pot without disassembly: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lubricant-Grease-Nyogel-50g-Tube-/401292936041 The problem with re-lubricating pots on a hi-fi or whatever with several pots on the front panel, I would probably need to re-lube all the pots to make them all feel the same. -- Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558 |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:05:38 AM UTC-7, GS wrote:
" wrote: WD-40 is wonderful stuff if properly used and well understood. How long have I used it on stuff? I keep wondering, at least over 40 years. I know in the 60s I had some electronic cleaner that really melted some plastics good. Probably that was Freon TMC (the 'MC' was methylene chloride); it was the right stuff for some gum removal, but not nice to paint or plastics. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
whit3rd wrote:
On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:05:38 AM UTC-7, GS wrote: " wrote: WD-40 is wonderful stuff if properly used and well understood. How long have I used it on stuff? I keep wondering, at least over 40 years. I know in the 60s I had some electronic cleaner that really melted some plastics good. Probably that was Freon TMC (the 'MC' was methylene chloride); it was the right stuff for some gum removal, but not nice to paint or plastics. I seem to remember the name, like swish or wissh. Wisshed I hadn't used it. Greg |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote:
Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts?? Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. .... Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
CRC ELECTRICAL CLEANER
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WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On 2018/03/09 11:28 PM, marty wrote:
On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote: Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts??Â* Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Â*Â*Â* Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. ....Â* Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. Much like folks used to use carbon tetrachloride (or gasoline) for cleaning stuff or lead to make paint white, solder for water pipes...we have moved on. John :-#(# -- (Please post followups or tech inquiries to the USENET newsgroup) John's Jukes Ltd. MOVED to #7 - 3979 Marine Way, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5J 5E3 (604)872-5757 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games) www.flippers.com "Old pinballers never die, they just flip out." |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On 3/10/18 9:56 AM, John Robertson wrote:
WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. I have WD-40 in my shop. The ONLY thing I use it for is removing label adhesive residue. I once had someone tell me, "I use WD-40 on pots because they are too fragile to use anything else." (With regards to antique radios.) If they're THAT fragile, they should be replaced. -- "I am a river to my people." Jeff-1.0 WA6FWi http:foxsmercantile.com |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On 2018/03/10 9:00 AM, Fox's Mercantile wrote:
On 3/10/18 9:56 AM, John Robertson wrote: WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. I have WD-40 in my shop. The ONLY thing I use it for is removing label adhesive residue. Goof-off or Goo-Gone are probably cheaper per volume, and they can be dripped on instead of sprayed so your supply lasts a lot longer. John :-#)# I once had someone tell me, "I use WD-40 on pots because they are too fragile to use anything else." (With regards to antique radios.) If they're THAT fragile, they should be replaced. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
John Robertson wrote:
On 2018/03/09 11:28 PM, marty wrote: On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote: Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts?? Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. .... Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. Much like folks used to use carbon tetrachloride (or gasoline) for cleaning stuff or lead to make paint white, solder for water pipes...we have moved on. John :-#(# Never seen WD40 gum up, but it dries with a film. One of the popular cleaners is Nathpha, or like Coleman Fuel. It dries slow enough to use mechanical switch action to clean. For lube I like CRC 2-26. Greg |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
The right product is Siceront KF F2, an excellent contact cleaner. It
is either curative and preventive. marty a écritÂ*: On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote: Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts??Â* Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Â*Â*Â* Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. ....Â* Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Sun, 11 Mar 2018 08:42:37 -0000 (UTC), gregz
wrote: John Robertson wrote: On 2018/03/09 11:28 PM, marty wrote: On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote: Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts?? Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. .... Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. Much like folks used to use carbon tetrachloride (or gasoline) for cleaning stuff or lead to make paint white, solder for water pipes...we have moved on. John :-#(# Never seen WD40 gum up, but it dries with a film. One of the popular cleaners is Nathpha, or like Coleman Fuel. It dries slow enough to use mechanical switch action to clean. For lube I like CRC 2-26. Greg Aside from cost, I think Deoxit is the best spray to use. I'll continue to use Deoxit, but I do wish I could find a cheaper product for non-critical applications, such as the dashboard switches in cars. I used to use Radio Shack's contact cleaner and it was a good product, but now that R.S. is gone, I have not found any replacement. If anyone on here knows of a cheaper contact cleaner that is worthwhile, I'd like to hear about it. (and where ot buy it). My personal opinion about WD-40 is not very good. PB Blaster is far superior for loosening rusted bolts and it lasts a lot longer too. I have not bought WD-40 in years, I have not found any real use for it. Yet it costs more than PB Blaster, even though it's an inferior product. WD-40 was more or less the first product of it's kind, and it gained a reputation for its name, so now the name is what sells it, except for people like myself who learned that it's not worth much. From what I have heard, WD-40 is mostly just Kerosene. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
wrote:
------------------------- ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. .... Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. Never seen WD40 gum up, but it dries with a film. One of the popular cleaners is Nathpha, or like Coleman Fuel. It dries slow enough to use mechanical switch action to clean. For lube I like CRC 2-26. Greg My personal opinion about WD-40 is not very good. ** At least that sounds honest. I have not bought WD-40 in years, I have not found any real use for it. ** Hard to find uses if you don't have any... WD-40 was more or less the first product of it's kind, and it gained a reputation for its name, so now the name is what sells it, ** A trusted name plus stocked damn near everywhere is the real reason. except for people like myself who learned that it's not worth much. ** Same as your personal opinions .... From what I have heard, WD-40 is mostly just Kerosene. ** Like that stupid one. ..... Phil |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
wrote:
On Sun, 11 Mar 2018 08:42:37 -0000 (UTC), gregz wrote: John Robertson wrote: On 2018/03/09 11:28 PM, marty wrote: On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote: Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts?? Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. .... Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. Much like folks used to use carbon tetrachloride (or gasoline) for cleaning stuff or lead to make paint white, solder for water pipes...we have moved on. John :-#(# Never seen WD40 gum up, but it dries with a film. One of the popular cleaners is Nathpha, or like Coleman Fuel. It dries slow enough to use mechanical switch action to clean. For lube I like CRC 2-26. Greg Aside from cost, I think Deoxit is the best spray to use. I'll continue to use Deoxit, but I do wish I could find a cheaper product for non-critical applications, such as the dashboard switches in cars. I used to use Radio Shack's contact cleaner and it was a good product, but now that R.S. is gone, I have not found any replacement. If anyone on here knows of a cheaper contact cleaner that is worthwhile, I'd like to hear about it. (and where ot buy it). My personal opinion about WD-40 is not very good. PB Blaster is far superior for loosening rusted bolts and it lasts a lot longer too. I have not bought WD-40 in years, I have not found any real use for it. Yet it costs more than PB Blaster, even though it's an inferior product. WD-40 was more or less the first product of it's kind, and it gained a reputation for its name, so now the name is what sells it, except for people like myself who learned that it's not worth much. From what I have heard, WD-40 is mostly just Kerosene. At least PB Blaster actually displaces water instead of floating on water. Greg |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
https://www.wd40.com/files/pdf/msds-wd482671453.pdf
The above is the MSDS for WD40. And, yes, it is mostly ultra-refined kerosene. Track the CAS numbers to show that. What it is not is Stoddard Solvent, although it has been accused of being that in the past. http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927610 Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
wrote:
-------------------- https://www.wd40.com/files/pdf/msds-wd482671453.pdf The above is the MSDS for WD40. And, yes, it is mostly ultra-refined kerosene. ** So no longer Kerosene at all, a myth WD-40 strongly deny. What it is not is Stoddard Solvent, although it has been accused of being that in the past. ** If you consider WD-40 to be a 5:1 mix of a Naptha like solvent or White Spirit and light mineral oil - you are very close. Unlike most of its similar competitors, WD-40 is sold to the *public* at corner stores. So it suffers from being too commonplace. ..... Phil |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
I don't have an existing opinion on the terminology, but because I was curious I looked it up.
According to How Stuff Works, aliphatic hydrocarbons from C1 to C4 are gases. C5 - C7 are naphthas, also used in dry cleaning solvents, so maybe Stoddard solvents is accurate. C7 - C11 are blended to make gasoline. C12 - C15 is the kerosene range. Lubricating oils are longer carbon chains, and when we get above C20 we get solids, waxes. The MSDS for WD-40 is not real specific. It says aliphatic hydrocarbons 45-50%, LVP aliphatic hydrocarbons 12 - 18%, petroleum base oils 25%. Snopes says "medium aliphatic hydrocarbons, aka Stoddard solvent." Not being a chemist, from those descriptions I'd guess it's about 50% "naphtha," a very imprecise term, 20% kerosene, the rest oil. so I guess you're all correct. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
Look up the CAS number.
That will state exactly what each part contains. Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
Tim R wrote:
------------ According to How Stuff Works, aliphatic hydrocarbons from C1 to C4 are gases. C5 - C7 are naphthas, also used in dry cleaning solvents, so maybe Stoddard solvents is accurate. C7 - C11 are blended to make gasoline. C12 - C15 is the kerosene range. Lubricating oils are longer carbon chains, and when we get above C20 we get solids, waxes. The MSDS for WD-40 is not real specific. It says aliphatic hydrocarbons 45-50%, LVP aliphatic hydrocarbons 12 - 18%, petroleum base oils 25%. Snopes says "medium aliphatic hydrocarbons, aka Stoddard solvent." Not being a chemist, from those descriptions I'd guess it's about 50% "naphtha," a very imprecise term, 20% kerosene, the rest oil. so I guess you're all correct. ** Trying to disparage WD-4O by pointing out it is a mixture of a common solvents and light mineral oil is ridiculous. Its the *physical properties* of the mixture that make it work. The only way to know how well is to try using it on a variety of jobs over a period of time. I have done this long ago so am happy to recommend its use and comfortable that most will either have some on hand or can get it cheaply almost anywhere on earth. .... Phil |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
wrote:
On Sun, 11 Mar 2018 08:42:37 -0000 (UTC), gregz wrote: John Robertson wrote: On 2018/03/09 11:28 PM, marty wrote: On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote: Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts?? Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. .... Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. Much like folks used to use carbon tetrachloride (or gasoline) for cleaning stuff or lead to make paint white, solder for water pipes...we have moved on. John :-#(# Never seen WD40 gum up, but it dries with a film. One of the popular cleaners is Nathpha, or like Coleman Fuel. It dries slow enough to use mechanical switch action to clean. For lube I like CRC 2-26. Greg Aside from cost, I think Deoxit is the best spray to use. I'll continue to use Deoxit, but I do wish I could find a cheaper product for non-critical applications, such as the dashboard switches in cars. I used to use Radio Shack's contact cleaner and it was a good product, but now that R.S. is gone, I have not found any replacement. If anyone on here knows of a cheaper contact cleaner that is worthwhile, I'd like to hear about it. (and where ot buy it). My personal opinion about WD-40 is not very good. PB Blaster is far superior for loosening rusted bolts and it lasts a lot longer too. I have not bought WD-40 in years, I have not found any real use for it. Yet it costs more than PB Blaster, even though it's an inferior product. WD-40 was more or less the first product of it's kind, and it gained a reputation for its name, so now the name is what sells it, except for people like myself who learned that it's not worth much. From what I have heard, WD-40 is mostly just Kerosene. I think PB Blaster will melt polystyrene. Not sure about W40. Greg |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 9:51:02 PM UTC-4, Phil Allison wrote:
Its the *physical properties* of the mixture that make it work. The only way to know how well is to try using it on a variety of jobs over a period of time. I have done this long ago so am happy to recommend its use and comfortable that most will either have some on hand or can get it cheaply almost anywhere on earth. ... Phil I've used it for many decades and always have a can nearby. It's not the optimal choice for all applications but most of the time is "good enough." Reading the MSDS made it clear to me that it's a pretty variable mixture of various chain length hydrocarbons; surely one batch differs significantly from the next. Oh, and it's far better on locks than graphite. And terrible on an airgun. (at least on a springer) |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
|
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
GS wrote:
--------- I think PB Blaster will melt polystyrene. Not sure about W40. ** The solvent in WD-40 damaged does not damage any of the plastics commonly used in electronic or electrical components. In normal use, the solvent evaporates in 10 to 15 minutes having done its job of softening the contaminating material so merely operating the switch, pot or connector completes the cleaning operation. ..... Phil |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
Tim R wrote:
On Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 9:51:02 PM UTC-4, Phil Allison wrote: Its the *physical properties* of the mixture that make it work. The only way to know how well is to try using it on a variety of jobs over a period of time. I have done this long ago so am happy to recommend its use and comfortable that most will either have some on hand or can get it cheaply almost anywhere on earth. ... Phil I've used it for many decades and always have a can nearby. It's not the optimal choice for all applications but most of the time is "good enough." Reading the MSDS made it clear to me that it's a pretty variable mixture of various chain length hydrocarbons; surely one batch differs significantly from the next. Oh, and it's far better on locks than graphite. And terrible on an airgun. (at least on a springer) Im satisfied with the description of mineral spirits and light mineral oil. I laugh some say fish oil. Upon investigating, there seems to be a trace of bug oil. I think it was a variety of stink bug. LOL. Greg |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Wed, 14 Mar 2018 18:01:50 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison
wrote: GS wrote: --------- I think PB Blaster will melt polystyrene. Not sure about W40. ** The solvent in WD-40 damaged does not damage any of the plastics commonly used in electronic or electrical components. In normal use, the solvent evaporates in 10 to 15 minutes having done its job of softening the contaminating material so merely operating the switch, pot or connector completes the cleaning operation. .... Phil Just a heads up, don't use any isopropyl alcohol containing cleaners on coal based plastics (Mainly old eastern block products.) I had just repaired a camera and sprayed the meter pots. The plastic gears instantly turned into goo. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On 03/10/18 10:56, John Robertson wrote:
On 2018/03/09 11:28 PM, marty wrote: On 02/05/17 10:09, Phil Allison wrote: Micky wrote: I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts??Â* Either that or it's bad for them. ** WD40 is excellent at making bad contacts good again. Â*Â*Â* Switches, connectors and pots are all examples. ....Â* Phil Last week I fixed a small pot on headphones with WD40. Works perfectly now. The only problem was applying a small enough dose. Thanks for the info. WD-40 is a rust preventative tool only, anything else that it seems to do is done better by products designed for the job. WD-40 usually gums up after a year or so, so I can't imagine it will do your pot any good in the long run. Much like folks used to use carbon tetrachloride (or gasoline) for cleaning stuff or lead to make paint white, solder for water pipes...we have moved on. Carbon tet is awesome. It'll take out grease stains that nothing aqueous will touch. Of course you have to use it in the open air! TCE is almost as good and much much safer. Cheers Phil Hobbs -- Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC / Hobbs ElectroOptics Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 http://electrooptical.net http://hobbs-eo.com |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On 03/13/18 21:50, Phil Allison wrote:
Tim R wrote: ------------ According to How Stuff Works, aliphatic hydrocarbons from C1 to C4 are gases. C5 - C7 are naphthas, also used in dry cleaning solvents, so maybe Stoddard solvents is accurate. C7 - C11 are blended to make gasoline. C12 - C15 is the kerosene range. Lubricating oils are longer carbon chains, and when we get above C20 we get solids, waxes. The MSDS for WD-40 is not real specific. It says aliphatic hydrocarbons 45-50%, LVP aliphatic hydrocarbons 12 - 18%, petroleum base oils 25%. Snopes says "medium aliphatic hydrocarbons, aka Stoddard solvent." Not being a chemist, from those descriptions I'd guess it's about 50% "naphtha," a very imprecise term, 20% kerosene, the rest oil. so I guess you're all correct. ** Trying to disparage WD-4O by pointing out it is a mixture of a common solvents and light mineral oil is ridiculous. Its the *physical properties* of the mixture that make it work. The only way to know how well is to try using it on a variety of jobs over a period of time. I have done this long ago so am happy to recommend its use and comfortable that most will either have some on hand or can get it cheaply almost anywhere on earth. It also makes a good perfume for women who are interested in gearheads. ;) Cheers Phil Hobbs (Stainless welding flux is another good one.) -- Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC / Hobbs ElectroOptics Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 http://electrooptical.net http://hobbs-eo.com |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On 03/15/18 17:26, Chuck wrote:
On Wed, 14 Mar 2018 18:01:50 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison wrote: GS wrote: --------- I think PB Blaster will melt polystyrene. Not sure about W40. ** The solvent in WD-40 damaged does not damage any of the plastics commonly used in electronic or electrical components. In normal use, the solvent evaporates in 10 to 15 minutes having done its job of softening the contaminating material so merely operating the switch, pot or connector completes the cleaning operation. .... Phil Just a heads up, don't use any isopropyl alcohol containing cleaners on coal based plastics (Mainly old eastern block products.) I had just repaired a camera and sprayed the meter pots. The plastic gears instantly turned into goo. IPA makes a mess of acrylic too--it crazes the surface instantly. Cheers Phil Hobbs -- Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC / Hobbs ElectroOptics Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 http://electrooptical.net http://hobbs-eo.com |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Friday, March 16, 2018 at 7:04:58 PM UTC-5, Phil Hobbs wrote:
On 03/15/18 17:26, Chuck wrote: On Wed, 14 Mar 2018 18:01:50 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison wrote: GS wrote: --------- I think PB Blaster will melt polystyrene. Not sure about W40. ** The solvent in WD-40 damaged does not damage any of the plastics commonly used in electronic or electrical components. In normal use, the solvent evaporates in 10 to 15 minutes having done its job of softening the contaminating material so merely operating the switch, pot or connector completes the cleaning operation. .... Phil Just a heads up, don't use any isopropyl alcohol containing cleaners on coal based plastics (Mainly old eastern block products.) I had just repaired a camera and sprayed the meter pots. The plastic gears instantly turned into goo. IPA makes a mess of acrylic too--it crazes the surface instantly. Cheers Phil Hobbs -- Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC / Hobbs ElectroOptics Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 http://electrooptical.net http://hobbs-eo.com So does DEET. Keep it off your motorcycle gauge faces. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
Terry Schwartz wrote:
On Friday, March 16, 2018 at 7:04:58 PM UTC-5, Phil Hobbs wrote: On 03/15/18 17:26, Chuck wrote: On Wed, 14 Mar 2018 18:01:50 -0700 (PDT), Phil Allison wrote: GS wrote: --------- I think PB Blaster will melt polystyrene. Not sure about W40. ** The solvent in WD-40 damaged does not damage any of the plastics commonly used in electronic or electrical components. In normal use, the solvent evaporates in 10 to 15 minutes having done its job of softening the contaminating material so merely operating the switch, pot or connector completes the cleaning operation. .... Phil Just a heads up, don't use any isopropyl alcohol containing cleaners on coal based plastics (Mainly old eastern block products.) I had just repaired a camera and sprayed the meter pots. The plastic gears instantly turned into goo. IPA makes a mess of acrylic too--it crazes the surface instantly. Cheers Phil Hobbs -- Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC / Hobbs ElectroOptics Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 http://electrooptical.net http://hobbs-eo.com So does DEET. Keep it off your motorcycle gauge faces. I have been using Naptha cleaning fogged headlights for a tempoary fix. Actuall Seafoam mix. Greg |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Monday, 1 May 2017 09:07:51 UTC-7, Micky wrote:
WD-40 to clean electric contacts? I'm on vacation and renting a room, and my landlady has a combination CD/Radio/Cassette?, very compact, portable, works well except fo the little on/off/CD slide switch. The switch doesn't easily make contact, even when pushed to and past the On position. So it's hard to get the radio on, and it turns off by itself in about 30 minutes. Moving the switch back and forth 10 times to clean it hasn't worked yet. Normally what I would do is spray contact cleaner or tuner cleaner in the switch from above, where the plastic slider that goes over the switch is, And normally that doesn't accomplish much. Even taking such things apart and spraying the switch from underneath has taken longer to work than for rheostats, for example, and here I don't want to take it apart. She's only my landlady. I don't know where in this non-English-speaking country to buy contact cleaner and she might balk at the extra money, but she does have something in an aerosol can that looks mighty like WD-40. I have this vague recollection that WD-40 is good to clean electric contacts?? Either that or it's bad for them. Should I try it. BTW, I want to use the radio, so that's one big reason I want it fixed. When it stopped playing while she was there, she said, "Oh, yeah, maybe that's why I bought another one" (She speaks English.) every day i get down on my knees and thank the 6lb. 8 oz. baby jesus for giving us wd40. |
WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
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WD-40 to clean electric contacts?
On Sat, 19 Jan 2019 17:57:44 -0800, joefed54 wrote:
every day i get down on my knees and thank the 6lb. 8 oz. baby jesus for giving us wd40. You might just be the only one who does. |
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