[Boatanchors] Cleaning a bandswitch

[Walt Cates]

I have used the CRC QD Electronic Cleaners for many years. There is two products I use. The red can is a no residue cleaner that will just about anything. The green can is a cleaner with a lubricant that slowes the oxidation process, used for switches and pots. Neither product is adsorbed by vintage switch wafers and will not etch plastic. The cans are twice the size of DeOxid and half the price.

For wafer switch cleaning I spray a little in a bottle cap, dip a Q-tip and clean the switch. It does a great job and the switches work like new.




Walt Cates, WD0GOF
https://wd0gof.com/Hallicrafters

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________________________________
From: boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net <boatanchors-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Bill Cotter <n4lg at qx.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2025 9:41 AM
To: Boatanchors Reflector <Boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] Cleaning a bandswitch

Hi Dave,

I have noticed a lot of Drake equipment (2A/B, TR-3/4, T4/R4) are
prone to heavy oxidation on the switches. Especially, gear stored
in high humidity locations.

If you only have DeOxit spray, spray a small quantity into a cap or
cup that will hold a CC or less. Use a toothepick or a Q-tip with
the cotton end snipped off. Apply sparingly to the contacts and
rotor, carefully avoiding any phenolic surfaces. Rotate the switch
to spread out the cleaner.

For switch contacts that are heavily tarnished and will not work
after DeOxit application, you can find a burnishing brush (looks
like a pen with fiberglass bristles) and gently polish off the
tarnish. Avoid using any tools that will scratch the contacts or races.

For crystals that cease to function, I have had limited (25-30%)
success bring them back to life by baking them in the oven at 200F
for a couple of hours.

Best of Luck - 73 Bill N4LG

At 09:08 AM 12/20/2025, Dave Sublette wrote:
>My beloved Drake 2B has quit operating on a couple of bands.  I
>suspect
>that a few positions on one or more of the bandswitch wafers need
>cleaning.
>Q-tips, isopropyl alcohol and spray contact cleaner come to
>mind,  But is
>seems to me that a very thin bladed burnishing tool for relay contacts
>might also be called for.  I know caution is in order so as not to
>file
>away the surface area of the delicat blades and fingers.  What other
>techniques might you know of?  I am not anywhere near to being a
>competent restoration tech.  I know there is a valued source of
>info here.
>What say ye?
>
>Thanks and 73,
>
>Dave, K4TO
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