[Milsurplus] Milsurplus - Switch cleaning restoration advice from the Group

[gl4d21a at juno.com]

John:

There are several aspects to switch cleaning, and not all of tham are compatible with each other.  Many switches, even silver plated ones, need an agressive cleaner like Caig DeOxit D5 or equivalent.  Use cotton buds as required for the tough spots.  Some old unplated switches may even require something stronger, like a mild solution of phosphoric acid, but that is best left to experts.  

Now, once the contacts are clean, you have just started.  Next you need to wash out all the traces of cleaner and residue it removed from the contacts.  Here, I can't help you, as I saw the axe falling and stocked up with a personal lifetime supply of now forbidden cleaners.  Alcohol is pretty good, cheap and still permitted.  Remember that the cleaner is likely to have soaked in to phenolic and other porous materials and plan and clean accordingly.  After the cleaner has been removed, then it is time to add a small amount of surface protection to the contacts, again, I prefer a Caig product, ProGold G5.  Use sparingly.

For a very long list of other methods, Google the rec.antiques.radio+phono newsgroup.  You will find discussions which will numb your mind in details, as well as a lot of reasons not to use WD-40 and other inappropriate products.

HTH & 73,
George
W5VPQ


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