Cleaning the wafer switches, etc. Best methods.

[Robert Myers]

I have an SB-401, and an SB-303.  Both need an especially good cleaning of the wafer switch contacts  --- but anything with sliding, or push-in contacts needs cleaning too.  In fact, circuit board connectors --- anything.  The SB-401's Potter-Brumfield multiple relay contacts also need the same.

CAIG Labs sells a spray called "DeoxIT" (5% concentration) --- in fact they have an extensive line of cleaners/ deoxidizers/ lubricants for carbon pots, and have always been very big with the professional audio folks.  CAIG Labs also have 100 % concentration solution of DeoxIT available with special syringes, or brushes, for direct application to the problem area.

Which would be best to use for cleaning the oxides off my SB-401/303 wafer switches?  I will be able to access each switch precisely, so I won't have to spray into a 'general area' just trying to hit the problem switch wafer as close as possible (like you have to do in some cases).

Does anyone know why I should NOT use the DeoxIT 100% concentration solution directly applied to the wafer switch metal, as opposed to the DeoxIT 5% concentration solution sprayed *at* these things to clean them?  If it is a matter of displacing the oxides after breaking them up, I could always use the spray DeoxIT AFTER letting the 100 % direct concentration DeoxIT do its more powerful job first for a while.  Any ideas from people who do this sort of thing a lot?

Finally, does anyone have any of their favorite methods, or brands that they have found for cleaning up Heathkit rigs (that have been in storage) so that the wafer switches are as like new as possible.  And what about the SB-401 relay?  Any special tricks there?

Thanks!
73 Rob VE3 JQL

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