Contact cleaner recommendations

[Discharge]

I have a scratchy pot on my Mordaunt-Short Performance 9 sub, is this WD40 stuff decent: https://www.wd40.com/products/contact-cleaner/

Or should I spend more on something like this: https://www.hotroxuk.com/caig-deoxit-d5-contact-cleaner-142-g-5-0-oz-d5.html

Seems to be a very large price disparity...

 

[Rick63]

Others will chime in, but as for me I'd never consider using anything other than deoxit. It may be pricey but a can of it could possibly last you a lifetime depending on how often you use it.

 

[Discharge]

Others will chime in, but as for me I'd never consider using anything other than deoxit. It may be pricey but a can of it could possibly last you a lifetime depending on how often you use it.

Ahh that's reassuring, i'll wait until tomorrow to buy the deoxit incase anyone else chimes in with some more info

 

[Rick63]

I'm pretty sure I've read somewhere that the WD-40 contact cleaner stuff is not recommended by professionals, but I could be wrong. Others with more knowledge will certainly reply.

 

[Discharge]

I'm pretty sure I've read somewhere that the WD-40 stuff is not recommended by professionals, but I could be wrong.

Yeah i'm sure i've read that somewhere as well but I can't recall if they meant regular wd40 or the contact cleaner

 

[Redacted]

Servisol Super 10 - cleaner and lubricant.
I've used it for decades on tons of crackly pots in all manner of kit - worked fine and nothing bad ever happened.

 

[Redacted]

Yeah i'm sure i've read that somewhere as well but I can't recall if they meant regular wd40 or the contact cleaner

Absolutely don't use regular WD40!

 

[Cbdb2]

Which deoxit?

https://leeselectronic.com/en/search?controller=search&s=Deoxit

Just get the smallest amount of contact cleaner spray. Unless the pots are plastic film.

 

[Discharge]

Which deoxit?

https://leeselectronic.com/en/search?controller=search&s=Deoxit

Just get the smallest amount of contact cleaner spray. Unless the pots are plastic film.

I cant seem to find out what film it uses, is there anyway to determine that?

 

[somebodyelse]

I cant seem to find out what film it uses, is there anyway to determine that?

You might be able to find a manufacturer's part number on it and search for a datasheet. Otherwise you'd need to take it apart, which isn't always possible without destroying it.

 

[Redacted]

You are going to need to open up the unit to get the nozzle of the spray can into the pot anyway. If the pot features a traditional stamped metal casing then it will almost certainly be a carbon track and you're fine.

 

[LTig]

I'm sure @restorer-john can answer this question.

 

[Discharge]

I have been steered toward Deoxit F5 (FaderLube) as D5 doesnt add back the lubrication

 

[Redacted]

Yup, I prefer the lube! Oooh, Matron! You're less likely to grind the tracks down.
Standard Deoxit is for relays and the like - no sliding surfaces.
That's why I use this (and much cheaper):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-10-switch-cleaning-lubricant/dp/B001DQ1FHM

 

[Discharge]

Dang, I already ordered the F5! Oh well, doubt I will need anymore but if I do, I can grab some of that Super 10

 

[audio_tony]

Servisol Super 10 - cleaner and lubricant.

100% Servisol.

I've worked in the industry for 40+ years and have only ever used Servisol. TVs, radios, hifi you name it.

Excellent stuff.

 

[Redacted]

You'll have a lifetime supply! It'll be the same stuff, but Deoxit has a badge premium and fancy packaging.

 

[Robin L]

I cant seem to find out what film it uses, is there anyway to determine that?

D5, Faderlube is a great light lubricant, but D5 deals with corrosion. It's good to have a can of compressed air to blow away the excess. Whatever you do, don't even think of using regular WD-40.

I've gone through something like 3, 4 cans, still working with the first can of Faderlube I got. I did some pro audio, explaining why I went through so much over 40 years.

 

[Discharge]

D5, Faderlube is a great light lubricant, but D5 deals with corrosion. It's good to have a can of compressed air to blow away the excess. Whatever you do, don't even think of using regular WD-40.

I've gone through something like 3, 4 cans, still working with the first can of Faderlube I got. I did some pro audio, explaining why I went through so much over 40 years.

Should I get both?

Apply D5, air and then the F5?

 

[respice finem]

Just a thought: Maybe it's possible to replace the pot with a sealed version instead?
My last remaining analog pot (sealed Alps in a Lehmann Rhinelander HPA) is now 16ish years old, no problems at all.

BTW: Out of ignorance, I admit having once treated pots in an old amplifier with WD40 (European formula), without negative experience.
But, I applied a very tiny amount (tip of a needle).