Spray cleaner : Which for tube sockets, which for potentiometers ?

[d l x r e v e r b]

Which spray cleaner should be used for tube sockets and which spray cleaner should be used for potentiometers ?

I have heard the spray cleaner for potentiometers is not appropriate for the plastic of a tube socket and leaves an undesirable residue which is beneficial for potentiometers.

I will be including spray cleaners as part of my order to Antique Electrical Supply so it would be helpful if the recommended products are from the manufacturer CAIG which is available from Antique Electrical Supply.



reverb1

[harryjmic]

Caig De-ox and Pro Gold are both really good products.

[slider313]

I use Caig Deoxit on the pots and CRC QD contact cleaner on tube sockets. Home Depot sells the CRC for about $6.for an 11 ounce can.

[V846]

Tube sockets are self cleaning but if really necessary I like to use 99% isopropanol. For pots I have all sorts stuff Chemtronix Kontack restorer which is probably similar to the CRC QD plus most all the Caig products and some old Radio Shack contact cleaner that works very well.Some of the newer pots innards will melt using the old RS cleaner!

[FloridaSam]

Personally I have used the Radio Shack Contact Cleaner and Deoxit with no problems. The Kontak stuff is heralded in the uberexpensive Hi-Fi world and the stuff ain't cheap ($30.00 for a nailpolish sized bottle) Is it worth it? You can buy a whole new set of tube sockets for less.

[V846]

The RS stuff I have is well over ten years old, I'm sure the contents of contact cleaners has changed since then due to EPA regulations plus there is a warning to test as it can damage some plastics. I only use this on old icar pots as it work the best...
The Chemtronix Kontack restorer is 16oz and lasts a long time though I can't remember exactly how much it costs , got two cans long time ago. Supposed to be safe on plastics however there is a caveat on the label to test first and I did have one cheap replacement guitar pot disintegrate using the stuff..
Haven't had any melting issues with the Caig products on pots..

[Herf]

I use the Radio Shack, "Control/Contact Cleaner & Lubricant" (part no: 64-4315) on pots and it works very nicely.

I've never cleaned tube sockets though.