Author Topic: cleaning phono jacks  (Read 5752 times)

Offline papabearjew

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cleaning phono jacks
« on: June 11, 2013, 10:49:13 AM »
I just bought another tape deck selector box. Before I put it into service I want to clean it up a bit. I gave all the switches the Deoxit treatment but what about the phono jacks. Bearjew instructed me to use Brasso but I have issues with arthritis in my hands so that would be kind if rough. I was thinking of using my Dremel at relatively low speed with a small polishing bit and polishing compound...at least for the outside ground contact. Any other suggestions?  What about the center positive contact?
Thanks

Offline Kingman

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #1 on: June 11, 2013, 10:53:49 AM »
Papa... look on Douglas Cables site. He has some cleaners especially made for that.   http://www.douglasconnection.com/Connection-Cleaning-Kit-DCCCK.htm
« Last Edit: June 11, 2013, 10:57:43 AM by Kingman »
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Offline Reverend

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2013, 12:14:17 PM »
Cloth soaked in deoxit for the outside, pipe cleaner with deoxit for the inside.

Offline papabearjew

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2013, 01:47:17 PM »
Kingman, thanks for the info.  Pretty clever looking devices.  Will probably order a few to have them in the future.  For now I think I'll try Reverend's suggestion as I'd like to get this done before June 18th.  To use Deoxit on a rag or pipe cleaner do I spray directly on rag/pipe cleaner or into a cup first?  Do I need to wear latex gloves before contact with Deoxit?
thx

Offline Kingman

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2013, 05:18:26 PM »
Deoxit can't hurt you. I'd spray it on a pipe cleaner and go at it.
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Offline papabearjew

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2013, 06:10:29 PM »
Thanks Kingman. Didn't want my skin to peel off!

Offline Reverend

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #6 on: June 11, 2013, 06:52:41 PM »
Nah, it's not that toxic.  Just spray it on a cloth/rag and pipe cleaner.

Offline papabearjew

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #7 on: June 11, 2013, 08:07:45 PM »
Thanks Reverend

Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #8 on: June 11, 2013, 10:41:01 PM »
I've used a pipe cleaner with WD-40.   Deoxit is great for pots, but the WD-40 seems more aggressive on the rust to me.

Those tools linked seem really clever, and not at all expensive.   I may have to pick some up.

Offline papabearjew

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Re: cleaning phono jacks
« Reply #9 on: June 11, 2013, 11:11:41 PM »
Thanks Markshan. The jacks aren't really that bad. No rust just some discoloration. I figure it may work fine but might as well be proactive before I hook it up. My daughter-in-law is going to pick up pipe cleaners for me tomorrow.
Thanks everyone