Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

Audio Discussion => DIY => Topic started by: papabearjew on June 11, 2013, 10:49:13 AM

Title: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: papabearjew 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

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: Kingman 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 (http://www.douglasconnection.com/Connection-Cleaning-Kit-DCCCK.htm)

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: Reverend on June 11, 2013, 12:14:17 PM

Cloth soaked in deoxit for the outside, pipe cleaner with deoxit for the inside.

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: papabearjew 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

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: Kingman 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.

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: papabearjew on June 11, 2013, 06:10:29 PM

Thanks Kingman. Didn't want my skin to peel off!

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: Reverend on June 11, 2013, 06:52:41 PM

Nah, it's not that toxic.  Just spray it on a cloth/rag and pipe cleaner.

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: papabearjew on June 11, 2013, 08:07:45 PM

Thanks Reverend

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot 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.

Title: Re: cleaning phono jacks
Post by: papabearjew 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