Easy way to clean terminals

[chuck hahn]

OK like the title says, I have the wiring harness on the bench for the newest 1000C project. I have one of the tools that youn use to remove the pins from the plugs and all that. I was thinking of maybe a less time consuming way to clean the connectors and plugs without all the disassembly. Was thinking about that spary contact cleaner from Radio Shack, hanging them in a can of Coke or Berrymans. What have you guys used with satisfactory results as far as commercial stuff goes???

 

[Stahlgrau333]

I could be wrong, but off the top of my head I think it was baking soda dissolved in water that worked for me in the past. I could be remembering incorrectly though, it's been awhile. I used to use the Coke trick followed up with some brake cleaner, but I never did like the "syrupy" residue from the coke.

 

[FiremanBob]

I use CRC QD Electronics Cleaner. It works well and dries fast.

 

[Nessism]

Contact cleaner does not remove corrosion from the metal terminals, it just cleans the grease/oil.

Soaking in coke (phosphoric acid solution) might work. Don't leave them in the sauce too long though or a phosphate coating will build on the parts and defeat the purpose.

 

[chuck hahn]

ED....What do you think of something like evapo rust..I have about half a jug I dont exactly know what the brownish tarnish consists of in the connectors but i am open to all suggestions.

 

[AFRetired]

Deoxit D5

http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-De...LVEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334073991&sr=8-1

 

[Nessism]

I don't know about Evaporust on brass Chuck. I'd do some research first.

Deoxit is good, only that 5% spray stuff doesn't do much. The dab on Deoxit is concentrated, but I'm not sure if it's safe for the plastic plug shell so some research is in order there too.

 

[Crazy_Russian]

ive bean using clear Vinegar and q-tips, seams to get the job done. for the heavy oxidized ones Ive bean soaking them for about 24 hours, its time consuming, but it works

 

[BigD_83]

Evaporust is designed to work on ferrous metals. I'd say it is a no go for your purpose.

 

[chuck hahn]

Vinegar...DUH!! Should have thought of that. Thats a great solution seeing that i work in a grocery store.

 

[UncleMike]

Vinegar...DUH!! Should have thought of that. Thats a great solution seeing that i work in a grocery store.

Great natural weed killer, too.

 

[mike_of_bbg]

Naval Jelly works pretty well. 5-10 minute bath (I have a baby food jar of the stuff for portable bathing), vigorous water bath, WD-40 for Water Displacement, then brake-kleen. Dielectric Silicone for re-assembly.

Vinegar might do pretty well, too, though... Might have to try that next time.

 

[Crazy_Russian]

Great natural weed killer, too.

lol, did not know that will keep in mind

 

[hampshirehog]

Somebody on here used hydrochloric acid and it brought the things up like new. Never tried it myself (and I still have all my fingers) but it did appear to work very well.

 

[Crazy_Russian]

it dose work wonderfully, BUT, where do you get that stuff? i could not find it anywhere locally

 

[Matchless]

Somebody on here used hydrochloric acid and it brought the things up like new. Never tried it myself (and I still have all my fingers) but it did appear to work very well.

Out our way its used for swimming pools, to correct the PH, also called "spirit of salts" I think.

Keep the multiplug assembled
Degrease the connector properly, immersion.
Immerse it in pool acid (Hydrochloric acid) until the brass is clean.
Swirl well in clean water to completely remove any acid, especially from the crimped part.
Now spray with WD40 or your favorite moisture displacer.

The time taken is determined by how strong the acid is you are using.

The spade connectors have a tendency to lose their grip: The bent over sides on the female are opened up slightly when the plug is taken apart. So cleaning does not solve the problem completely. It best to rather replace the spade connectors in a suspect multiplug with new and properly crimped terminals.

 

[Guest]

I second the Deoxit. Fairly expensive this side of the boarder but works well. Matchless, you bike looks great!

 

[BUSARIDER]

Vinegar

Vinegar

I use white distilled vinegar on everything. I cleans terminals, won't hurt the insulation and It will make a rusty fuel tank spotless in 24-48 hours.

 

[Normk]

Another trick which I use is a hand held sandblaster. The sand reaches into the terminal and does a great job. Works well for "Buss type" glass fuse boxes also. As someone mentioned, one needs check that the terminals fit tightly although many can be adjusted by means of an "O" ring pick or pliers, depending.

 

[chuck hahn]

Got some of them in a cup with white vinegar soaking.. see how they look in the morning!!!