Questions for Deoxit users

[beaubrummels]

There's Deoxit, and there's Deoxit "Fader" version. I'm reading that the 'fader' version is the one that is safe for plastics. So...

Potentiometers have a surface mount board that the lugs are on (is that plastic? or something else?)
- Is it better to use the 'fader' version on pots?
- Or does normal Deoxit work without doing any harm?

I have some slide switches in an effects box that I think need lubrication (the action switching positions seems stiff and kind of 'gummy'; some kind of physical resistance but nothing I can see visibly). The switch toggle itself is black plastic while the electrical contacts and switch housing are metal.
- Should I use Deoxit "Fader" version on that?
- Is Deoxit more for cleaning or does it effectively lubricate also?
- Or would it be better to use a synthetic lubricant like NyoGel 760G?

 

[jeremy]

i didnt know there was a fader version so ive always used the red deoxit d5 on everything. nothing has burst into flames or died yet

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I don't think regular Deoxit will damage or dissolve plastic, especially resin circuit board material.
If that were an issue it'd be well-known by now.

However it's possible the stuff could dull the finish of glossy plastics like fader knobs or pickguards.
I imagine that's the reason they offer an alternate formulation.

Haven't researched the differences between the two, though, so this is not 100% reliable advice.

 

[GuitarStv]

I've always used the regular stuff on everything with no problems.

 

[beaubrummels]

Deoxit, Deoxit Gold, and tuner control cleaner have done fine by me. When I had my JVM 410H, I bought some no-residue stuff at a hardcore electronics store. It was heinous. It would discolor many of the plastics that got a decent snootfull of the stuff, smelled awful, irritated the skin.

The Gold is just for gold-plated metal, right? Or did you use it on other things?

 

[Artie]

Over in my "other" favorite forum, is a pretty good write-up on this exact topic. I'm pretty sure you can read it without being logged in.

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/the-idiots-guide-to-using-deoxit-revisited.207005/

 

[jeremy]

i thought the gold was just lube, not a cleaner?

 

[ErikH]

I still have a can of Radio Shack tuner / contact cleaner that I bought years ago. Lol.

 

[Securb]

I just use the regular stuff. However, the wiper inside a pot is plastic. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[JamesPaul]

An important note for potentiometers and faders is they need some lubrication. A pure electrical contact cleaner can wash the lubricant out and dry them out. Deoxit D5 has some lubricant, which is why we all get by with it. For really old pots and fades, or those needing frequent cleaning, I use the Deoxit F5.

For switches, jacks, and connectors D5 is completely fine.

Deoxit is safe for plastics http://store.caig.com/s.nl/ctype.KB/...2437/KB.215/.f

 

[JMP/HBE]

I have fried a pot wiper before cuz the inside was still wet with red Deoxit hours later as i tried to solder the back of the pot.

 

[beaubrummels]

An important note for potentiometers and faders is they need some lubrication. A pure electrical contact cleaner can wash the lubricant out and dry them out.

This is what I'm wondering happened to the switches I need to work on. They look clean, but the slide action is very resistant, seems kind of 'gummy' or sluggish, but the switches are bone clean inside. Maybe I should just use only NyoGel 760G on those?

 

[JamesPaul]

This is what I'm wondering happened to the switches I need to work on. They look clean, but the slide action is very resistant, seems kind of 'gummy' or sluggish, but the switches are bone clean inside. Maybe I should just use only NyoGel 760G on those?

I use Deoxit D5 on my slide (amp impedance, damping, etc.) switches. I would try that first as it should dissolve/displace any oxidation and dust which could still be in there, and leave them lightly lubricated. If still sluggish, you could try the NyoGel to lubricate them. You will want to use the NyoGel sparingly as too much may attract dust depending on how exposed the switches are.

 

[DonP]

There's Deoxit, and there's Deoxit "Fader" version. I'm reading that the 'fader' version is the one that is safe for plastics. So...

Potentiometers have a surface mount board that the lugs are on (is that plastic? or something else?)
- Is it better to use the 'fader' version on pots?
- Or does normal Deoxit work without doing any harm?

I have some slide switches in an effects box that I think need lubrication (the action switching positions seems stiff and kind of 'gummy'; some kind of physical resistance but nothing I can see visibly). The switch toggle itself is black plastic while the electrical contacts and switch housing are metal.
- Should I use Deoxit "Fader" version on that?
- Is Deoxit more for cleaning or does it effectively lubricate also?
- Or would it be better to use a synthetic lubricant like NyoGel 760G?

The fader version is for slider EQ faders or other straight slider pots. I think it would be find to clean the inside of round pots.

 

[chadd]

I still have a can of Radio Shack tuner / contact cleaner that I bought years ago. Lol.

I do too, but it doesn't spray well anymore. Almost like it has gone flat.

 

[Wound_Up]

There's Deoxit, and there's Deoxit "Fader" version. I'm reading that the 'fader' version is the one that is safe for plastics. So...

Potentiometers have a surface mount board that the lugs are on (is that plastic? or something else?)
- Is it better to use the 'fader' version on pots?
- Or does normal Deoxit work without doing any harm?

I have some slide switches in an effects box that I think need lubrication (the action switching positions seems stiff and kind of 'gummy'; some kind of physical resistance but nothing I can see visibly). The switch toggle itself is black plastic while the electrical contacts and switch housing are metal.
- Should I use Deoxit "Fader" version on that?
- Is Deoxit more for cleaning or does it effectively lubricate also?
- Or would it be better to use a synthetic lubricant like NyoGel 760G?

Normal Deoxit is safe on most plastics. Fader Deoxit is for some plastic specifically used in those, I'm betting.

Go to their website and read. It'll do you A LOT OF GOOD. They explain what each and every version is and what it's for. Whether it cleans, lubes, or cleans AND lubes.


https://caig.com/deoxit-d-series/

Go read. You'll get better info there than you will from people's memories. They have MANY different kinds of Deoxit and it seems that you need to spend some time there reading so you understand what it is youre working with

 

[GuitarStv]

Normal Deoxit is safe on most plastics. Fader Deoxit is for some plastic specifically used in those, I'm betting.

Go to their website and read. It'll do you A LOT OF GOOD. They explain what each and every version is and what it's for. Whether it cleans, lubes, or cleans AND lubes.


https://caig.com/deoxit-d-series/

Go read. You'll get better info there than you will from people's memories. They have MANY different kinds of Deoxit and it seems that you need to spend some time there reading so you understand what it is youre working with

Or just get regular deoxit. It works for everything you want it for on guitar stuff.

 

[beaubrummels]

Normal Deoxit is safe on most plastics. Fader Deoxit is for some plastic specifically used in those, I'm betting.

Go to their website and read. It'll do you A LOT OF GOOD. They explain what each and every version is and what it's for. Whether it cleans, lubes, or cleans AND lubes.

https://caig.com/deoxit-d-series/

Go read. You'll get better info there than you will from people's memories. They have MANY different kinds of Deoxit and it seems that you need to spend some time there reading so you understand what it is youre working with

I did read the product labeling and the web site before posting.

The fader version said it was formulated for sliding surface carbon-based controls, which potentiometers are. However I know multiple guys on here have used the D series on their pots and have said it was the answer to their scratchy pot issues. I wanted to find out if they had any further issues long term after doing that, since it sounds like the D series is not specifically formulated for carbon track controls. Wasn't asking for anyone to recall data from memory, but just relate their experience.

Also, I was specifically looking to use it on some slide switches that have nylon plastic slide elements with the metal contacts embedded on the back (specifically this type: https://switches-connectors-custom....e-switches/g-386-0001#Check Distributor Stock). The Caig site just says "for switches" for both the D and the F, which doesn't tell me specifically what I wanted to find out regarding the plastic elements of the switch type I'm looking at. The CAIG support knowledge base is just specific emails that got answered. There is some interesting detail there, but if someone didn't ask your specific question, you're out of luck.

The marketing claim that it lubricates doesn't tell me to the degree that it actually works for that vs a specific lubrication formula like NyoGel, or any riaks/disadvantages of do-it-all cleaner+lubricant vs using separate products for each (my experience is do-it-all stuff 'works' but can have issues, vs using the 'right' chemical for each job and never having a problem after that.). For example, some products claim they lubricate, but also do damage to certain materials. Oils can craze, crack, or embrittle a variety of plastic and elastomer components. Esters, diesters, and polyesters, are incompatible with polycarbonate, PVC, polystyrene, and ABS resins. CAIG doesn't reveal their actual lubrication formula other than saying 'DeoxiT active ingredient'.

I'm working on a vintage piece of gear that, once damaged, can't easily be fixed or replaced. So I was looking for people's real-world experiences.

I have the F version and NyoGel. I think I'm going to give JamesPaul's advice a go.