Re: Safe to use WD40 as switch or potentiometer cleaner?

From: Ray L. Volts (raylvolts_at_SPAMRIDhotmail.com)
Date: 08/21/04 

Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2004 02:18:17 -0500

"Franky" <franklin_lo@mail.com> wrote in message
news:9548AEBCBB71231E75@127.0.0.1...
> Is it safe to use WD40 as a switch (or potentiometer) cleaner on
> circuit boards and in electronic equipment?
>
> I know that you can get the proper aerosol spray cans of switch
> cleaner but if I find myself without one of those then can I use
> WD40?
>
> Personally I would guess it is not OK as I figure there is always a
> thin layer of oil but several people I have spoken to say that they
> use WD40 all the time.
>
> Any views on this?

As some have suggested, you can temporarily restore a scratchy/dirty pot or
switch by just moving it thru its range 5-10 or so times. But, as I said,
this is only a temporary fix. I've tried this on hundreds of different
kinds of pots and switches over the years and this method just doesn't last
long at all for controls that aren't in practically constant use afterward.
If you don't use the control often, you'll find the next time you try to use
it, it will once again be scratchy.

To clean scratchy pots and switches that have a case hole, I flush them with
tuner (or contact) cleaner sprays using a plastic extender tube. I've found
these cleaners work very well on the pot wipers and switch contacts over
time. These contact restorers all basically do the same thing, which is to
clean, lubricate and protect without having to disassemble the control. Of
course, if the pot or switch shaft originally had grease on it and the spray
removed it, you'll need to replace it -- GC's Lubriplate is thin and easily
worked down into the shaft housing.

Some pots are designed to offer heavier resistance to movement in order to
appear "smoother" (read high-quality) to the operator. These may employ a
special high-viscosity "damping" lube. This is similar to the lube that's
used on a record player's cue arm to allow it to lower the needle onto the
vinyl slowly and softly. It's also used in cassette decks, et al, to make
the door operation smoother. It is very thick and should be applied
sparingly. This is not readily available; you'll likely have to mail order
it.

Pots and switches in high frequency applications may be better served by
cleaning with a non-residue cleaner and then lubed with special high-freq.
grease (I use GC's Tunerlub).

WD-40 may not be great for pots, but it does last a good while on garage
door wheels and the like. Slick 50 spray is a good alternative for
garden-variety needs.

WD-40 is superb for removing dried contact cement! I use it to clean up DAP
cement after applying laminate (Formica, Wilsonart, etc.). It works better
than many other solvents I've tried. I wouldn't recommend it on porous
surfaces where it can soak in and cause probs, but on non-porous surfaces
such as these laminates it works wonders and it can be cleaned off easily
enough.
WD-40 also dissolves the gum backing from price stickers and the like, but I
prefer to use Chemtronics Label Adhesive Remover because it foams up and
stays in place (handy on vertical surfaces). It also smells a lot better
than WD-40.

But I digress...
Use products designed specifically for electronics use and you'll be happier
with your repairs in the long run.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Safe to use WD40 as switch or potentiometer cleaner?
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