Cleaning scratchy pots... How?

[tubedude]

Is there a way? Do they have to be replaced or is there some high pressure air-in-a-can that will work?
Thanks...

[christiaan]

Most pots are closed units so if any dirt would get in there in the first place, it would be hard to blow it out again.

Scratching sounds most likely come from wear and tear anyway.

I'd say replace them. I hope you're good with a soldering iron

[Recording Engineer]

Unitil you get around to actually replacing them, give 'em a healthy dose of Caig Cramolin or DeOxit.

This'll help you further in that regard:
http://support.caig.com/faq.php?cat=12

[Pier Calacino]

Hey Tubedude,

Like Christiaan mentioned, if they have a lot of wear on them there may not be a lot you can do but change them out. Most good potentiometers are sealed, however I have been able to spray tuner cleaner down the shafts and let it soak for a while if there is no access in the body. Then you must rotate or slide them vigorously to clean the wipers and the resistor pad.

the other thing I have done is actually removed the pots from the circuit and soaked them in tuner cleaner for a while"

You may want to try cleaning them first before you replace them?

Best wishes

Pier

[Freudian Slip]

Some of the older pots I have been able to clean with TV tuner cleaner or connection Cleaner from the back. Your local GM dealership may have some goodwrench connection cleaner on hand. It has alwys been temporary though.

Be carefull if you try this. The cleaner will melt certain plastics.


Twist pots back and forth 150 times before each use That seems to work for a couple minutes.


F.S.