• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Deoxit ?

mustang1102

mustang1102

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
The word “Deoxit” is often thrown around without any specific discussion about “which” Deoxit product is appropriate to use, and on which items.

How about a current consensus on which Deoxit products to use, and where?

There is often confusion over which one will work, not cause damage, etc. There is D5, D100, Fader F5, Fader F100, Deoxit Gold, etc.

For switches, such as push button, lever, toggle, which product is best?

For sliders, such as volume slider controls, balance slider controls, equalizers, which product is best?

For conventional potentiometers, volume, bass, treble, balance, etc., which product is best ?

Any advantage to using the needle type applicator for those products that use them over an aerosol?

Anxious to see what the consensus is, thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
Arkay

Thread 'The Idiot's Guide to Using DeOxit (revisited)'

Moderator’s note: we have an updated and condensed version of the following here: https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/tldr-deoxit-guide.850968/

I was asked to re-post this semi-ancient post that has been long buried in the archives and I was reluctant to re-post anything already in the archives, but I decided that with just a bit of modification it may help some of the many newbies here who ask periodically about DeOxit and how to use it. With just a few minor changes from the original, here is re-presented...

INTRODUCTION:

You...
  • Like


Maybe scroll to the last few pages?
 
mustang1102 said:
The word “Deoxit” is often thrown around without any specific discussion about “which” Deoxit product is appropriate to use, and on which items
Click to expand...
That is because Caig screwed us renaming their different fluids Deoxit instead of the descriptive names they used to have. You learned about some of them in the link probably.

Deoxit
Faderlube
Pro Gold
Shield.

They kept the color differences but all that crap is now Deoxit brand with subtitles as to what it is. Dumb. But the home hobbyists respects the Deoxit name and does not know the Caig name so maybe it helps sales.

Similar to WD-40, which is the company name having electrical contact cleaner added to their line a number of years ago. But everyone knows WD-40, now a common name, is the water displacement fluid that should never be used to clean controls. The company is looking for sales at the expense of the consumer getting the product they should be using. But the info is on the web. Proper homework, like the idiot’s guide linked is necessary before making a product selection.
 
Last edited:
I have shifted completely away from DeOxit products. Like most of the "old guys", I remember this manufacturer from it's days before the marketing schmucks took over the company and rendered everything incomprehensible...and unaffordable.

MG Chemicals has always provided top-quality products, at very reasonable prices, with very clearly stated product characteristics and suggested usages. This was my go-to product for ages, as Caig Chemicals products were only available (at that time) to industrial users.

Contact Cleaners

Our contact cleaners are formulated to clean, lubricate, and protect vital components, which restores and prolongs their conductivity and performance.
mgchemicals.com mgchemicals.com

Electronics Cleaners

MG Chemicals offers a wide selection of electronic maintenance products, including electronics cleaners, such as solvent cleaner and IPA cleaner in both a liquid and aerosol format that quickly remove contaminants like grease, oils, fingerprints and flux residues from PCB surfaces.
mgchemicals.com mgchemicals.com

Electronics Cleaners

MG Chemicals offers a wide selection of electronic maintenance products, including electronics cleaners, such as solvent cleaner and IPA cleaner in both a liquid and aerosol format that quickly remove contaminants like grease, oils, fingerprints and flux residues from PCB surfaces.
mgchemicals.com mgchemicals.com
 
Am I on the right track with these MG Chemicals alternatives to DeoxIT or is there a nuance I'm missing? The basic logic I'm following is 801B for switches, 401B for anything that "sweeps" (knobs/sliders), and 409B as the "soap" if the unit is just filthy.

• For Metal Switches & Connectors: Instead of DeoxIT D5, alternative is MG 801B (Super Contact Cleaner). The PPE lubricant in 801B seems more stable for metal-to-metal and shouldn't turn into "green gunk" years down the road.
• For Volume & Tone Pots: Instead of DeoxIT D5, alternative is MG 401B (Nu-Trol). It sounds like it cleans the carbon track while keeping that smooth, "weighted" physical feel of the original knob.
• For EQ & Mixer Sliders: Instead of DeoxIT Fader F5, alternative is MG 401B (Nu-Trol). The goal here is to avoid stripping the original dampening grease so the sliders don't end up feeling "loose" or gritty.
• For Heavy Dirt/Old Grease: MG 409B (Electrosolve) or high purity (91%+) Isopropyl Alcohol to use as a zero-residue, high-pressure flush to wash out literal dirt before applying the actual lubricants.
 
mustang1102 said:
The word “Deoxit” is often thrown around without any specific discussion about “which” Deoxit product is appropriate to use, and on which items.

How about a current consensus on which Deoxit products to use, and where?

There is often confusion over which one will work, not cause damage, etc. There is D5, D100, Fader F5, Fader F100, Deoxit Gold, etc.

For switches, such as push button, lever, toggle, which product is best?

For sliders, such as volume slider controls, balance slider controls, equalizers, which product is best?

For conventional potentiometers, volume, bass, treble, balance, etc., which product is best ?

Any advantage to using the needle type applicator for those products that use them over an aerosol?

Anxious to see what the consensus is, thanks.
Click to expand...
I usually use D100l on small contacts, jacks , plugs and switches if it can be applied well. Spray D5 into control pots if there is an opening. Maybe follow up with F5 on Control Pots.

Be very carefull using Deoxit or any spray cleaner on Slider controls, some of them require Grease to function well. Sometimes it is necessary to dismantle Slider controls to properly clean and lubricate.
 
Thanks to all that have contributed to this post….much appreciated! Never hurts to resurrect some of this info from the past to refresh our memories, or what’s left of them.
:beerchug:
 
One of the old gurus, Bill Thomas used naptha for cleaning. CRC electronic cleaner, and their MAF cleaner works well too. And easy to find. A problem with deoxit is controlling how much gets in the pot. After taking apart a few pots that have been cleaned with deoxit, even small amounts, there is a lot of residue in them. Its not difficult to disassemble them, clean and grease, including the shafts. Then they feel silky smooth.
 
PattonD said:
• For Volume & Tone Pots: Instead of DeoxIT D5, alternative is MG 401B (Nu-Trol). It sounds like it cleans the carbon track while keeping that smooth, "weighted" physical feel of the original knob.
Click to expand...
For vintage (what I consider mid 70's and earlier) audio equipment, I have developed great praise for pots that still have a nice smooth feel with some physical resistance.

I've been using F5 for pots, for it's mild cleaning agents and lubrication properties.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom