Forgive my ignorance....please:o)

[Thrift-a-holic]

I know there is a huge posting on Deoxit use. My problem is that the exact products I find online do not match the product names spoken of. At any rate, there are lots of products and the descriptions are somewhat vague. On the Big Deoxit posting the OP says the "gold" is for lube, but when I read the description provided online, it says it is for cleaning gold contacts. To boil this down, I am eyeing this deal. Is this what I need for cleaning and Lubricating pots. Again I want to both clean and lubricate.:yes:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104746

 

[terra1]

no ignorance, just confusing ... because of various experiences ...

You will get different answers, based on different experiences and preferences. Some will use different combinations or only one type of Deoxit.

For example, I don't use Gold for lube, I use Faderlube instead.

So at the risk of more confusion, here are tips from various threads - take from it what you will:
Pot/potentiometers are the rotary knobs. If you use Deoxit D5 recommended to followup with Faderlube F5 to replenish lubrication.
Switches can be levers or buttons. Use Deoxit.
Sliders are knobs that slide like on equalizers. Recommended to use Faderlube only on these.

Some will recommend only Faderlube F5 or Deoxit D100 on rotary knobs so as to play it safe and not lift and damage sensitive membranes or coatings -- or lose that silky resistance when turning the knob because of using the more solvent offerings. Although I don't know if it might just be the repeated working back and forth.

I don't use the Radio Shack twin pack of Deoxit DN5 and Gold GN5 because it's uneconomical. And the 14 gram quick drying breath sprays seem more suited for cleaning RCA jacks and connections rather than for fully flushing switches, pots and other contact cleaning. In fact the label on the package at RS now identifies it for what it is "Connector Cleaner."

So I prefer the 5 oz (142 gram) Deoxit D5 (which has more solvents and flushing action for cleaning) and/or Faderlube F5 (for more lube) for just about all my cleaning applications. Just my preference.

Radio Shack DN5 GN5 twinpack about $15
Deoxit D5 5oz $13.99 Faderlube F5 $11.99 at Fry's

14 grams v 142 grams: You get 10 times more product for less than half as much more dollars.

Also do not confuse D100L which is listed as the ingredient in Deoxit D5 with Deoxit D100. If you want 100% Deoxit (no solvents) look for D100 or D100S-2 on the label of the can.

As far as alternatives like CRC. There are cheaper electronics cleaners, but for large cleanup to be economical, I will use Puretronics (or any specifically for audio electronics and non-residue) or anhydrous 99.9 alcohol from Fry's for general cleanup and use Deoxit/Faderlube specifically for pots, sliders and final contact cleanups or where I deem worthy of the best stuff. Careful of some sprays which spray out freezing cold which can damage solder joints. Or Radio Shack's special contact tuner cleaner which sprays out white bubbly and crackly like pop rocks before it clears up and leaves a greasy petroleum residue.

Tutorial on cleaning with Deoxit (sticky in General Audio):

The Idiot's Guide to Using DeOxit (revisited)
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=207005

Tips on cleaning tuner (sticky in Tuners):

How to clean a tuner (analog)
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=144163
See thread for recommendations on non-residual contact cleaners.

Here's the best summary I have found on the various Deoxits:

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS DEOXIT
http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.I/id.66/.f

A) Standard Spray: Provides flushing action
Products:
DeoxIT® D5 Spray (D5S-6) & DeoxIT® D5 Mini-Spray (D5MS-15)
DeoxIT® GOLD G5 Spray (G5S-6) & DeoxIT® GOLD G5 Mini-Spray (G5MS-15)
DeoxIT® SHIELD S5 Spray (S5S-6) & DeoxIT® SHIELD S5 Mini-Spray (S5MS-15)

Formulation: 5% DeoxIT® (active ingredient), 75% odorless mineral spirits (carrier solvent), 20% propellant

Formulation contains petroleum naphtha (odorless mineral spirits) solvent, and is briefly flammable (until solvent evaporates within 2-3 minutes). It's slower to evaporate, providing flushing action to remove surfaces dirt, grease and other contaminants. Is ideal for connectors and components removed from equipment or those that are easily accessible. It is safe on plastics. When in doubt, always test for compatibility, especially vintage equipment with aging ABS plastic(s).

B) Non drip - Quick Dry Spray: Nonflammable, fast evaporating carrier solvent formula

Products:
DeoxIT® DN5 Spray (DN5S-6) & DeoxIT® DN5 Mini-Spray (DN5MS-15)
DeoxIT® GOLD GN5 Spray (GN5S-6N) & DeoxIT® GOLD GN5 Mini-Spray (GN5MS-15)
DeoxIT® GOLD GX5 Spray (GX5S-6N)
DeoxIT® SHIELD SN5 Spray (SN5S-6N) & DeoxIT® SHIELD SN5 Mini-Spray (SN5MS-15)

Formulation: 5% DeoxIT® (active ingredient), 75% 1,1,1,3,3-PENTAFLUOROPROPANE (carrier solvent), 1-5% isopropyl alcohol, 20% propellant

May be used where fast evaporation and/or non-flammability is required, and no dripping is preferred. It is also safe on plastics.

C) 100% Spray: No solvents, metered one-shot valve

Products:
DeoxIT® D100 Spray (D100S-2)
DeoxIT® GOLD G100 Spray (G100S-2)

Formulation: 20% DeoxIT® (active ingredient), 80% propellant

May be used where maximum lubrication is needed, but solvents are not desired. For example, where cleaning and lubrication is required or over-spray might adversely affect sensitive plastics. DeoxIT® utilizes a metered valve which sprays short bursts of 100% liquid.

 

[tucsonmike]

We don't have a fry's here so i buy from guitar center locally.

Parts express is also a good source for online.

no affiliation