Proper way to clean leaf switches

[dkraines]

I have some 10 year old leaf switch joysticks (Wico) and push buttons.  I believe the contacts were coated with something black when they were new, they still are.  Over the years the contact quality has degraded.  What is the proper way to clean these?  File down and recoat with something???

I would prefer to keep the leaf switch feel and re-vitalize these.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[shardian]

I have some 10 year old leaf switch joysticks (Wico) and push buttons.  I believe the contacts were coated with something black when they were new, they still are.  Over the years the contact quality has degraded.  What is the proper way to clean these?  File down and recoat with something???

I would prefer to keep the leaf switch feel and re-vitalize these.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Do they work? If so, leave them alone. Clean off grime and dirt by running a business card between the contacts.

[Yarb]

A business card is the best way to clean them. If they are that same as a pinball leaf switch then they should be adjusted so that the contacts slide a little against each other a little when activated, this makes them self cleaning.

[daywane]

never ever file or sand!
a card like above will work fine.
also a $1.00 bill will work fine.
thats what I used when I worked at Alladins Castle in my younger days

[Xiaou2]

Also, if the stuff is really stuck on...  spray some  Radio Shack 'Electronic Cleaner'
on it first.   The stuff is a bit expensive, but it works miracles.   Eats away crud, and
then vanishes without a trace.

 Works great on Trackball Bearings.   Also cleans rubber rollers for printers and such.

 As well as removing marker, tape/glue, deep seated (ground-in) dirt such as
fingerprint grime,  and much more.

 And you only need a very small amount to get the job done.   For heavy duty
work, it comes with its own brush, which with a small bit of elbow power, will
clean just about anything to 'brand new' looking status.