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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Stormy151 on March 25, 2004, 11:36:24 pm

Title: Can you lubricate/loosen a potentiometer?
Post by: Stormy151 on March 25, 2004, 11:36:24 pm

I'm working on building my own SW yoke, and I'm using 5k Radio Shack pots.  They have that "volume knob" feel to them when turned, making the assembly feel kind of tight.  IIRC the original SW yoke was pretty loose- is there a way to loosen or lube a pot to make it move more freely?

I mean, I'd just squirt WD into the thing- but I'm worried about messing up the electric properties of them.

Title: Re:Can you lubricate/loosen a potentiometer?
Post by: Tailgunner on March 25, 2004, 11:47:27 pm

I'd give it a little time to wear in, it should both smooth out and loosen up after a bit of use.

Title: Re:Can you lubricate/loosen a potentiometer?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 26, 2004, 01:07:00 am

Never use WD-40 as volume control cleaner. Radio Shack has a good volume control spray cleaner (# 64-4315).

Of course I use an excellent cleaner called Nu-Trol Control Cleaner (# 401B-140g) by M.G. Chemicals (www.mgchemicals.com). It's for professional use only not normally sold to the general public.

Title: Re:Can you lubricate/loosen a potentiometer?
Post by: Stormy151 on March 26, 2004, 01:11:18 am

Does it also serve as a lubricant?

I wasn't going to spray WD-40 in there, I know it would gunk up the contacts. :)

Title: Re:Can you lubricate/loosen a potentiometer?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 26, 2004, 01:13:19 am

Yes, the Radio Shack and Nu-Trol have lubricants in them.