Bob Roberts said to clean leafs with a business card , other methods ?

[mrclean]

can i dunk my wico leafs in some solution to clean the contacts on old leafs ?

[Level42]

Why doubt one of the icons in the hobby/business.

Did you actually try it ? I have, and it works great

[Kevin Mullins]

The idea is you want to be gentle on them.
Not to "file" or "sand' them.

It doesn't take much to remove the general tarnish off.
You could possibly use a dab of something like Tarn-X if you wish.

[CheffoJeffo]

If you are skeptical, check the continuity with a meter. It doesn't take much to clean them up.

[SirPeale]

dollar bill
coin wrap
piece of denim

doesn't take much.

[mrclean]

Why doubt one of the icons in the hobby/business.

Did you actually try it ? I have, and it works great

I never said i doubt bob, i just wanted to know other methods that people have used.

[channelmaniac]

VERY fine sandpaper... 400 grit or higher and a very fine touch.

If they are badly pitted or corroded then use a Point File on them. You can pick those up at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Just be gentle! It doesn't take much to restore them to smooth operation.

RJ

[Level42]

VERY fine sandpaper... 400 grit or higher and a very fine touch.

If they are badly pitted or corroded then use a Point File on them. You can pick those up at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Just be gentle! It doesn't take much to restore them to smooth operation.

RJ

A file will get the extremely thin layer of gold (IF it are gold-plated contacts) off in no time. Not the best option.

Even Atari endorsed the business card solution in their "The Book" (a must read: http://arcarc.xmission.com/PDF_Arcade_Atari_Kee/Atari_TM-129_The_Book.pdf)

[mrclean]

Who sells NOS wico just the "leafs" I ordered a 4pack from bob a while ago repro and they don't fit my wico's.

[Level42]

Now _there's_ a flaw of good old Bob. Selling the cheapo Chinese Wico fake crap.

Even if they would fit, you probably won't be using them for long....terrible quality.

Got a pick of the leafs ? Pretty sure there are fitting replacements around.

[Pac-Fan]

Fiberglass pencil works wonders. It removes the oxidation but does not scratch/pit the contact.  It's kinda hard to get in at an angle and must be done with the leaf off the panel, but is very gentle and shines them up much better than a business card can.

Alternatively, you can soak a business card in electronic contact cleaner to help with polishing the contacts better.

[TheShanMan]

I tried a business card with mine but that wasn't sufficient - my contacts were horribly tarnished. I carefully used very fine sandpaper and it worked wonders.

[mrclean]

Got a pick of the leafs ? Pretty sure there are fitting replacements around.

Yeah they work with lizardlicks chinese repro knockoff wico sticks etc.. here is a pic of the repro ones that bob sells for 4 bucks a pack that does not work well with the wico bases. I got lucky and was able to track down some NOS Wico Leafs for my project.

Someone on KLOV said and i'd agree with them if someone were to actually make a good repro for the wico bases they would make a TON of money!

[channelmaniac]

VERY fine sandpaper... 400 grit or higher and a very fine touch.

If they are badly pitted or corroded then use a Point File on them. You can pick those up at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. Just be gentle! It doesn't take much to restore them to smooth operation.

RJ

A file will get the extremely thin layer of gold (IF it are gold-plated contacts) off in no time. Not the best option.

Even Atari endorsed the business card solution in their "The Book" (a must read: http://arcarc.xmission.com/PDF_Arcade_Atari_Kee/Atari_TM-129_The_Book.pdf)

If they are badly pitted or corroded they are beyond a business card. Hence... the need. It's either that or replace them.