View Full Version : Contact cleaner


spence
01-24-2009, 11:23 AM
What's a good way to clean the copper contacts on my cordless drill batteries and charger base? Even if I scrape all the oxidation off with a screwriver I still don't get a good connection.

Thoughts?

-spence

Back Beach
01-24-2009, 11:25 AM
What's a good way to clean the copper contacts on my cordless drill batteries and charger base? Even if I scrape all the oxidation off with a screwriver I still don't get a good connection.

Thoughts?

-spence

Take the batteries to the guy who shines your shoes...:hihi:

spence
01-24-2009, 11:33 AM
Take the batteries to the guy who shines your shoes...:hihi:

Unfortunately, I usually shine my own shoes. In a pinch I'll let the butchers at the airport have a whack, but this is a rare occurance.

-spence

nightfighter
01-24-2009, 11:33 AM
try 0000 steel wool. Tape some around a dowel to get it down where my fat fingers can't work it.

BigFish
01-24-2009, 11:47 AM
Never-Dull!

tattoobob
01-24-2009, 01:59 PM
Use an eraser or rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip

Crafty Angler
01-25-2009, 12:48 AM
An eraser to clean them first, then a very light coat of Boeshield -

I always used it on camera contacts and the hotshoes - Boeshield will prevent oxidation and maintain the conductivity - if they're corroded you might also try Rust Free first which is also a product of theirs - you can find 'em both at WoodCraft if there's one near you -

spence
01-25-2009, 08:56 AM
An eraser to clean them first, then a very light coat of Boeshield -

I always used it on camera contacts and the hotshoes - Boeshield will prevent oxidation and maintain the conductivity - if they're corroded you might also try Rust Free first which is also a product of theirs - you can find 'em both at WoodCraft if there's one near you -

I'll look up that stuff up. They are caked on pretty badly, so I guess corrosion might be more appropriate than just oxidized.

thanks,

-spence

Nebe
01-25-2009, 09:02 AM
mix one part vinegar with one part lavender oil and simmer for 8 hours. Mix 3 parts corn meal to one part baking soda and let sit for 4 weeks. Mix and feed to a chinchilla. Take chinchilla feces and spread on contacts using carrot sticks dressed with hemp fiber.

Crafty Angler
01-25-2009, 09:23 AM
I'll look up that stuff up. They are caked on pretty badly, so I guess corrosion might be more appropriate than just oxidized.

thanks,

-spence

No prob, Spence - stuff like this is what old guys do with their time...:hihi:

Boeshield was developed by Boeing for the aircraft industry - they used to have pretty detailed info on their site, I used it on my Hasselblads, so obviously I trusted it -

Woodcraft had it on sale as a 3-pak for $22 or so - which is cheap - spray bottle of Rust Free, large spray can of Boeshield and another product for getting pitch off blades, etc - excellent price, used to pay almost that much for a smaller can of Boeshield alone.

Spray the Rust Free on wait a couple minutes and use a green 3M scrubby if it's that corroded -

BTW - it works great on saltwater stuff - but I'd be careful with Rust Free on any painted surface - just used it on my 8" Shimano needlenose pliers and it did an excellent job, then coated them with the Boeshield for corrosion protection -

spence
01-25-2009, 09:24 AM
mix one part vinegar with one part lavender oil and simmer for 8 hours. Mix 3 parts corn meal to one part baking soda and let sit for 4 weeks. Mix and feed to a chinchilla. Take chinchilla feces and spread on contacts using carrot sticks dressed with hemp fiber.

Tried that already.

It's a Porter Cable 19.2 that I've had forever. Great drill and gives you a workout at the same time.

-spence

Redsoxticket
01-25-2009, 12:21 PM
Ink eraser

The Dad Fisherman
01-26-2009, 08:40 AM
Hit them lightly with a small wire brush to get the big stuff off. then take an acid brush and cut 2/3 rds of the bristles down and scrub with isopropyl alcohol.

5/0
01-26-2009, 07:45 PM
Hate to say it but it might be time to replace the batteries more than likely there unable to hold a charge.

spence
01-27-2009, 07:51 AM
Hate to say it but it might be time to replace the batteries more than likely there unable to hold a charge.

I thought of that but they do seem to charge when the contacts are clean.

-spence

Nebe
01-27-2009, 09:30 AM
use a mild scotch brite pad and then put a wee bit of dielectric grease on the contacts and see what happens.

5/0
01-27-2009, 04:45 PM
I thought of that but they do seem to charge when the contacts are clean.

-spence

If the batteries are toast it will take a charge but under a working load it'll drain quickly.I've burnt through many batteries due to work.
If you have the 19.2 I'll bet there costly and if Li ion batteries they a pretty penny might want to pull one fron the Loafers:jester:
Any way I personally think there done.

spence
01-27-2009, 06:01 PM
If the batteries are toast it will take a charge but under a working load it'll drain quickly.I've burnt through many batteries due to work.
If you have the 19.2 I'll bet there costly and if Li ion batteries they a pretty penny might want to pull one fron the Loafers:jester:
Any way I personally think there done.

They're the older NiCad packs...freaking huge.

Could be spent, I'll try to clean out once more and see how they do. I don't use the unit all that often, but when I do it's nice to have the torque. That thing can drive a huge bit through just about anything.

-spence

5/0
01-27-2009, 06:50 PM
I dunno how much new batts are maybe a value pak of 2 VS one,
It's a nice drill with just under 500# of tourque and 1500 rpm not a bad cordless Spence.
If you do get new batts bring your old ones with you they should have recycle deposet box's there.



5/0