As for erasers, it's been a long time since I used one to clean contacts, but I do remember turning gold plated contacts silver. I think I erased the thin gold plating off.
I guess you have to be careful anytime you use anything abrasive to clean contacts... unless it's one of those carts that won't respond to anything and has visible corrosion on the contacts. For those, anything short of sandblasting barely makes a difference.
4
The best alcohol purity / cartridge cleaning methods thread.
Started by Ratty, Nov 20 2011 4:08 PM
cleaning
30 replies to this topic
#26 OFFLINE
Raccoon Lad
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- 372 posts
Moonsweeper
- I Like Pixels
- Location:The Caverns of DEATH ...and Pineapples
Posted Mon Nov 28, 2011 12:48 AM
#27 OFFLINE
Reaperman
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- 3,024 posts
River Patroller
- Location:New Orleans, LA
Posted Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:50 PM
I'm an eraser fan, and use a soft, retractable pencil eraser whenever cart shape will allow.
Since most cart's don't allow for eraser cleaning without pulling them apart, I use 70-90% alcohol and a cotton swab. I'm far from picky about alcohol purity though. It doesn't seem to make a whole lot of difference, and it sure doesn't seem to do as well as my trusty pentel clic.
Since most cart's don't allow for eraser cleaning without pulling them apart, I use 70-90% alcohol and a cotton swab. I'm far from picky about alcohol purity though. It doesn't seem to make a whole lot of difference, and it sure doesn't seem to do as well as my trusty pentel clic.
Edited by Reaperman, Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:51 PM.
#28 OFFLINE
SeberHusky
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- 78 posts
Star Raider
- Location:Northern Indiana
Posted Sat Dec 24, 2011 6:20 AM
Tried-and-true-method for me:
Rubbing alcohol, any percentage. Doesn't really matter, and a q-tip. You should see how dirty the Q-tip gets most of the time! It turns really black! lmao
Rubbing alcohol, any percentage. Doesn't really matter, and a q-tip. You should see how dirty the Q-tip gets most of the time! It turns really black! lmao
#29 OFFLINE
guy767
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- 87 posts
Star Raider
Posted Sat Dec 24, 2011 10:15 AM
I'm new here but if anyone cares here's my method...
1 - Brasso Metal polish - 2 cottons swabs bunched together with Brasso applied. I repeat on the opposite side of contacts by reversing the swabs and reapplying the Brasso.
2 - 91% Isopropyl Alcohol - 2 cotton swabs bunched together damp (Not dripping) with the alcohol. Same reverse technique is used.
3 – Dry with clean swabs – Once again 2 swabs tightly bunched together clean and dry to give the contacts a final polish/cleaning.
This method has worked 100% for me, It’s so effective that I don’t even have to take the carts apart to clean the contacts which can be a real pain.
I’ve tried Deoxit but I’ve found that after cleaning NES carts with it the games can’t be read by my system unless I remove the Deoxit with Alcohol.
However I have the Flushing Action version of Deoxit so I believe the additives coat the contacts and cause problems. If you do want to try Deoxit make sure you get the Quick Drying Formula and not the Flushing Action. Deoxit is pretty expensive ($14 for a 5 ounce can) so make sure you get the right type or you will be stuck with a $14 can of Make NES Carts Not Work Spray like me.
Another tip is getting quality cotton swabs/q-tips for dirt cheap. Go to your local Dollar Tree and look for Assured brand cotton swabs. These only cost $1 for a pack of 250 and they’re fantastic. Make sure you see the yellow label on the package “Compare to Q-tips” and you should be kosher. You will be amazed at the quality for $1; at least I was.
1 - Brasso Metal polish - 2 cottons swabs bunched together with Brasso applied. I repeat on the opposite side of contacts by reversing the swabs and reapplying the Brasso.
2 - 91% Isopropyl Alcohol - 2 cotton swabs bunched together damp (Not dripping) with the alcohol. Same reverse technique is used.
3 – Dry with clean swabs – Once again 2 swabs tightly bunched together clean and dry to give the contacts a final polish/cleaning.
This method has worked 100% for me, It’s so effective that I don’t even have to take the carts apart to clean the contacts which can be a real pain.
I’ve tried Deoxit but I’ve found that after cleaning NES carts with it the games can’t be read by my system unless I remove the Deoxit with Alcohol.
However I have the Flushing Action version of Deoxit so I believe the additives coat the contacts and cause problems. If you do want to try Deoxit make sure you get the Quick Drying Formula and not the Flushing Action. Deoxit is pretty expensive ($14 for a 5 ounce can) so make sure you get the right type or you will be stuck with a $14 can of Make NES Carts Not Work Spray like me.
Another tip is getting quality cotton swabs/q-tips for dirt cheap. Go to your local Dollar Tree and look for Assured brand cotton swabs. These only cost $1 for a pack of 250 and they’re fantastic. Make sure you see the yellow label on the package “Compare to Q-tips” and you should be kosher. You will be amazed at the quality for $1; at least I was.
#30 OFFLINE
Rik
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- 3,809 posts
River Patroller
- Location:Dimension of the TALLMAN
Posted Sat Dec 24, 2011 8:52 PM
I've always used spray contact cleaner which has 0% water, and cosmetic swabs, same idea as a Q-tip, but have a lint free durable, cleanable sponge tip.One sponge tip swab lasts for 15-20 or more cartridge contact cleanings at least.Contact cleaner is the best, but expensive, i also use it to clean PC circuit boards, electrical connections and a bunch of other things like that.
#31 OFFLINE
theloon
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- 1,015 posts
Stargunner
Posted Thu Dec 29, 2011 4:22 PM
I use Stoner branded flux remover on a Nami NES cleaning brush. The best alcohol purity I can get is Everclear at 150 proof. I don't usually drink it while cleaning carts though. That's how I destroyed my copy of Pitfall II whist enlarging the expansion port on my Genesis.
Edited by theloon, Thu Dec 29, 2011 4:29 PM.
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