What's a good way to clean headset plugs?

[cowman]

I've got a couple of older david clark headsets I keep in the plane mainly as backups or an option in the rare event I have back seat passengers... tried using them a few times recently and I found they didn't work very well, had to rotate them in the jack to even get any audio.

Plugs looks pretty dirty/dull/tarnished. Figure that is the place to start, I've got steel wool, sandpaper, etc around but that seems like it might be too abrasive. Any better suggestions?

 

[biplanebob]

I have used gray (fine) Scotchbrite pads to clean the brass plugs on David Clark headsets

 

[asicer]

Deoxit D5

 

[SkyDog58]

From David Clark website FAQ.

What can I do if transmission and reception are scratchy with my ENC headset?
To clean the brass plugs found on older David Clark Company headsets, use a brass cleaning solution or mild abrasive. This will oftentimes improve the quality of transmission and reception.

 

[Acrodustertoo]

10" bastard file or a bench grinder.

 

[cowman]

10" bastard file or a bench grinder.

you're a bastard file...

 

[SkyDog58]

you're a bastard file...

I filed quite a few folks on here under that category.

 

[Acrodustertoo]

you're a bastard file...

Double cut Too!

 

[cgrab]

I use contact cleaner on mine when I do my annual and on the sockets as well.

 

[benhar77]

Did you copy my Reddit post?

I just asked this same thing a few days ago after I was getting some crackling on my 20+ year old ones. Suggestions offered to me were Scotch Brite pads, contact cleaner, heavy paper (20lb copy paper) with rubbing alcohol, and play some R Kelly and get your girlfriend to clean them with some Windex and toilet paper in an erotic fashion. I was adamantly told not to use steel wool, as that may leave shavings behind which could cause more issues.

I haven't tried any yet, and the weather doesn't look promising this weekend to test anything out anyway.

 

[pigpenracing]

I use red scotchbrite pads

 

[wilkersk]

Try a pencil eraser

If that doesn't clean it right up, use some regular Colgate
Toothpaste. Wipe it on, buff it off.

 

[James331]

....play some R Kelly and get your girlfriend to clean them with some Windex and toilet paper in an erotic fashion. ...

That's what the AIM suggests.


In a pinch you can also just spit on the plug and stick it in.

 

[SoonerAviator]

That's what the AIM suggests.


In a pinch you can also just spit on the plug and stick it in.

If you'd just warm up the socket a bit beforehand, you can usually forego the saliva on the plug.

 

[Jeff Oslick]

Try a pencil eraser

That's how I've always done it.

 

[JOhnH]

I use contact cleaner on mine when I do my annual and on the sockets as well.

Don't spray any into the mags or you may never get an A&P to work for you again.

 

[James331]

If you'd just warm up the socket a bit beforehand, you can usually forego the saliva on the plug.

Ain't got no time for that!

 

[EppyGA]

DeOxit

 

[dcmoser]

you're a bastard file...

Ha. Reminds me of back on the farm in Indiana. My mom was a straight up lady and when
she would come out to our shop, I would, as a cocky 12 year old, tell her to "hand me that bastard." --- Oh the stares I got!

 

[unsafervguy]

Just don't spray water into the plugs if they are hot!