19 Apr
2006
19 Apr
'06
2:46 p.m.
Jim wrote...
I am glad Jay mentioned a product to use, but anything
but a hydrocarbon
lubricant is preferable, as frequently there will be plastics that are
damaged
by hydrocarbon oils. Silicon based oils may not do the same damage, such
as softening, but may soak into some materials and weaken them as well.
Caig Pro-Gold is designed to be sprayed in and around plastics, doesn't harm
them. Primary purpose is gold contacts and cable ends with plastic hoods,
etc. I'd have to double-check the can, but I'm pretty certain it doesn't
cause any problems with semiconductors, chokes, coils, plastics, etc.
As I've said before, it's not cheap, but it's certainly worth it. All you
have to do is damage one board because it doesn't seat easily or pull
easily, and Pro-Gold is cheap. Caig also makes a companion product, De-Oxit,
which is quite good as a contact cleaner (primarily tin). In many cases I
uses De-Oxit first, then Pro-Gold for anything De-Oxit hit that is gold.
Jay