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Hints, Tips and Solutions (Do NOT post requests for help here) If you have any useful general hints and tips for vintage technology repair and restoration, please share them here. PLEASE DO NOT POST REQUESTS FOR HELP HERE! |
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22nd Nov 2015, 5:00 am | #1 |
Heptode
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Posts: 503
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Corroded battery terminals
Probably everyone knows this already but I only found out by accident!
Put some white vinegar on a paper serviette, wipe the terminals watch it fizz for 10 seconds and its done. Wipe off excess vinegar. Obviously it won't replace the eaten metal but it is electrically clean Cheers. |
22nd Nov 2015, 8:05 am | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,191
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Re: Corroded battery terminals
Yes, most small batteries use an alkaline electrolyte, so a chemically weak acid is a good thing to clean up the mess.
I find a solution of citric acid (available from pharmacies and shops that sell stuff for homebrewing beer -- I think I've even seen it in Wilko) smells nicer and works just as well. After applying the acid and removing the corrosion I give it a good wash in clean water, dry it, and give it a final clean with propan-2-ol (isopropanol, whatever you call it) |
22nd Nov 2015, 9:23 am | #3 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Middlewich, Cheshire, UK. & Winter in the Philippines.
Posts: 3,897
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Re: Corroded battery terminals
Coke works well too. Vodka works as a spirit cleaner. The combination works as a relaxant.
Other brands etc work just as well, in moderation of course. |
22nd Nov 2015, 4:25 pm | #4 |
Pentode
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Dorset, UK.
Posts: 240
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Re: Corroded battery terminals
Cillit Bang works quite well as well, the original in the purple bottle "Grime & Lime". Just cleaned up the corroded battery contacts of a neighbours doorbell. Wash off with water afterwards.
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22nd Nov 2015, 4:49 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
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Re: Corroded battery terminals
It's a perennial and controversial subject. There are many threads about it, I myself having posted on it a few weeks ago and some very interesting points were made. At the start, I was swayed towards using acid (or alkaline) as appropriate to neutralise the corrosion, whereas at the end of the thread I was/am now of the opinion that the best way is a purely mechanical approach with a touch of switch cleaner at the end for good measure. Read here: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=119905
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A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever.. |
23rd Nov 2015, 10:46 am | #6 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa.
Posts: 32
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Re: Corroded battery terminals
I find that, if there is bad corrosion that has spilt across adjacent plastic, dribble some boiling water over the site. Works miracles on even the most severe battery corrosion.
Use vinegar/acid to finish the job. |
23rd Nov 2015, 1:48 pm | #7 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 16,528
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Re: Corroded battery terminals
Given that any plating will have gone too, it's worth a smear of silicone grease afterwards to deter further corrosion.
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24th Nov 2015, 9:19 am | #8 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa.
Posts: 32
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Re: Corroded battery terminals
Further to my comment earlier, the boiling water treatment works very well when a lead/acid battery is involved, as in a car.
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