Restoring corroded electrical connectors

[Mike Hart]

Restoring corroded electrical connectors
By Raymond Nelson

You can soak the connectors overnight in a mild acidic wash.

• 1/2 pint vinegar
• 4 tablespoons salt
• 1 quart water
• "shaken, not stirred" - get that salt dissolved

This is dilute enough not to remove old silver and gold plating on some old musical instruments that I collect, will not hurt your skin (unless to soak yourself overnight), and will remove corrosion and produce clean shiny brass or tin by morning.

Really worn or cruddy plating may be removed but I think this is desirable because it might contribute to electrolytic activity and corrosion.

(I'm neither a chemist nor an electrician so correct me on any of this if I'm wrong.)

Could one soak the entire connector overnight?
This solution wont hurt the plastic connector, will it?

I don't know about old, cruddy plastic, but it should be fine. They store this stuff in plastic containers...

Standard disclaimers apply...

I hope this has helped. Please Email me with any corrections, suggestions, or comments.