Best Method For Cleaning Ric Volume And Tone Controls?

[sixtwentytwelve]

I have a ca. 1992 360-12 that has scratchy volume and tone controls ... I cleaned the jacks and the pickup selector switch with Deoxit, but is there a preferred way to clean standard Ric volume and tone controls to eliminate static? I found the thread below from several years ago, but it appears to be somewhat inconclusive. Do you need to disassemble the volume and tone controls in whole or in part to clean them and, if so, what's the best way to go about that? What's the best cleaning product to use? Any recommendations would be much appreciated -- thanks.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=230138&hilit=deoxit

[ric480]

Try rotating the pot knobs through their entire range,
back & forth,back & forth ... as many times as it takes.

Non-invasive, and it usually works.

[johnallg]

John Barry, the Caig name now is DeOxit FaderLube.

Spray - http://store.caig.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.293/.f
Grease - http://store.caig.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.305/.f

Read and decide.

[sixtwentytwelve]

Thanks for the recommendations ... if turning the knobs repeatedly does not clear up the static, it appears that the spray product might be the best option for applying the cleaner. I found these general suggestions for cleaning pots on on the web:

"Once the knobs have been taken off, fit the extension tube into the spray nozzle of the can and place it where the shaft enters the control. This is where the dirt is. Press the nozzle quickly for one short blast. You don't have to hose the thing down. Now, work the control's full swing rapidly back and forth for about thirty seconds. On particularly dirty pots or switches, a second or third application may be necessary. Wipe excess spray off with a soft, absorbent cloth. Information on the side of the can claims that it is non-flammable and safe on most plastics, but I don't think I'd want to breathe too much of it."

"Volume and Tone pots are the same component but a capacitor is soldered to the ground lug of the tone pot which prevents a certain amount of treble from grounding out. Scratchy pots can often be improved by using an electronics cleaner which is sprayed into the opening of the pot casing. Once sprayed you should rotate the pots knob from one extreme to the other several times to clean."

If anyone has any other thoughts on the best method to apply the cleaner to the volume and tone pots on a Ric wiring harness, please weigh in!