#1 resource for Cigar Box Guitars, Free Plans, How-To, Parts & More!

Cleaning crackly pots

Sure lots of us have had this problem at some point.

Iv just got hold of a little 30W amp for the next project, but almost every knob on it crackles loudly when adjusting the settings... I guess its just dirt in the pots.

Iv heard the 'quick spray of switch cleaner will sort that' a thousand times, but I dont know whats actually involved. I assume wafting the can in the general direction of the amp wont work, so how far do I go? Should I dismantle it completely and try to get some in the pots themselves, or just in the casing?

Or maybe theres a better solution all together??

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JUJU on July 13, 2009 at 5:29am

Hi Ben
The cleaner spray is sprayed into the pot itself , spray it in where the three terminals are theres a slot in the pot , never tried it myself , if i have a pot that crackles i strip the pot down and clean it >take the cover off the pot by bending the three little tabs that hold the cover on > use some 320 grit finishing paper to clean the metal contact > and clean the ceramic /graphite circuit with metholated spirit , if that dont work i will bin it and replace it

i know that spray you talk of is quite expensive could be cheaper to just buy new pots ?

see what other comment you get there may be other methods
juju.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jkevn on July 13, 2009 at 5:55am

Ben, if there are any TV repair shops in your area, ask if they have a partial can of contact, or control cleaner. much like juju says, spray it into the opening on the rear of the pot and work it back and forth a few times. If you dont have to but a whole can, it's definately cheaper than new pots...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Roosterman on July 14, 2009 at 8:27am

Thnaks lads. Iv ordered a small tin of spray so Il let you know what happens when it arrives!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Diydc on July 14, 2009 at 1:49pm

There is also a cleansing and protective spray to stop it becomming crackly again as quickly, I could look out the number, but I fear you US folks have a different standard than german or europesn sprays...
Works very well though, and I`d recommend you ask if there is an equivalent in the suppliers store.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Roosterman on July 16, 2009 at 6:50am

Well chaps, I bought a 200ml tin of switch cleaner off ebay, cost £2.

Gave it a short spray in the back of each pot (I didnt even take the pots out), twiddled the knobs a bit and its sorted - good as new!!

So thanks fellers!