Title: Relay burnishing tools Post by: W6MQI on March 03, 2017, 01:45:59 AM Would it be okay to use a relay burnishing tool on the relay contacts inside a T47/ART-13? The last thing I want to do is damage the contacts.
Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: KC4VWU on March 03, 2017, 01:43:32 PM I wouldn't unless they are badly pitted/corroded. Those burnishing tools are last ditch effort and remember the plating is pretty thin on contacts, so once it's gone, the nightmare begins. Just my 2 cents...
Phil Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: KB2WIG on March 03, 2017, 05:08:41 PM Try using a $ dollar bill. Klc Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: W6MQI on March 03, 2017, 07:25:24 PM Quote I wouldn't unless they are badly pitted/corroded. Those burnishing tools are last ditch effort and remember the plating is pretty thin on contacts, so once it's gone, the nightmare begins. Just my 2 cents... Sounds good I've never used burnishing tools before thought I'd ask before destroying something that is if the contacts haven't already been destroyed by someone in the past 70yrs. Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: KA0HCP on March 04, 2017, 03:45:48 PM Put a spot of contact cleaner on good quality paper (traditionally cotton rag paper is recommended). Put it between the contacts; hold them gently closed and draw the paper through. Once will normally do the job. You will probably see a light gray streak.
Do this too often and the plating will be worn away. Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: w7fox on March 12, 2017, 03:56:35 PM The ART13 maintenance manual says to use a burnishing tool, never sand paper or emery paper. Does anyone know what this tool was in the 1940s?
Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: kg7bz on March 12, 2017, 07:12:50 PM The ART13 maintenance manual says to use a burnishing tool, never sand paper or emery paper. Does anyone know what this tool was in the 1940s? Same as it is today: https://vetco.net/products/contact-burnishing-tool-large?gclid=Cj0KEQiAgJTGBRDLr5_az_Ouk44BEiQAIxaA4n2844x9GOxR_MK7c3qt6K5Xnkj_Xxbd88Cg6PTYMP8aAjEW8P8HAQ (https://vetco.net/products/contact-burnishing-tool-large?gclid=Cj0KEQiAgJTGBRDLr5_az_Ouk44BEiQAIxaA4n2844x9GOxR_MK7c3qt6K5Xnkj_Xxbd88Cg6PTYMP8aAjEW8P8HAQ) I still have the old one I got from my father. Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: WBear2GCR on March 14, 2017, 05:32:45 PM Thing is, and I am not an expert, not all "contacts" are of the same materials or construction.
In the case of flat nickel-silver contacts, they'll handle a lot of "burnishing". Nothing to wear through. Gold plated contacts have a very thin layer of gold. There are other contact materials. Also there are flat contacts and "domed" shape contacts... not to mention "crossbar" contacts. Different materials/shapes probably want different handling. Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: KC4VWU on March 17, 2017, 12:33:33 AM You are correct Bear, but one important thing to consider about what was mentioned in the svc. manual. I'd suppose in the 1940's war time era, the gvt. was stocked to the teeth in replacement parts. Now, nearly 80 years later, those parts are nearing unobtanium. Be as kind as you can to your old farts... uh... I mean old PARTS! ;D ;D
...Phil Title: Re: Relay burnishing tools Post by: w1vtp on March 17, 2017, 11:38:28 AM You are correct Bear, but one important thing to consider about what was mentioned in the svc. manual. I'd suppose in the 1940's war time era, the gvt. was stocked to the teeth in replacement parts. Now, nearly 80 years later, those parts are nearing unobtanium. Be as kind as you can to your old farts... uh... I mean old PARTS! ;D ;D ...Phil YES! I have a couple of those old relay burnishing tools with spare burnishing inserts and would NEVER use them unless I was in a last ditch situation. I like the high cotton content paper with deoxit - on the paper and press down gently on the armature. Normally closed contacts: let the spring do the work. Al |