The AM Forum

The rubber strip in my HP 972A DVM has gotten sort of sticky and slimy-feeling lately.

The gasket can be taken off or put back on after the unit is opened to replace the battery. Then the yellow cover there goes on over the whole thing to protect it. The cover is a diofferent material and not affected by whatever has messed up the gasket strip.


It's to the point where I have to clean my hands after using the DVM. So, it has been in hot/cold/humid/dry environment, which could be the cause, or maybe it's just slowly rotting, though the DVM itself is >10 years old, and this problem just came up in the last 6 months.

I've tried various methods of cleaning the gasket strip, but none have worked, and it's still sticky. I hate sticky. Has anyone else faced this issue and 'repaied' the strip? I guess a new one might be found, but why replace if it's not necessary and can be treated or cleaned?

The rubber is devulcanizing. Try ammonia or something with ammonia in it.

You might see if a rectangular shaped "O-ring" will work.
If necessary, you can cut it 'to size'...and use Super glue to join the cut edges.
https://www.grainger.com/search/hardware/o-rings-and-o-ring-kits/o-rings?attrs=Cross+Section+Shape%7CRectangular&filters=attrs&searchQuery=rubber+o+ring&sst=4&tv_optin=true

Some synthetic rubbers/plastics get sticky due to the chemicals detoriorating. I've had an ebook reader that got all sticky and yucky. Eventually had to dismantle it, rub the plastic casing with soap (dishwashing liquid) to get the sticky rubbery coating off. Something like that might work with your rubber bumper. If nothing works make a new bumper from a rubber ring cut to size like suggested above.

"Goo Gone" is citrus based and works very well to cut that sticky substance.  Then mild dish detergent finishes the job.

Thanks for these suggestions! soon as I can get back out there I can get it and try them!