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Old 09-15-2012, 05:39 PM   #1
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Cleaning The 7-Way Contacts

Is there a special tool that works to clean the contacts in the 7-way socket and plug? I tried using a strip of emory cloth wrapped around a piece of thick plastic but the plastic isn't strong enough to get inside the contacts. I think these things should be kept corrosion free as long as possible for good electrical contact and minimum current draw.

Doug
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Old 09-15-2012, 06:16 PM   #2
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Re: Cleaning The 7-Way Contacts

Doug,
Depending on the plug's construction, it's probably held together with a few small screws. On some types, disassembling the plug will give you access to the contacts.

I have used dielectric grease on the contacts before. It keeps them un-tarnished, but I stopped doing it as I was worried about the amount of dust and debris the grease might collect.
Dave
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Old 09-16-2012, 09:00 AM   #3
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Re: Cleaning The 7-Way Contacts

Friends of mine that have a huge enclosed utility trailer for hauling ATVs, use this: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...hes-68155.html or something like it...
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Old 09-16-2012, 11:07 AM   #4
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Re: Cleaning The 7-Way Contacts

I keep a small amount of dielectric grease on these terminals and to address the dust and dirt that will eventually get stuck in the grease I just use some Brake Cleaner and spray out the plug and use a blow gun and compressed air to blow it out and put new grease on it. I do this a couple of times a year and seems sufficient. If you don't have compressed air themn you can just use lots of Brake Cleans and it will evaporate with a bit of time.
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Old 09-17-2012, 08:16 AM   #5
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Re: Cleaning The 7-Way Contacts

I have a aerosol bottle of electrical contact cleaner that I use. It cleans and leaves a thin protective coat that doesn't seem to attract dirt.

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Old 09-17-2012, 09:09 AM   #6
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Re: Cleaning The 7-Way Contacts

I'd forgotten all about that stuff..Great Idea!
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Old 09-19-2012, 07:16 PM   #7
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Re: Cleaning The 7-Way Contacts

Carefull on using the dielectric grease, be sure to use a very small amount. I got a little heavy handed and had a problem with the brake controller going in and out. Never noticed the lights flickering but the electronics on the Tekonsha seem to be sensitive. Used a bit of soapy water with a tooth brush to clean off the grease and everything was fine.
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