Graflex.org

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

I was lucky to find a large stash of #11 bulbs. However, a number of them have some mild corrosion on the base. Has anybody had experience cleaning those bases? I'm especially interested in avoiding setting one of those suckers off while handling!

tsgrimm · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 158 Location: SE Michigan

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/109785-REG/Kaiser_206323_Battery_Contact_Cleaner.html

How about one of these. Like a mechanical lead pencil with strands of fiberglass instead of lead. Not cheap, but they have other uses.

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Thanks. I was thinking of something like that, or a rubber eraser. I just don't know how to avoid static electricity handling these bulbs. The crud is not bad and should wipe off.

tsgrimm · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 158 Location: SE Michigan

I guess that you could just ground yourself to a COLD water pipe with a wrist strap like the computer repair shops sell. Easily made from some old unused wire laying around and a Bulldog or Alligator clip.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Radio shack sells the same type of fiberglass pencil, without the brass collar for about 1/5 the price.

If the corrosion were bad and / or the upcomming shot valuable, i'd usea worn out scotchbrite pad normally found next to the SOS/ Brillo / Chore Boy scouring pads in your grocer.

The worn versions are more flexible and can get into the grooves.

Use it damp to cut down on the static "POOOF"
_________________
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alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Thanks, Les. That's what I will do. I like the idea of the wet application of the pads.

graphicdave · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 67 Location: Maryland

I had a #3 go off in my hand while pressing it into a Graflite (I learned to not accidently press the red button on the Graflite while inserting the bulb!). It's a nasty experience. To be on the safe side while cleaning, wear a leather glove on the hand that holds the bulb. The likelihood of one going off while cleaning is remote but better safe than burnt!
Dave

Discoman · Joined: 28 Oct 2009 Posts: 16

Henry · Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 9:01 pm Post subject:

I posted this tip elsewhere in the board, some time ago. I've used a typewriter (remember those?) eraser, of which I still have a couple of different ones: a pencil-shaped one with a brush on the "eraser" end, and a wheel-shaped one, also with a brush attached. At the model railroad (here we go again!) hobby shop, they sell an eraser with an abrasive in it, specifically for the purpose of cleaning track; I've got a couple of those around here someplace, too. Disclaimer: I've never tried to clean flashbulb contacts with any of these, but they do work great on battery contacts.