Cleaning electrical contacts

JonathanRyan

JonathanRyan

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I have a fairly expensive Garmin running watch. It's started being awkward to charge and even more awkward to sync to my computer. I've tried a couple of cables and I really hope it's not the watch because it's out of warranty.

Google says sometimes cleaning the contacts helps. It's a custom USB socket that's waterproof and looking closely it may have all sorts of crud in there. What's the best thing to clean it with? I'd use alcohol and a cotton bud but I don't think a cotton bud will get in there and for "some reason" IPA is hard to get hold of ATM :)

Contacts look like this....except dirtier.

1m-usb-fast-charging-data-cable-charger-wire-cord-for-garmin-fenix-5-5s-5x-black-plusbuyer_3.jpg
 
I've used both of these sprays, Servisol is often recommended over the WD40 one. However is it possible to turn off the watch first, as I'd be concerned about a short if sprayed when turned on.
A can of compressed air might be worth a squirt too, but just a short blast and with the can upright as a prolonged blast can result in frozen air which would also not be a good idea..
https://uk.farnell.com/servisol/sup...-TOOLS-PRODUCTION-SUPPLIES-NEWSTRUCTURE-20APR

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD40-Drying-Contact-Cleaner-250ml/dp/B00KPUBO2S
 
Have a look at micro application brushes, my missus uses them for her crafting, but are mainly sold as make up applicators. I have used it to clean contacts.
 
The advice with lens contacts was a rub with an eraser.

I would be wary of using anything too abrasive because that could destroy any plating on the contacts.

As for any crud in the socket area, maybe a careful & gentle scraping with a wooden cocktail stick?
 
Looking at my watch (identical connector in a cheaper case!), the contacts themselves are fairly easy to get at, I reckon a cotton bud will get there. The groove around the outside of the contacts that helps seat the connector while synching will need something thinner - maybe an old toothbrush would get the crud out? A drop of contact cleaner will do the actual contact cleaning, as would a drop of lens cleaner.
 
I have a Fenix 3 and a Fenix 3HR, I clean them with a toothbrush and shower gel, you don't need anything fancy. I wonder if you could use a Fenix 3 charge cradle that clamps on the watch, it's a much better idea than those magnetic cables.
 
I've used Halfords Electrical Contact Cleaner for various things in the past, and it's always worked well for me. Maybe a spray, followed by a blast of compressed air from an aerosol can, once any debris has been loosened?
 
stevewestern said:
I've used both of these sprays, Servisol is often recommended over the WD40 one. However is it possible to turn off the watch first, as I'd be concerned about a short if sprayed when turned on.
A can of compressed air might be worth a squirt too, but just a short blast and with the can upright as a prolonged blast can result in frozen air which would also not be a good idea..
https://uk.farnell.com/servisol/sup...-TOOLS-PRODUCTION-SUPPLIES-NEWSTRUCTURE-20APR

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD40-Drying-Contact-Cleaner-250ml/dp/B00KPUBO2S
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Thanks. The WD40 is easier to get hold of. presumably that would be a good choice even if Servisol is a better one? Good call on turning it off. It's waterproof to decent pressure but turning it off can't hurt.

ChrisH said:
I have a Fenix 3 and a Fenix 3HR, I clean them with a toothbrush and shower gel, you don't need anything fancy. I wonder if you could use a Fenix 3 charge cradle that clamps on the watch, it's a much better idea than those magnetic cables.
Click to expand...

Yeah the old Fenix cradles seem better but they don't fit. Garmin like to redesign stuff every 15 mins :). It would be nice if it were magnetic but it's a really bad piece of design. When I do long races I need to charge on the run and the official cable makes this impossible. If only they put a Qi plate on it it would solve so many problems.
 
Cocktail stick... Then when clean, buy a set of silicone contact covers (I bought a bag of 20 from best China when I bought my Forerunner 935 - mostly because I got a rash off the contacts)
 
stevewestern said:
Perfectly fine Jonathan - the reason I mentioned it was for it's availability whilst still being as good in my opinion ( some may argue....)
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You're right - it's probably the worst thing you can use. That's why they developed a proper version: https://www.wd40.com/products/contact-cleaner/

Anything that leaves a residue (like WD40) will just allow more dust to accumulate and make a 'sticky' mess.

As a photographer, I'm sure you have some lens cleaning fluid - that will be better as it's alcohol based and won't leave a residue.
 
Sky said:
You're right - it's probably the worst thing you can use. That's why they developed a proper version: https://www.wd40.com/products/contact-cleaner/

Anything that leaves a residue (like WD40) will just allow more dust to accumulate and make a 'sticky' mess.

As a photographer, I'm sure you have some lens cleaning fluid - that will be better as it's alcohol based and won't leave a residue.
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You are so right for pointing that out Trevor - I had meant to link to that one, was on my phone and rushing rather than paying attention...
Sorry Jonathan !
 
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Interdental brushes can help with very small sockets.
 
stevewestern said:
You are so right for pointing that out Trevor - I had meant to link to that one, was on my phone and rushing rather than paying attention...
Sorry Jonathan !
Click to expand...

Unless you corrected it, you did link to that one :)

Sky said:
As a photographer, I'm sure you have some lens cleaning fluid - that will be better as it's alcohol based and won't leave a residue.
Click to expand...

Actually I don't :O - blower brush and microfibre cloth is all I ever use. I do have some alcohol for cleaning the sensor but it's a lot more expensive than contact cleaner :)
 
JonathanRyan said:
I do have some alcohol for cleaning the sensor but it's a lot more expensive than contact cleaner
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The tiny amount you'll need to clean the contacts will be cheaper than a whole can of contact cleaner. ;)
 
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