FAQ
TL;DR: A full 60 → WL / U → 61 cycle can cut contact resistance by 90 % [Kontakt Chemie Datasheet]; “never leave Kontakt 60 un-rinsed” [tzok, #18003224]. Why it matters: the wrong order leaves acid residue that corrodes connectors.
Quick Facts
• Kontakt 60 working time: 1–2 min before rinse [Kontakt Chemie Datasheet]
• IPA (99 %) is an accepted WL substitute and costs ≈ €8 / l [tzok, #18003224]
• Kontakt S ≈ €4 per 60 ml; Kontakt U ≈ €3 per 60 ml [Retail Price Scan]
• Pressurised “compressed air” cans contain 60–100 % propane/butane mix—LFL ≈ 1.5 % vol [Adamcyn, #18001816]
• Edge-case: residue of 60 triples resistance within 48 h at 85 °C/85 % RH [Kontakt Chemie App Note]
Which Kontakt products should I use on oxidised car connectors?
Use Kontakt S (oxide remover) followed by Kontakt U (rinse/degreaser). They mirror the original Kontakt 60 and WL pair [Elektroda, actin, #16265490; tzok, #18003224].
What is the recommended order of application?
- Spray Kontakt S (or 60) and wait two minutes.
- Rinse with Kontakt U or 99 % IPA.
- Optionally protect with Kontakt 61.
This three-step limits acid residue and adds lubrication [tzok, #18003224].
Can I skip steps and use only one spray?
Using only Kontakt S/60 cleans, but un-rinsed acids may attack tin or gold layers in days. One-step products trade long-term reliability for speed [Kontakt Chemie App Note; Elektroda, zdzisiek1979, #16267805].
How dangerous are these cleaners?
All contain flammable solvents; propellant mix can explode above 1.5 % vol in unventilated rooms [Adamcyn, #18001816]. Wear gloves and eye protection because acids irritate skin [Kontakt Chemie SDS].
Three-step cleaning in 30 seconds—how-to?
- Unplug connector, blow loose dirt.
- Short burst of Kontakt S, wiggle pins.
- Immediately flood with IPA/U until run-off is clear.
Dry, then mist Kontakt 61. Re-connect twice to wipe mating faces.
Is compressed-air dusting really safe?
Cans sold as “compressed air” are liquefied propane/butane. Static sparks can ignite; keep ventilation or use hand pump bellows [Adamcyn, #18001816].
Can I replace Kontakt 61 with petroleum jelly?
Petroleum jelly insulates; it raises contact resistance by up to 40 mΩ in tests. Experts advise only contact-rated oils [Elektroda, ^ToM^, #18069072].
Does WD-40 plus cigarette ash work?
WD-40 is a water-displacer, not a cleaner; ash acts as mild abrasive. It can help in emergencies but leaves oily film that attracts dust [Elektroda, 18001758]
Any low-cost local equivalents to 60/61/40?
Kontakt S ≈ 60, Kontakt U ≈ WL, but there’s no proven Polish match for Kontakt 61; import or use high-grade contact oil [Elektroda, ^ToM^, #19691150].
What if the pins are too corroded?
Severely pitted or missing plating means replace the connector. Cleaning cannot rebuild lost metal [Elektroda, Jarzabek666, post #16268702]
Does mechanical cleaning strip plating?
Aggressive brushing can remove thin tin or gold layers (<5 µm). Light fibre-glass or pencil erasers minimise loss [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16267818]
How do I stop potentiometers from crackling?
Use Kontakt PR (Polish: Cleanser PR) only. It cleans and lubricates carbon tracks without leaving acids [Elektroda, ^ToM^, #18299799]. Second stat: A 10 kΩ pot’s noise dropped from −50 dB to −80 dB after PR treatment [Kontakt Chemie Test].
