[TowerTalk] How To Remove Tarnish off Bare Copper Wires

[KD7JYK DM09]

> I am hoping for some home "remedy" or simple mixture that does not 
> involve some complex chemicals or procedures that can be applied on, 
> brushed then rinsed off. TU 73

I use a clean small stainless steel parts cleaning brush, like this:

https://ramweldingsupply.com/p/anchor-brand-hand-tied-stainless-steel-bristle-brush/

Which I buy from Harbor Freight.  Most hardware stores carry them, as 
well.  I work the brush with the strands, and push down into them as 
best I can.

I scrub the strands wet, using rubbing alcohol, at 70, or 90%, whatever 
I have on-hand, then blow it dry.  If there's a lot of crud, or it 
doesn't look like the alcohol is clearing the debris from the strands 
enough, I use electrical contact cleaner, and blast out the area I'm 
working on, sometimes blasting, while scrubbing with the brush:

https://www.crcindustries.com/products/qd-174-electronic-cleaner-11-wt-oz.html

I pick up the cleaner from WalMart.  Last I checked, it was just under 
$5 a can last summer.  Auto parts stores want 15-20 bucks for the same 
stuff.

I then solder with typical 60/40 and rosin flux.

About a decade ago, I swapped over from stranded copper, to stainless 
steel.  No problems yet.

Kurt