Maintenance Products that You Most Likely Are Using Incorrectly

Many people perform maintenance on their equipment. There is a correct way to use tools, but we often hear of people unknowingly using them incorrectly and damaging their equipment.
In this article, I will introduce some common examples of incorrect usage of maintenance tools that you may be familiar with.

01. Screwdriver

First off is the screwdriver. If a screw head and a screwdriver do not match, not only will the screw not turn, but the head of the screw will become stripped.

The screw on the left has a stripped head because a screwdriver that didn’t match in size was used.

The most commonly used standard screwdrivers are PH1 and PH2. If you have these two types of screwdriver, you can use them on most screws.

Ibanez / MTZ11

It’s useful to have a multi-tool like this one.

02. Rust Remover

Rust remover is another standard maintenance tool. Failure to check the list of ingredients and possible uses can lead to equipment damage. A common mistake is to spray rust remover on metal parts, but it can melt plastic or rubber that’s within close proximity to the rusted metal.

Some rust removers are safe to use on plastic and rubber materials, so check carefully before using them.

03. Contact Revival Agent

Electro-Harmonix / Metal Contact

This is another standard maintenance tool that’s useful for volume pod and fader maintenance.
The wrong way to use contact revival fluid is to apply too much. The problem with applying too much is that the contact revival fluid can spread onto the insulation, which can lead to conduction even in areas that should be insulated.
If there is a contact between a jack and a plug, it is better not to spray directly, but to spray it onto a cotton swab and then apply it to the contact.

Also, parts that cannot be disassembled, such as faders, can be sprayed through gaps, but because they cannot be disassembled, dust and debris can easily accumulate inside the parts and mix with the contact revival fluid, and too much contact revival fluid can contribute to the machine not working properly. When performing maintenance, be sure to use only the right amount in the right place.

04. Cleaning Cloths

PLAYTECH / PTC30 Cleaning Cloth

What is the wrong way to use a cleaning cloth?
When the same cloth is used for multiple purposes.
If you do not separate cloths for different purposes, you may end up scratching your equipment or instrument when you are cleaning it.

It’s best to use cloths only for dry cleaning, polishing and oils. Also, if the instrument or equipment is made of different materials, separate cloths for each material to prevent scratching and to keep the instrument clean.

05. String Cutters

Have you ever had the experience of using tools such as nippers or pliers to cut strings, only to have the strength of the blades get defeated by the strings and the blades get chipped? I have.
If you've had to buy nippers over and over again because the blades are ruined, there are string cutters specially designed for strings.

Pickboy / SC-150 String Cutter for Steel Strings

Switch to this string cutter and you will be free from the hassle of chipped blades.

Using tools correctly will increase the accuracy of maintenance!
Here were a couple of maintenance tools you might have been using incorrectly.