Date   : Thu, 23 Oct 2003 14:37:57 +0100
From   : Jon Ripley <beeb@...>
Subject: Re: Cleaning Drive heads / Disc disaster

In message <KSlRAyFqd1l$Ewdc@...> you wrote:

> BBC Micro <b_b_c_m_i_c_r_o@...> wrote
> 
> >Had a problem while trying to read a disc. It was
> >stiff in its sleave and the result was the head has
> >scraped off some magnetic media. Now what is the best
> >way of cleaning the (!DELICATE!)head? (assuming it is
> >not damaged!)
> 
> Ispropyl alcohol (isopropanol), often shortened to IPA, and a cotton
> bud, rub very gently.

Ispropyl alcohol can, IMHO, be very hard to obtain because of the abuse
potential and toxicity - blindness then death. Most pharmacies have IPA
but it may take a little while (trek) to find one that will be willing
to sell you some. Last time I bought some it was about 1ukp for 200ml.
Probably best not to even try the large national pharmacies. Expect a
little chat about exactly why you want some. Sometimes it's best to ask
the pharmacist directly.

It's useful for cleaning the heads of pretty much anything, gets rid of
sticky lable gunk, inkjet ink, permant marker, cleans CDs, etc. Usually
a vitally useful solvent.

Don't use acetone it can cause quite a bit of damage, and nail varnish
remover (impure acetone) usually has a lot of extra stuff, inc. oils, in
it.

If there is a removable metal box surrounding the head that won't quite
go back on, they can usually be remounted securely with blu-tack.

> If you cannot see any obvious build-up of muck on the head it probably
> does not need cleaning.
> 
> >I have heard you can get cleaning floppies but nothing
> >available in CPC catalogue...

I've seen then at Maplin and a few large hardware stores for about 3ukp.
But with all head cleaning products I find that a chammy stick (sp?) or
cotton bud and IPA is more effective than anything else.

Just my 2p.

Happy hunting,
Jon R.
-- 
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