Date   : Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:24:50 +0100
From   : rs423@... (Mick Champion)
Subject: Floppy drive cleaner

Rick Murray wrote:
> Alex Taylor wrote:
>
>   
>> Ah, I've ruined stuff before by using WD40.
>>     
>
> I'm not surprised. Put some inside an old lock. A lot more than I 
> squirted in came out the sides. What, does it dissolve in the air or 
> something!?!?
>   
I wouldn't use WD40 on any sort head as it leaves a  protective residue 
behind.



>
>   
>> I'll remember that one. I'm sure I've used plain A4 paper for cleaning
>> things before though.
>>     
>
> I think it has to be specifically brown paper as a lot of white is 
> 'coated'. It would be easier, brown envelopes are less and less common. 
> Apparently the slightly ribbed ones are best, but they too seem rare.
>   
Rule of thumb is you should only run flat things past the video drum 
heads (as tape is flat) applying only modest pressure (not much more 
that the tape would apply) moving the head drum in its natural direction 
(just in case individual heads stick out one more one end with wear). 
Ribbed paper can not be considered safe IMO. You could be okay, or end 
up with shreds of paper caught between the drum and cylinder in the 
slots where the heads are mounted. If really unlucky, you may even 
damage a head or 6.  Flat paper will do I suppose, but is not porous 
enough to be ideal (I agree the course side of a brown envelope is a bit 
better) but given a choice, I'll use chamois leather every time. I 
prefer IPA as it's application is more controllable. The Servisol spray 
is good too, but use sparingly and make sure you dry up afterwards. Give 
it time to evaporate else you could find the next tape you put in sticks 
to, and spins with the head!


Last time I attempted clean a disc drive (5.25"), I must have applied 
too much pressure. One of the two heads promptly fell off :-( Treat them 
gently folks.


Cheers,

Mick