Cleaning that 7-Pin connector

[MojaveJoe]

My 7-pin connector is getting kinda dirty, and tarnished looking. Also some of the female connectors on the umbilical coming from the fiver are looking expanded (i.e. the space in the middle is wider on some than others. Like they need to be crimped close with some needle nose pliers.).

Wondering what kind of tools, cleaners, anti-corrosion products and maintenance techniques you guys find work best on a 7-pin.

Thanks for your advice and experiences.

P.S. I have one of those wire brushes that looks like you could clean a .22 bore with it. Was hoping to find something in a flat configuration, to match the 7-pin's blade contacts.

[The Danes Are Coming]

WD40 will do most of what you want when it comes to anti-corrosion and cleaning. Like anything else a 7-pin connector needs a little TLC to keep working well.

[sprintnut]

Clean terminals with contact cleaner spray available form radio shack and other sources. Finger nail file could be cut down to sand terminals also. If connections problems continue replacement of the male and/or female plugs may be needed. Good luck.

[davydee]

I've also use battery terminal cleaner, but I'll bet that contact cleaner works better. After cleaning, I put some electrical protectant and lube in the plug, then insert the plug into the receptacle to ensure it gets spread around. Use to try a Q-tip, but that didn't work as well. I now use the protectant twice a year, coming out of storage and going into storage. Connector seems to stay cleaner now.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I use contact cleaner and diaelectric grease on mine.

If they look pretty bad or bent, I'd just replace the plug and/or socket.

They aren't expensive parts, so I don't think it would be worth much time to try to make a really worn or corroded plug reliable.

[gearman]

I too use the diaelectric grease to keep from corroding.