[sdiy] Sticky 1/4" plugs

[David G. Dixon]

Here's an observation for the archives:

Recently, it has become more and more difficult for me to pull the patch
cords out of my modular.  I basically have to grab the body of the plug with
one hand, hold my other hand against the panel to prevent the entire modular
from sliding forward or tipping over, and pull with all my might, sometimes
while twisting.  This is, of course, not good at all.  I am using cheapo
1/4" multicoloured Hosa cables (CPP-830, 845 and 890 series) and open-frame
Neutrik jacks (NYS-229).

Well, I finally discovered the reason.  It turns out that the jacks on the
Hosa cables are corroding.  They have developed a thin whitish film which
evidently increases their coefficient of sliding friction against the
Neutrik jacks by orders of magnitude.  If I shine them up with steel wool,
they slide in and out like nobody's business.

Has anyone else noticed plug corrosion?  Is this a unique feature of cheapo
Hosa cables, or do all plugs do this?