[sdiy] Sticky 1/4" plugs

[cheater cheater]

On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 19:13, David G. Dixon <dixon at interchange.ubc.ca> wrote:
> 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?

Yes, the same people who came up with contact lube :)

> Is this a unique feature of cheapo
> Hosa cables, or do all plugs do this?

Yes. (there's no simple answer)

Cheers,
D.