[sdiy] switching jacks

[David G. Dixon]

> In my experience the switching contact is the most unreliable part of
> any jack socket. I've had to replace the insert sockets on a few A&H
> mixing consoles. (I think they were all Neutrik vertical PCB mount
> sockets) and on Crest mixing consoles. Also Cliff jack sockets in
> patchbays. I have had similar problems with open frame sockets, though
> they aren't used much in mass produced audio gear these days. It was the
> switching contacts that was faulty on all these. It seems that oxidation
> is more of a problem for the switching contact, as it doesn't have the
> same "self cleaning" action that the socket contacts have.

Yes, I gleaned as much from the web searching I did on the topic.
Apparently, one preferred method of cleaning them is to slide a dollar bill
between the contacts, as this has just the right amount of abrasiveness
without actually damaging the contact point.  Of course, with that
funny-looking American money they have now, who knows?  :)