Contact Cleaner vs Brake Cleaner

[dibbons]

On our '65 Valiant Signet converbible, tracking down a driver's side front turn signal problem, I finally was able to isolate it at the firewall (light green wire). Hard to get anything in there to clean and no more contact cleaner on the shelf. I found two, almost empty, cans of brake cleaner. Sprayed the contact until the cans quit on me a few seconds later.

Ran a jumper wire from the firewall contact to the lamp and now it went bright (before only measured a few millivolts and no flashing). Might only be a temporary fix.

Anyway, just wondering what the difference was between brake cleaner and contact cleaner? Should I invest in a can of each? Thank you.

 

[1MeanA]

The best way tell the difference is to look up the SDS. All mfg's have to make these available online. It will list the chemical ingredients and %.

Here is an example of a contact cleaner SDS https://docs.crcindustries.com/msds/3130.pdf
It tells you it mostly light hydrocarbons of some sort and naptha

Here is an example of brake cleaner SDS https://docs.crcindustries.com/msds/5151.pdf
Its mostly acetone

 

[Demonracer]

As long as it evaporates with no residue, you should be good to go.

 

[tonysrt]

Brake cleaner leaves no residue, that's why it is best for brake work.

 

[A56]

Brake clean is good but I've been taught to disconnect any power source before spraying on wire connections.

 

[remytherat]

I would imagine that the contact cleaner is designed to not dissolve the plastic connectors and insulation.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Brake clean is good but I've been taught to disconnect any power source before spraying on wire connections.

Ya think? LOL

 

[RustyRatRod]

I would imagine that the contact cleaner is designed to not dissolve the plastic connectors and insulation.

That's an excellent point. Brake cleaner is VERY harsh on plastics.

 

[Sterling]

And the non clorinated brake cleaner is flammable, so you have to be careful around electrical connections and sparks

 

[WagonBroken]

Brake cleaner has become my go-to for lots of different situations: from cleaning contacts, brakes, carburetors, alternators, as a starting fluid, even works on laundry (non-clorinated ONLY). I've even used it in a pinch as an EXTREME CASE ONLY hand cleaner before getting ready for a wedding! (VERY seldomly, as it can't be very good on your skin or for your metabolism in the long term). Sure cleans 'em up good, tho!