Ultrasonic cleaners

RJD33 · Post by **RJD33** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:00 am

Hello everyone, this is my first post. I am considering purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner if not to expensive, but could utilize some advice as to what to look for. What brands/models do forum members use? What type of investment to get a suitable unit for reel cleaning endeavors? Also, what do members without the benefit of ultrasonic cleaners use to clean as well as ultimately polish their reels? Thanks.

Ron

Paul M · Post by **Paul M** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 4:32 pm

I bought a new unit via e-Bay after having little luck finding what I wanted at local retail stores. The unit I bought was advertized as a 42KHz unit. I felt the price was good. After I tried it the first time, I noticed the box was marked 28KHz, not 42KHz. I questioned the seller and he replied it was some kind of documentation error. After several weeks, the seller decided that I was right and the manufacturer had changed the product on him. I ended up with a one transducer 28Khz unit instead of what was supposed to be a two transducer 42Khz unit. Not sure which is better for cleaning up reels. The seller offered to change the unit but expected me to pay the high cost of shipping. It was too expensive and too much of a hassle to try and make a change. The unit seems to work OK. It has a capacity of 2.6 Litres. It seems big enough for most of the reel parts I would want to submerge. It came with a wire basket which makes one heck of a racket when the unit is turned on. I like having the built in heater. There is a need for small sub-containers for little bits like screws and washers. I tried using a hand formed cup of tin foil for the smaller parts but the ultrasonic action tears it up pretty quickly and I'm not sure if it doesn't scratch whatever is in it. I find the cleaning effects are quite subtle, especially for really grungy old reels. Good luck!

PM

Post by **john elder** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 5:45 pm

Ron: Have a look under the "sticky" at the top of this page for a summation of posts about cleaning, including use of ultrasonic cleaners!

Jeff Johnson · Post by **Jeff Johnson** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 7:57 pm

Im not sure if its just me but I find little need in using an ultrasonic to clean reels. I bought one and used it for awhile but I get the same results with a pan of water on the stove top with the 1:4 vinegar:water mixture and a good scrubbing with a tooth brush and liquid dishwashing soap. I have a small L & R ultrasonic with heat. Simichrome polish works great to polish your reels but I dont use it very often anymore because in my " humble opinion" it makes the metal look to new and shiny - not like an old reel anymore. Also I have found no harm in useing 0000 fine steel wool on plated reels and nickle silver reels. I dont polish hard with it and not for long. Other members may have a problem with the steel wool. Thanks, Jeff

Jerry J in OK · Post by **Jerry J in OK** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:13 pm

I also use the steel wool but, like was said, don't rub hard with it. I use my little ultrasonic mainly to slcean the screws and small things like that. A couple times I have found that it helped to loosen the knobs on handles that didn't turn very well...I don't polish reels but I do wipe them with a rag that has a little WD 40 on it and then wipe with a clean cloth. That seems to give them a little bit of sheen...Just my 2 cents...

Happy Holidays Everyone...

Jerry

reelworks · Post by **reelworks** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:58 am

What solution did you use to free up stuck or tight knobs?
I have a super clean looking older handle with a stuck knob that I need to try to salvage. It's too clean to just toss and replace.
The knob itself is either plastic or Bakelite and the handle is nickel silver.