Contact Points

[otis71]

What are some recommendations on type and grit of abrasives to use or avoid cleaning magneto points or ignition points? I’ve been told so many contradictory answers I want to see what the consensus is here. Thanks.

[FNG1]

I use a point file.

[Lyle Manheimer]

I retired 20 years ago, so I can't say if Plastones are still available. As an industrial electician we often used them for dressing elecrical contacts. They came in various widths, thickness and coarses. The were specifically designed for the purpose of cleaning electrical contacts and therefore they had no coductive particulate in them. They will not remove as much material as a file. They can also be used to dress contact points in voltage regulators.

[otis71]

A quick google search showed suppliers but in their search bar nothing came up for Plastone. How about the silicone carbide 600 I have on hand? I’ve also heard aluminum oxide but containing aluminum doesn’t sound right.

[duffeycycles]

Plastone & burnishing tool on this site.....Action Pinball - BURNTOOL - Burnishing Tool for Switch Contacts

[chuckthebeatertruck]

Points files are for removing burrs or squaring worn points, not “cleaning.” It’s a general misconception. But, you don’t use steel wool to clean your paint, do you?

Use electrical contact cleaner and a stiff piece of unwaxed card stock. It’s not expensive and designed for oxide removal without abrasion.

Do not EVER take a points file or abrasive stick to magneto points. They are do not appreciate the abraded surface and tend to have stray sparking when the contact breaks, causing both short point life and in extreme cases, shortened condenser life.