The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a couple of nickel plated tonearms with this sort of heavy oxidation. I was wondering what the best method might be to clean them. I tried very fine steel wool and had limited success, but was worried about removing the nickel plate.

It kind of depends on what the "oxidation" actually is... If it's corrosion, then a good metal polish will work, as long as you don't polish through the nickel. The possibility is that it's 100+ years of dirt, grime, cigarette smoke, etc., so cleaning it first with GOOP (non pumice) hand cleaner might be a good place to start. If that doesn't cut it, then try alcohol, lacquer thinner or carburetor cleaner - not of which will affect the nickel plating. #0000 steel wool saturated with WD-40 or spray lubricant will work, as long as you don't get too aggressive...

If it's dirt, maybe an ultrasonic cleaner could work well.

I don't believe that's so much oxidation as it is heavy, crusted up dirt. May even be a coat of shellac, applied long ago. Try soaking in solvents first.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGTip1deZRg&t=25s this may help

"Autosol" is an excellent metal polish which should not damage the plating although it is not recommended for use on mirror finish surfaces e.g. mirror finish alloy wheels (unlaquered), chrome motorcycle trim, chrome finished plastic. For these applications use Autosol Superfine Alloy Wheel Polish.

cheryla wrote: Wed Aug 18, 2021 8:00 pm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGTip1deZRg&t=25s this may help

That’s a u-tube or ‘gooseneck’, not a “yoke”. A ‘yoke’ is theY-shaped clip that holds a Victor backmount horn in place (not the slip-in type).

Soak in Evaporust overnight. Wipe off gunje next day. If dirt remains soak it again. Thank me later! No abrasives used!

My preference is ammoniated clock cleaner. It comes in concentrated form which is mixed with water; 1 gallon of concentrate makes 8 gallons of product. It does a wonderful job on nickel and brass - just drop the part in and let it soak then rinse with water. You may need a soft brush to clean the crevices but it should come out beautifully clean and nickel will not need any polishing. You can find it at timesavers.com.