Leaf Switches vs. Micro Switches(Revisited)

[Pac-Fan]

I'm also wondering about gold flashed contacts vs. regular contacts on leaf switches.

I use black emerycloth(?)between the points and gently squeeze them together and pull it thru a few time.(just did it on my Asteroids fire button)

maintenance wise, leafs aren't that bad. for cleaning, i use a very small file and gently squeeze the leafs around it.

NEVER use anything more abrasive than paper or cardboard or fiberglass pencil on a leaf switch contact --- especially if it is gold flashed.

By using sandpaper, emery cloth, nail file, whatever like that you are effectively removing the entire layer of coating providing the key resistance against oxidation and rusting. The bare metal leaf is nickel or tin coated steel and will oxidize/rust very quickly if scratched or exposed to any significant humidity. The purpose of coating/flashing the contact discs is to provide the best electrical path with low resistance and prevent problems.

When you file off this microscopic coating you basically have a plain nail tip ready to start rusting, giving you more problems than you began with.

Use something that can lightly remove the dirt and oxidation but not remove the coating.