cleaning up solder lugs

[menger66]

I have a PT that has no wires (leads) just bare lugs so I need to solder leads to them, this transformer has been sitting around along time and the lugs are kinda nasty looking whats the best way to clean them?, also is there a certain way I should wrap the wires around the lugs? it's a brand new transformer I've just had it sitting around for atleast 5yrs thanks mark

[Phil_S]

Use a pencil eraser. If that's not strong enough, try an ink eraser.

It might not be necessary to do anything. A bit of flux when soldering may be all you need.

If the lug has a hole in the middle, just put the wire through and one wrap around itself. If it is a T shape, one wrap around the stem is good. Like any wiring, a good mechanical contact should be made before soldering.

[rp]

Acetone, q-tips. The hardware store kind not modern nail polish remover. No need to state that it's very flammable.

[amplifiednation]

Acetone, q-tips. The hardware store kind not modern nail polish remover. No need to state that it's very flammable.

And don't get it on your skin. And wear safety glasses! And most important - if you pour it out of the metal container make sure it goes into something glass or metal because it will literally eat through plastic!!!

Nasty stuff but it will clean anything off anything.

[rp]

because it will literally eat through plastic!!!

yup! hey why's the table top f'cked? what happened to the yogurt cup?

tell my mom not to get it on her skin - 70 years of removing nail polish

[menger66]

cool I have acetone at the shop ill give it a try