Cleaning Dirty Gamma Clamps

[zidane339]

Hey guys, the fixed clamps that came with my machine has seen alot of use. It has a diamond dusted coating and I can see a lot of residue on them. I tried to use a toothbrush, as the manual said, along with isopropyl alcohol, to scrub away the buildup but they still slip a little bit.

What other things can I do?
I saw a string clamp cleaning stones on A T S, can I use those?
Or is it time to just buy new clamps?

For Bret (GammaTech), is the diamond plate replaceable?

[max]

Good question. I think I"m at this point, too.

[Loco4Tennis]

i would seriouly suggest asking gamma for this question, before you buy that stuff
i found this tip, it might help a bit, again use the recomendations from the manufacturer first, just in case you have to use your warranty to send it back
http://www.racquetsportsindustry.com...p_cleaner.html

by the way, i dont have this type of clamps on my machine, but my cousin does, he just started stringing, so im sure this topic will come up soon when he asks me

[kfactor/all/the/WAY!]

on the kippermate manual for the clamps, it says to use the sand paper it comes with for maintence. then just lightly scrape the inside of the clamps and anywhere the string touches.

[Loco4Tennis]

Originally Posted by kfactor/all/the/WAY!

on the kippermate manual for the clamps, it says to use the sand paper it comes with for maintence. then just lightly scrape the inside of the clamps and anywhere the string touches.

this is good advise for the KLIPPERMATE users only, infact why i like my machine, very easy to clean

the op and my cousin have a different clamp, which has some kind of diamond dust junk or something, sanding is gonna mess that up, they require a different cleaning procedure, something thats not gonna scrape or sand down the diamond stuff

the tip i posted above is using a very soft fabric material that should not scrape much, but rather aid in the application of the solution better

every machine is different, understanding yours is key for proper care and maintenance

[zidane339]

For Gamma machines it advises to use a small nylon brush such as a toothbrush and isoproyl alchohol.

Only thing is, thats not doing it for me, I have a lot of residue of these clamps.

[max]

Me too. I might just let mine soak overnight before scrubbing.

[Nuke]

Take a clean cotton shoe lace and dip it in isoprophyl alcohol, and "floss" the clamp.

[Gamma Tech]

Originally Posted by zidane339

For Gamma machines it advises to use a small nylon brush such as a toothbrush and isoproyl alcohol.

Only thing is, thats not doing it for me, I have a lot of residue of these clamps.

did you open the clamps up to clean them? you can use paint thinner or a little bit stronger solvent than the rubbing alcohol. I think a brush is a lot better than a rag or shoe string. the polishing stone will help to get more of the ground in gunk out. we don't really have just the diamond coating & you the factory uses a 2 part loctite to install them. clamps are considered wear items and might just need replaced.
bret

[diredesire]

I've had some decent success with soaking a rag/towel in isopropyl a, or acetone and clamping it tight for a few minutes, then yanking the rag out (with the clamps still closed). Definitely doesn't remove ALL the gunk, but does a better job than the toothbrush method for me, in my experience. I haven't tried disassembling the clamps before, though.

[Zhou]

Originally Posted by diredesire

I've had some decent success with soaking a rag/towel in isopropyl a, or acetone and clamping it tight for a few minutes, then yanking the rag out (with the clamps still closed). Definitely doesn't remove ALL the gunk, but does a better job than the toothbrush method for me, in my experience. I haven't tried disassembling the clamps before, though.

I don't think acetone would be a good idea to use on the composite clamps.

[zidane339]

Originally Posted by Gamma Tech

did you open the clamps up to clean them? you can use paint thinner or a little bit stronger solvent than the rubbing alcohol. I think a brush is a lot better than a rag or shoe string. the polishing stone will help to get more of the ground in gunk out. we don't really have just the diamond coating & you the factory uses a 2 part loctite to install them. clamps are considered wear items and might just need replaced.
bret

Thanks Bret, I did open them up. I'm going to try the polishing stone and some paint thinner. If those dont work Ill just resort to new clamps. Thanks agian.

[diredesire]

Originally Posted by Zhou

I don't think acetone would be a good idea to use on the composite clamps.

Good point, I've been working with the all metal clamps, so I completely forgot there were composites!