Monster Cable interconnects too tight


I have some older Monster Cable RCA interconnects that grip the connectors on my gear too tightly. One time, I removed the interconnect from my Adcom amp and part of the Adcom's connector ripped off the unit with the interconnect. Another time, the connector stayed on the Adcom, but the solder broke inside the amp's housing, causing an intermittent fault. I always try to use a gentle, twisting motion to remove the interconnects.

I described this problem to a local hi-fi dealer and he said that Monster Cable interconnects are known for gripping too tightly. He suggested that I apply a tiny dab of automotive transmission fluid to the connectors with a Q-tip before inserting the Monster Cable. This seems strange to me -- it would lubricate the connection, but wouldn't it also reduce electrical conduction?

Has anyone tried using any type of lubricating fluid to deal with this problem? I just bought some new electronics, and I don't want to have any problems like I had before. I may not buy Monster Cable again for this reason, but I would like to keep using the cables I have. Thanks.
javachip

Showing 3 responses by armstrod

I just got a bottle of the Caig DeoxIT 100% (which is not the same as the Pro-Gold) and it looks, feels, and smells exactly like automatic transmission fluid.
Albertporter,

My cables did indeed install themselves, and burned themselves in to boot! :-)

Actually, I was merely commenting about what I had observed, having just purchased my first bottle of DeoxIT. Since I have no way to analyze it, and it doesn't say on the bottle, I have no idea what it actually is, but the fact remains it looks, feels, and smells exactly like automatic transmission fluid. I'm sure ProGold is completely different.

Just my $.02
Albertporter,

I agree 100% - I'm sticking with the Caig.

I'll just have to train my cables better in the future...

:-)