Cleaning out the cone holders for KATO-style end-point axle pick-ups

[OldEastRR]

Those little dimples do get dirty eventually. Is there a tool or some jury-rigged device that can get into that little cone completely down to the point and clean off that copper? Drill bits aren't pointy enough, and #11 Xacto blades are too thin to get the sides.

[Chris333]

copper?

[davefoxx]

A microbrush and some isopropyl alcohol or contact cleaner.

DFF

[Jim Starbuck]

These are like a q-tips but the ends are much more dense.
A little spray of contact cleaner soaks the tip and they reach into the pickup cups nicely.
I’m pretty sure I got them at Hobby Lobby in the modeling section.
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[mmagliaro]

I use a slightly blunted round toothpick dipped in alcohol.  You definitely should not use a drill bit because sooner or later it will drill the cones deeper.

[superchief]

as Max said(tookpick) I use a 6" bamboo skewer for uncoupling pick, once the tips are no longer a sharp point I wrap a small piece of paper towel soaked with Atlas conduct-a-lube works great. Gordon

[carmelmodelrr]

I dip an old Tshirt into denatured alcohol, then put the head of the smallest Phillips head screw driver into the shirt and into the cup.  Works quite well for me.

Carmel Model RR
Richard Wroblewski