How to salvage old SNES controllers?

[dr mario kart]

I've got 12 snes controllers, and maybe 3 or 4 of them work perfectly. Some of the other ones have some severe problems. Is there anything I can do, like take it apart and clean something, that has a chance to get them working better? The most common problem is the button feels looser and isnt as responsive, and there is also one case of the button just sticking.

[Sylentwulf]

Open it up and spray contact cleaner all over the place. Guaranteed to fix ANY controller.

Other than that, make some frankencontrollers. Take what works and combine them to make 4-5 good controllers with 5-6 garbage ones.

[dr mario kart]

you mean spray...the liquid stuff that is used to clean contact lenses?...all over the insides? Is there a particular name of stuff that I should look for? Do I spray it on and let it sit for a while or wipe it off right away? Are we talking a fine mist or a soak?

[omnedon]

Electronic contact cleaner from radio Shack. Qtips are a good way to clean the contacts too.

Sylentwulfs idea is good. START WITH THE CRAPPIEST CONTROLLER. What you learn from taking apart that one, will help you do better with the ones you have a greater chance of fixing successfully.

FYI to all concerned, the D-pad latex in a N64 controller can fit well into a SNES controller, with a very small judicious snip. The D-pads in N64 controllers are usually in great shape too.

This should be moved to Restoration Forum.

[maxlords]

Yeah...I just take mine apart and clean em really good...easy to fix.