Will someone please tell me exactly how to go about cleaning volume controls on my radios? I have several table top models from the 1940's thru the early 1960's all American Manufacturers.... as i understand it many times the extra crackling noise emitted during turning set on and off can be eliminated by cleaning the volume control (which in the case of my current radios are also the ON/OFF switches.) Also as for the tuning dial mechanism with the cord attached... does it ever need lubrication and if so should it be cleaned first? if so what cleaner & what type lubricant? Thank you very much for your help.

De-oxit for the controls and sewing machine or some other fine oil. I never get oil near the dial string pulleys or dial string usual just lubing the tuning gang pivot points is enough.

Sanford you are a radio genius & generous with your experience - thank you very much

They make tuner cleaner & lube if you can still find it. You want to clean the control but you need a little lube in it so the shaft won't seize. If you cannot readily get any, WD40 is pretty much the same thing and will work just fine. A friend of mine uses it all the time and always with excellent results and is far cheaper.