removing rust from battery compartment springs...?

[joko]

Hi

Can anyone tell me a way to remove rust from the the spring in a battery compartment of a handheld computer?

one end is a spring, which is not so hard to get at but the other end is a flat spiral of wire, held in place by the casing so very hard to get at.

I have scraped a bit with a blade but can't really get rid of it.

it seems to make the batteries leak, as i think thats what caused it initially.

the item still works, but i don't like to just leave it.

also, once its off, i thought of perhaps rubbing a thin layer of vaseline on them to deter future rusting - but how can i clean it off completely?

any ideas? vinegar on a cotton bud? turps?

i know onion is meant to rid knives of rust but not sure how to get it onto the area (LOL)

can anyone advise me of the best way?

many thanks for any replies

[woodchopper]

Corrosion won't cause batteries to leak - its the batteries leaking that cause the corrosion in the first place.
Cheap batteries leak more than good ones - use duracell.
As for the corrosion - use a nail board - the thing women use to file their fingernails after having a manicure - then Give it a smear of vaseline to help keep the rust at bay.
Unfortunately rust, once started is very difficult to get rid of - if not impossible.

[joko]

thanks, thats what i said the leakage caused the corrosion initially but i think the damage is making it keep happening.

i cannot get close enough to it with a blade, so an emery board wont work.

i need some kind of fluid or something i think

[buildersmate]

You definitely don't want to be putting fluids in there. Anything that might be half a job on the 'rust' will do a pretty good job getting into more of the electronics gubbins.
Woodchoppers' idea is good - mechanical abrasion.

[joko]

i don't mean to pour it in there, i mean to wipe over and dissolve the rust

[maxximus]

try baking soda and scrubbing with a damp cue tip. baking soda breaks down and neutralizes battery corrosion.