Nagaoka Dust Roller...Best or Worst Thing Ever?


I have a roller made by Nagaoka/Rotel that appears to be amazing, but I'm not sure about risks that might be related to using it. It looks kind of like a lint roller, but the surface is made from a soft tacky-feeling material that attracts dust and is washable.

It is apparently soft enough to form down into the grooves and pick up the dust in there, which it seems like it's really doing. After brushing a record, playing it, and then using the roller and playing it again, there is a definite reduction in surface noise. There's no residue left behind, and you can wash the dust off of the roller with a little soap and water to completely restore its tackiness.

NOTE: I have a normal wet/vacuum cleaning process that I use to get the deep-groove crap out, and I use a carbon-fiber brush in my regimen as well. The Nagaoka Roller is not a substitute for "real" cleaning, but it seems like it might do a really good job between cleanings.

Has anyone here ever used one of these devices?

-Dusty
128x128heyitsmedusty

Showing 2 responses by heyitsmedusty

I found it on eBay. I had read somewhere about it, and it seemed like a really good idea in theory so I wanted to try it out. It's used, and I'm really happy with it so far. It looks like with proper care it will last for a very long time.

I like the idea of using the roller as a "pre-wash" step. It does a good job of removing film and dried up fingerprints that sometimes don't come off even with aggressive washing. I haven't noticed any kind of residue left behind after using it. What kind of light to you use to see it?

-Dusty
Yeah, I use a gooseneck halogen over my workstation now (as of yesterday) and I can see the residue. VERY slight, and it easily comes off with the scrubbing and vacuuming.

How deep, in millimeters, are the grooves of a record? Wouldn't the roller only need to be able to flex that amount to get down in there?

-Dusty