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Not sure if called com sticks, mainly used to clean pcb tracks.Farnell do them so oppurtunity for bulk discount. Downside though think min order around £15 so only worthwhile if ordering other gear.http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=2102028&CMP=e-2072-00001000&gross_price=trueOther option punt on fleabay. Recommend 4mm variety, 2mm best left for pcb work.http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=fiberglass+pen&_sacat=0&_odkw=fiberglass+pen+4mm&_osacat=0&_from=R40
I wouldn't say they're any better, like you say only removing surface build up. Neither is going to dress a damaged com.Guess if the armature is out a rubber might do the job a tad quicker and easier. Think I'd still prefer the pen though to clean out the undercuts.If the motor is still assembled I often find that the pen is small enough to access the com with the brushes removed. Simple job then to spin up the armature with it sat in its bearings. Guess you could use a small rubber on end of a pencil, but them button rubbers have a tendency to pop out then you have the possibly of the metal holder digging in to the com.For a few quid the pens just handy for cleaning inaccessible contacts - a good get out of jail tool. Bit like the on/off button removal tool. Luckily I had bent picker. Which begs another question, should there be a spring beneath the DC04 on/off switch?