Advice Please on Chandelier wiring fault

[OAKWOODBANK]

My electrician is currently working at my home doing some general rewiring in an extension room. I had asked to also rewire two brass wall lights and a brass chandelier. They are old pices of equipment from 1970 and they have been in store here for eight years. He found that one of the wall lights had its old wiring (rubber covered) had the wires (apparently) corroded to the inside of the tube and he has been unable to release them. So,whilst he is busy on the other work I though I would ask in this forum if anyone has any knowledge of solvents/acid that might be used to free this wiring from its hold on the inside. The units are very heavy antiqued brass.
Alan

 

[Marvo]

The rubber they used to use was EPR which has very similar properties to modern day rubber used in roofing applications which is known as EPDM. I think benzene or cyclohexane would probably either dissolve it of soften it up enough to allow removal. Benzene should be the easier of the two to find but please be cautious though, these types of solvents aren't very fashionable nowadays because the cause lots of health issues including cancer.

*Edit* You could also try soaking for a few days in a light oil such as WD40 or similar. The secret obviously is to soften the rubber without destroying the brass so avoid acids at all costs.