BONUS HOW-TO: Clean a Severely Scratched iPod

We Brasso-buffed the heck out of this scratched furst-generation iPod nano with excellent results.

WHAT YOU NEED
> Badly scratched iPod
> Brasso ($4.29, www.amazon.com)

Unless your iPod is still in its box, it's probably got a scratch or 12 that you'd rather not preserve forever beneath Scotchgard. Several companies sell acrylic polish and scratch removers specifically for iPods, but to remove really (really) bad scratches, you'll need to step up to an industrial-strength solution: Brasso brass polisher. Most of the acrylic de‑scratchers fill in scratches with a clear compound, but Brasso actually grinds down the iPod's surface to remove scratches. Needless to say, use extreme caution.

Step 1: A Little Dab'll Do Ya

Use a super-soft cloth, such as one that came with your eyeglasses or camera lens; we found several sizes of chamois ($5.44 to $24.99) and even a microfiber cloth ($4.99) at our local Kragen Auto store. Whatever you do, don't use a paper towel or T-shirt. Fold the cloth over on itself a couple of times for padding, and smear a small amount of Brasso on the cloth. Rub the iPod in a circular motion using extremely light pressure. We rubbed our most beat-up iPod for well over an hour before the scratches disappeared. Try to keep Brasso out of the gaps around the clickwheel, dock connector, and headphone orifices.

Tip: Take little dabs from a spoonful of Brasso.

Step 2: Buff 'Er? I Barely Know 'Er!

When you think the scratches might be gone, stop rubbing - you can always apply more Brasso if scratches remain. Use a clean part of the rubbing cloth to wipe off any Brasso residue, and then use another clean part of the cloth to further buff the iPod without abrasion. If you're patient, the results can be quite impressive. More importantly, if you're not patient, and you stop too soon or don't completely buff off the Brasso, your iPod might come out looking worse than when you started. We warned ya.

Don't skimp on the polishing cloth - you'll want to finish up with a clean patch.