.1. I saw a recent video, intriguing, about using brake parts cleaner. 2 minutes long.
.2. Electronic parts cleaner might be even better.
Both hopefully avoid the common residue problems described above.

.3. IDEAS NEEDED: In my case, I have a very frozen 2mm set screw underneath that holds in the brake handle lever. Ultegra ST 6510, right side. 2003 Lemond, very well cared for, and always stored indoors. The hardened wrench now just clicks inside the screw body, lefty loosey. I'm looking through my easy-out removers, but I probably don't have any small enough. Any ideas? I'm frustrated, about ready to try drilling out the set screw. I've already bought another Ultegra shifter set on eBay, but cannot remove this shifter until I can dismantle it from the set screw. My last option = cutting the cable (not ideal, but quick and dirty if nothing else works.