Solvent safe for nickel

paperboy98 · #1 08-26-2009, 07:06 PM

I've always used Hoppe's #9, but I understand from this forum that I need to use a different solvent on my nickel finishes. Would you folks suggest some brand names safe for nickel. Thanks
Paperboy98

robbt · #2 08-26-2009, 07:22 PM

hi guys , i would like to know also , robbt

tjtoolbox · #3 08-26-2009, 07:26 PM

I have used solvents all my life on metal and wood and the most user friendly are mineral spirits and denatured alcohol.

GatorFarmer · #4 08-26-2009, 07:52 PM

I've used Breakfree CLP on nickel guns.

gunlovingirl · #5 08-26-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorFarmer

I've used Breakfree CLP on nickel guns.

+1................

imakmst · #6 08-26-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorFarmer

I've used Breakfree CLP on nickel guns.

same here.

No to the Hoppes No. 9 for nickel

Professor Frink · #7 08-28-2009, 01:24 PM

I have a Kahr K9 that has an electroless nickel finish (my one and only nickel gun, and I will confess that the fellow I purchased it from told me it was stainless and I believed him, looked like stainless to me).

Anyhow, I clean it as I do with every other firearm I have, with liberal amounts of Hoppes. So far I have expierenced no finish wear, flaking, stripping or whatever.

I'm assuming the electroless finish does not suffer and the standard nickle does.

Just thought I'd muddy-up the waters a little.

shawn mccarver · #8 08-28-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paperboy98

I've always used Hoppe's #9, but I understand from this forum that I need to use a different solvent on my nickel finishes. Would you folks suggest some brand names safe for nickel. Thanks
Paperboy98

My understanding has always been that Hoppes No. 9 is OK as long as you do not leave it on for extended periods. Sort of a "wipe on, scrub, wipe off," scenario.

Have you asked the manufacturer of Hoppes or the specific firearm manufacturer?

josephthreedogs · #9 08-28-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawn mccarver

My understanding has always been that Hoppes No. 9 is OK as long as you do not leave it on for extended periods. Sort of a "wipe on, scrub, wipe off," scenario.

Have you asked the manufacturer of Hoppes or the specific firearm manufacturer?

Before I knew better I soaked a nickle cylinder in Hoppes for over an hour, When I got back to it it had turrned a milk white color. I don't leave solvents of any kind on a nickle gun any more.

TSQUARED · #10 08-28-2009, 04:10 PM

Hoppes#9 for all my bluied and stainless guns - Breakfree CLP for the few nickel plated guns.

GM4spd · #11 08-28-2009, 04:34 PM

I am no expert and I don't want to give bad advice but I
have used Hoppe's for about 45 years and on nickel guns,
(of which I owned a few) and could see no detrimental
properties. I would say I never SOAKED (a gun or parts thereof) or left it on for any
length of time. It is good stuff. S&W nickel is VERY
tough for a finish and I would not hesitate using it to clean
with. Pete

Jack Flash · #12 08-28-2009, 07:57 PM

Here is a copy of a post someone made on the topic of nickel plated S&Ws a while back. I XXX'd out his name in case he would now like to be anonymous. If anyone doubts the veracity of this, I'm sure it would be easy to contact Roy Jinks.

I'm posting this here as information, not to argue. If the original post sounds a little contentious, I think the poster was getting tired of being told he is wrong.

Quote:

This is for everyone who has argued with me over the issue of factory Nickel work done by S&W. This is an E-mail to, and answer from Roy Jinks addressing the subject. If you want call the official S&W Historian wrong, so be it.

----- Original Message -----
From: XXXX XXXXXXX
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 12:21 PM
Subject: Factory Nickel plating

Roy,

Just looking for definitive answer to a question which comes up on internet forums frequently. I'm sure you have seen it also.

Has Smith & Wesson, at any time, and as a general practice, used a Copper under-strike when Nickel plating steel frame guns? My impression, after 50 years of collecting and working on S&W's is that this was not done. All guns I have seen with the under-strike were obviously re-finished, and usually a poor polish! As you can imagine, in this time period I have seen hundreds of older guns with deteriorating Nickel finish, none of which were observed with an under-strike being evident if they appeared to be factory original finish.

This question comes about from people who "know" that you have to Copper plate under Nickel as a "primer", which we know isn't correct.

Just FYI, I was able to talk with Colt engineering about the same issue. Their answer was that some 1911 guns, which were out-sourced for plating, did have the under-strike. This had been discountinued as they experienced a high rate of finish problems.

Your soonest response would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Roy's answer:

"XXXX, to my knowledge Smith & Wesson never used a copper under plate. When they had the plating department they always plated the nickel on to the bare metal. I hope that this helps. Roy G. Jinks, Historian, Smith & Wesson"

As I have said before, if you find a S&W revolver with a Copper under-strike showing where the finish is worn or peeling, it is not a factory Nickel job. It may be a good quality re-finish, but it wasn't done at the factory. That's my last comment on the subject.

Tom M · #13 08-29-2009, 12:28 AM

I've been using the new Hoppe's Elite. No odor, very mild, and no ammonia in the formula. Works just as well as the old stuff.

Bailey · #14 08-29-2009, 05:19 PM

Hey guys I am new to this forum. And I need help,I have a Model 19-4 nickel and it has a 2.5" barrel with square butt. I recently received a e-mail that informed me that Smith&Wesson never made such a animal. That somebody must of put a new barrel on it. Can somebody help me. Also I would think If want to pay Smith will make whatever you want. Thanks Bailey

BUFF · #15 08-30-2009, 03:52 AM

Post a photo concentrating on the top strap and barrel rib and someone can tell you for sure. The front of the top straps of the 2-1/2 inch guns are different than the 4 and 6 inchers.

Original square butt, 2-1/2 inch Combat Magnums are scarce.

I understand that the factory no longer has new Model 19 barrels in stock.