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Old 02-21-2012, 01:19 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Exclamation A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.

This is a warning to those of you that use automotive brake cleaner to clean your guns. In a bone-head move, I forgot to remove the wood grips from my 17-3 when I was cleaning it with brake-clean and it took the finish off of my grips. By the time I noticed what was happening, it had removed about 50% of the original finish off of both grips. Needless to say, I was sick about it. I love using break cleaner because it is a great solvent for gun powder, its cheap, and will continue to use it but, I'll make sure the grips are removed : )

However, If you find yourself in this situation, I have found the perfect finish that matches the original to a "T" in both looks and feel. I removed the remaining finish on both grips with lacquer thinner and a nylon brush. Next, I found a product that is avialible at Walmart in a 11.5 oz. spray can made by Minwax called Helmsman Spar Urethane. It comes in flat, semi-gloss, and high gloss. I used the semi gloss. After spraying 2 light coats on the grips and allowing 24 hours to dry, I taped off the checkering on the grips so that the finish would'nt build up, removing the crispness and sharpness of the checkering. I then sprayed 4 more light coats at 24 hour intervals on each grip. Finally, I removed the blue painters tape and sprayed one final finish coat on the entire grip. After they dried for 3 days, I rubbed them out using Mequires Liquid Polish followed by thier pure Carnuba Wax and they turned out great. I doubt that anyone would know the difference between them now and before I removed the original finish. I made no attempt to "fill" the grain of the walnut with the finish. Too much finish and sanding between coats will defeat the purpose of trying to duplicate the original finish. This minwax finish is very durable and is resistant to sunlight, rain & moisture, and temperature changes and should last for many years. One can should do several sets of grips. So, bottom line, there is no need to panic if disaster strikes. Just be patient and follow the instructions on the can. Its easy and the results will surprise you.
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Old 02-21-2012, 03:28 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Thanks for the tip, cliff. I'll keep it in mind when altering
some grips for a project. TACC1
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Old 02-21-2012, 10:18 AM
terrancemc terrancemc is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Brake cleaner will also attack some plastics like 3rd gen grips if left on them. I always blow it off quickly with compressed air. I don't use it on polymer frames much either. Good stuff but you should test it on different materials before using it all over a gun.
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Old 02-21-2012, 10:34 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Also, for a short period in the late '50s the factory actually used a few plastic grip medallions. These will completely dissolve in solvents.
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Old 02-21-2012, 11:06 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by terrancemc View Post
Brake cleaner will also attack some plastics like 3rd gen grips if left on them. I always blow it off quickly with compressed air. I don't use it on polymer frames much either. Good stuff but you should test it on different materials before using it all over a gun.
I urge everyone to use cleaners outside or with good ventilation.It will attack some brain cells as well.
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Old 02-21-2012, 05:57 PM
snubbiefan snubbiefan is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Too late Camster.....some of us are already pretty much brain-dead.
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Old 02-21-2012, 06:13 PM
gmiller0737 gmiller0737 is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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As A Master Auto Mechanic I can tell that not all Brake Cleaner is the same formulation, Some (Non Chlorinated) is Flamable,Other Is Non Flamible,I strongly prefer CRC Brand Red Can Part # 05089,However I don't have too much experience using it on guns other than cleaning a few small parts when they were removed from the gun.
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Old 02-25-2012, 04:43 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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I only use brake cleaner on a patch to degrease the chambers.
The rest I leave with regular gun cleaning juice on it before an oil rag rub.
We have a basement bathroom with a fan. That's where the OL makes me clean guns.
The reloading bench is right outside.

...Nemo...
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Old 02-25-2012, 10:42 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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When cleaning a gun the first thing I always do is remove the grips! It's something I started to do with the very first gun I ever purchased and still do it yet today.
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Old 02-25-2012, 12:35 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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I only use the USGI Rifle Bore Cleaner when i clean all my guns that are blued. In the rifle bores only. Using moly to lube inside the frames and receivers its a quick wipeout and relube with moly.

I'm not sure what to use on my new S&W nickel finishes yet?

Bill
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Old 02-27-2012, 06:31 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBill View Post
I only use the USGI Rifle Bore Cleaner when i clean all my guns that are blued. In the rifle bores only. Using moly to lube inside the frames and receivers its a quick wipeout and relube with moly.

I'm not sure what to use on my new S&W nickel finishes yet?

Bill
Bill-

Use some Flitz POLISH on the nickel finish, followed by Flitz Wax, Or REN WAX. I use my finger with the POLISH and just wipe it on lightly and do same with the wax. Buff off with a soft cloth.
Don't use anything AMMONIA based on the Nickel guns...
Careful even with the Hoppes when cleaning the bore, etc.
CLP is good.

EDIT: I also just found this: Nickel Finnish and Hoppes #9

Last edited by KJM; 02-27-2012 at 06:37 PM.
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Old 03-03-2012, 05:25 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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whats wrong with good old fashion hoppes bore and gun cleaner ,u should not use brake clean in ur house thats crazy.if you cant clean with hoppes something is not right.starting fluid carb clean brake clean throttle body cleaner, kerosene,gasoline are for car parts u could probobly use alot of stuff i wouldn't advise that . lube my gun with 93 octane joking
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:57 PM
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You must remember to re oil the gun after using brake cleaner. It removes all of the oil from the pours of the steel and can cause the gun to rust internally. (Even stainless steel.) This requires you to disassemble the gun to get at the internal parts and defeats the purpose of using the aerosol cleaner in the first place. I've seen a few police guns ruined by using gun scrubber type cleaners and then not properly lubing the gun. My advise is to stay away from this stuff all together. It's a lazy mans cleaner and ends up being more work than regular CLP or Hoppe's on a rag in the end.
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Old 03-04-2012, 04:45 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Also worth noting. In the same way that it will destroy lacquer finishes on wood stocks, and damage synthetic polymers, it will also quickly remove the finishes on many alloy and steel guns. If the finish was a baked-on (essentially paint) type, the brake cleaner will strip it, fast.

There is a well-know thread on a Beretta forum with exactly that happening on a modern Inox (stainless) Beretta 92FS. The frames on those Inox models are anodized aluminum, but they are then also finished with a rather suspect silver-ish paint. One guy used brake cleaner on the frame, and it bubbled-up all the silver paint.
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Old 03-04-2012, 05:16 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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D'oh!
I use brake cleaner on cylinders and inside barrels. But never anywhere that it can contact wood or rubber. It does not seem to have an effect on blueing or plastic sight inserts.
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Old 10-17-2017, 05:01 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Has anyone used electrical contact cleaner from a spray can to clean a semi-automatic handgun? Thanks for your time.

Last edited by HankG; 10-17-2017 at 05:03 PM. Reason: Forgot to thanks those that take the time to answer in this busy world we live in.
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Old 10-17-2017, 05:09 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Default Don't tell kids that.....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Camster View Post
I urge everyone to use cleaners outside or with good ventilation.It will attack some brain cells as well.
...because they'll be heading to the auto parts store in droves.
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Old 10-17-2017, 05:44 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Old 10-17-2017, 07:00 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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The only brake clean we use at work is Wurth and it is about the best we found. I will use it on some guns but the rest just get a big dose of Ballistol.
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Old 10-17-2017, 07:26 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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I have been using carb cleaner on Glocks Gens 2&3 with no problems.
Course I also go after them with toothbrush and dish soap in hot water as well. There is no way a wipe down and Hopps is going to get all the crud out from a regular monthly training session...at least for me. It takes a soak and a good scrubbing for me to get them clean.
But...as others have stated there is differences in brands and chemical make up.
Carb Cleaner vs Brake cleaner: besides chemical power, as I understand them, carb cleaner can have an additive in it that can leave residue, brake cleaner is designed to dry and strip and not leave residue.

*I now use extreme caution though and actually, put on safety glasses, Once I had a small little splash get in my eye, It burned so bad, I thought I may have actually got a Chem burn, it did scare me!

Last edited by buckyjames1; 10-17-2017 at 07:43 PM.
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Old 10-17-2017, 07:32 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Also, I found out that certain brands of insect repellant, when left on your hands in warm weather, will melt the finish on wood.
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Old 10-17-2017, 07:35 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Brake & Parts cleaner is also great for shotguns, dissolving that plastic wad build up in the choke area or choke tubes.
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Old 10-17-2017, 08:01 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Ok to you guys that love to use brake clean. Please note how many brake mechanics are 6 feet under from using the stuff. Also know that any part cleaned with it and then later welded on you will probably die within minutes of breathing the fumes. We were trained on this at work due to the large numbers of deaths in industries.
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Old 10-17-2017, 08:18 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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It's all about HOW you use it.
I was an electronics maintenance and repair engineer for 35 years.
Used TCE and other chloro/fluorocarbons to clean circuit boards and joints after soldering them.
Sometimes brake cleaner when nothing else was available.
I always at least had a fan blowing away from me and a big vent fan going to evacuate the room.
Also used the least amount possible to do the job.
I am now pushing 70 with no known health effects from breathing this stuff.
Somewhat different from a large garage with poor ventilation and many guys spraying full cans of this all day long.
After using a patch or 2 to degrease a revolver cylinder I flush the patches so they don't evaporate in the wastebasket.
One can of brake cleaner has lasted me at least 5 years.

Risk management involves thinking about what you are doing before you do it.
I learned that early on after electrocuting myself working on TV sets when I was a "tween".
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Old 10-17-2017, 08:19 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Use Acetone....much better for you than that deadly brake cleaner .

Do what Nemo288 say's ...it's how you use these cleaners , none of them are harmless .

Last edited by gwpercle; 10-18-2017 at 06:34 AM.
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Old 10-17-2017, 08:23 PM
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Thanks for reminding me.
I need to get a new can of that.
Found that it was the only thing that would dissolve Tempilaq residue after annealing some brass.
After torching the cases the melted Tempilaq turns into a kind of baked paint upon cooling.
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Old 10-17-2017, 08:32 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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For many years I have used spray carb cleaner for thorough gun cleaning (the cheapest the auto parts store has). It is also a fairly powerful solvent, and by using the thin red plastic tube in the nozzle, it will blast every bit of gunk out of crevices and tight corners. It evaporates quickly and does nothing to bluing, but I always remove any finished wood from the area. I do such cleaning jobs outside in my driveway.
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Old 10-17-2017, 08:44 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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I use Hoppe's elite and it cleans super quick and no worries.bottle costs 5 bux at walmart and lasts a long time cause you don't use as much
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Old 10-17-2017, 08:54 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1955joe View Post
I use Hoppe's elite and it cleans super quick and no worries.bottle costs 5 bux at walmart and lasts a long time cause you don't use as much
I think the topic leans more toward cleaning gun mechanisms than bores.
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Old 10-17-2017, 10:15 PM
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I use brake cleaner and have had no problems. I try not to spray the wooden grips. Once I remove the cylinder I let it sit in the brake cleaner until I get to cleaning the chambers. So far so good. I like the $2.97 a can a great deal. Napa had it on sale all month and I stocked up good.
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Old 10-17-2017, 10:42 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Things that brake cleaner can ruin:

1. Some wood finishes
2. Clear plastic magazines like 10/22 banana mags (found this one out the hard way)
3. Some older plastics made in the pre-polymer era
4. Some rubber components
5. The glue that holds on Talon grips (another one I found out the hard way)
6. brain cells (make sure to always use it in a well-ventilated area)

And honorable mention: If you cut yourself and put on a Band-Aid prior to your cleaning session, not only will it take the Band-Aid off but it will hurt like Hell in a hot summer when it gets into the wound. Yet something else I learned the hard way.
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Old 10-18-2017, 06:43 AM
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This is exactly why I have decided NOT to use chemicals and products on guns that are not designed for the purpose at hand. While there are many products that will work fine even though not exactly intended for use on firearms - one forgetful move or one slip - a part, accessory or accoutrement is ruined.

That is also WHY I have continued using the Rig #2 Oil I always go-on about. While there may be better individual Lubes, Solvents and Protectors, I have never found a better "all-in-one" product that will NOT harms any metal, plating, wood, plastic, Polymer, leather, or any material found on a firearm. There's a LOT to be said about that!

I ALWAYS clean my guns properly after a Range session and because of that procedure they never get to the point where I need a super duty solvent on them.

When a situation arises and I get a new to me gun that needs a bit more attention I will use something stronger but always make sure the product being used won't harm the materials it is going to come in contact with or if necessary - I'll remove or disassemble that specific susceptible part. I did learn the hard way a long time ago and have made sure never to repeat that ....
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Old 10-18-2017, 07:05 AM
Triggernosis Triggernosis is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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The spar urethane is a great finish. I do have a question for you though - why didn't you strip the rest of the finish off the grips with the brake cleaner?
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Old 11-16-2017, 10:58 PM
JBTJ JBTJ is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gwpercle View Post
Use Acetone....much better for you than that deadly brake cleaner .

Do what Nemo288 say's ...it's how you use these cleaners , none of them are harmless .
Acetone will also melt any plastic it comes in contact with.
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  #35  
Old 11-17-2017, 10:31 AM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JBTJ View Post
Acetone will also melt any plastic it comes in contact with.
Not all plastics. I've had acetone in an 8oz Nalgene dropper bottle for 7+years on my bench. The bottle is polyethylene.
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Old 11-17-2017, 11:57 AM
apollo99 apollo99 is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Brake cleaner kills brain cells, I need the two live cells I have left, no more brake cleaner for me.
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Old 02-18-2019, 09:53 PM
Viper 55 Viper 55 is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Default Help Identify Gun Solvent

Hoping someone can help identify. In the early 1970's, I used a foam gun/lube in a spray can that had the pleasant vanilla smell to it. Anyone remember this gun cleaner and can you help me ID?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Camster View Post
I urge everyone to use cleaners outside or with good ventilation.It will attack some brain cells as well.
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Old 02-18-2019, 10:17 PM
The_Truth The_Truth is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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With so many fine gun cleaning products on the market I guess I just don't understand the need to even use brake cleaner
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Old 02-18-2019, 10:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Viper 55 View Post
Hoping someone can help identify. In the early 1970's, I used a foam gun/lube in a spray can that had the pleasant vanilla smell to it. Anyone remember this gun cleaner and can you help me ID?
Probably G96. Used to be nearly impossible to find around here, but it my local Cabela's recently started to carry it. Until recently Colt used it on their new guns before shipping. I wipe down guns with it before putting away in storage.
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Old 02-18-2019, 10:34 PM
oneounceload oneounceload is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Truth View Post
With so many fine gun cleaning products on the market I guess I just don't understand the need to even use brake cleaner

Because most gun cleaners are merely over-priced re packaged cleaners designed for a different industry; and in many cases, things like brake cleaner, ATF, even WD-40 can be great solvents/cleaners
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Old 02-18-2019, 10:45 PM
The_Truth The_Truth is offline
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Seems like the plus side to using gun specific products is you can bathe your gun in it and not fear doing any damage. I only shoot 100-150 rounds at a time anyway and meticulously clean regularly, so I suppose I don't really need anything more than Hoppe's. Maybe I'm old fashioned.

The scent of Hoppe's alone is worth any markup on the product IMO
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Old 02-18-2019, 10:59 PM
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What really makes gun cleaning easy is an air compressor. You can get a pancake compressor designed to run nail guns at a construction site for about $100. It will put out plenty of air to clean guns. (I have a big Campbell-Hausfeld belt drive unit, but it's mega overkill for guns). For that money, all shooters should have one.

Blast 'em good after using cleaning products liberally.
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Old 02-18-2019, 11:05 PM
Black Sunshine Black Sunshine is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Viper 55 View Post
Hoping someone can help identify. In the early 1970's, I used a foam gun/lube in a spray can that had the pleasant vanilla smell to it. Anyone remember this gun cleaner and can you help me ID?
Was it in a black can with rounded upper end of can? The one I'm thinking of had a nice smell, but it reminded me of bananas...but I can't think of the name of it...
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Old 02-18-2019, 11:05 PM
gman51 gman51 is offline
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Brake clean,acetone and carb cleaner are not made for cleaning plastics or wood finishes. If you want to see grips made of plastic or wood grips finish become gummy just go ahead and use them. I don't allow any of these cleaners to get on anything that is not metal.

You darn straight want to wear eye protection before using and wash your hands after using any of them or you could be visiting a doctor because body parts you touched with your hands can get really bad chemical skin burns. That has a lot to do with why mechanics wash their hands before unzipping rather than after zipping up. Just remember what these chemicals can do to plastic and wood finishes they can also do to your skin.
I had a corroded pliers with rubber covered handles that I couldn't open. I soaked the pliers in acetone and atf mix and the pliers still will not open and the rubbers covers are ruined now also.
I also learned 409 cleaner can really mess up a car windshield. It leaves like a haze wherever the cleaner is applied. Had to use a razor blade to remove the haze. It was sort of like I had smeared paraffin wax on the windshield. Then I read the label and sure enough it said do not use on glass. Yep read the label cautions before using anything or you could think dang did I ever make a mess and screw that up.
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  #45  
Old 02-18-2019, 11:09 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Truth View Post
Seems like the plus side to using gun specific products is you can bathe your gun in it and not fear doing any damage. I only shoot 100-150 rounds at a time anyway and meticulously clean regularly, so I suppose I don't really need anything more than Hoppe's. Maybe I'm old fashioned.

The scent of Hoppe's alone is worth any markup on the product IMO

I don't know about the "new" Hoppe's, but the old stuff would dissolve varnish in a second!

So, don't forget to pull your wood grips when cleaning.
And a tip for other old dudes- don't forget to unzip!
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Old 02-18-2019, 11:13 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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On a positive note, now I know what to use when I want to refinish wood grips.
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Old 02-18-2019, 11:19 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gman51 View Post
I also learned 409 cleaner can really mess up a car windshield. It leaves like a haze wherever the cleaner is applied. Had to use a razor blade to remove the haze. It was sort of like I had smeared paraffin wax on the windshield. Then I read the label and sure enough it said do not use on glass. Yep read the label cautions before using anything or you could think dang did I ever make a mess and screw that up.

WOW, dude! You READ the directions??
TURN IN your man card!
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Old 02-18-2019, 11:24 PM
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dsk View Post
Things that brake cleaner can ruin:


2. Clear plastic magazines like 10/22 banana mags (found this one out the hard way)
3. Some older plastics made in the pre-polymer era
I used it one time to clean a transmission connection for the main electronics, it completely disintegrated in seconds..
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Old 02-18-2019, 11:25 PM
oneounceload oneounceload is offline
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A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns. A warning to those that use "brake-clean" to clean your guns.  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by handejector View Post
I don't know about the "new" Hoppe's, but the old stuff would dissolve varnish in a second!

So, don't forget to pull your wood grips when cleaning.
And a tip for other old dudes- don't forget to unzip!
I prefer to wear to wear gloves for protection
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Old 02-18-2019, 11:29 PM
moosedog moosedog is offline
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Another thing which we use a lot during the summer which can ruin the finish of grips/stocks is many forms of insect repellant. Get it on your hands and it will put permanent finger prints on pistol grips in a matter of a few minutes.
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