Brake Cleaner

[dave1918a2]

I use carburetor cleaner on occasion. Same as non clorinated brake cleaner.

 

[ppeeks]

Brake cleaner is best for removing kerosene after metal parts have been bathed in kerosene overnight in order to remove water molecules remaining after various water-based processes (like rust-bluing).

 

[armorer951]

Keep in mind that many, if not all of these pressurized solvents are very flammable, and can pose a very real and significant health risk through skin contact and inhalation. Whether you decide to use this horrible stuff is up to you of course, but, if you do, please remember to read and follow label instructions. Wear disposable gloves. Protect your eyes. Keep these products out of the reach of your children and grandchildren.

From an armorer's perspective, these products strip the surfaces they contact of all protective coatings and lubricant. Because of their inherent characteristics, this will include surfaces that cannot be reached without complete disassembly. As a result, oxidation of the stripped surfaces and components may occur, especially if pressurized sprays are applied directly to the parts assemblies and components.

In addition, these types of volatile solvents are not really necessary for typical cleaning scenarios that most of us encounter. Deeper cleaning, if necessary, may require seeking a professional gunsmith's help, or the judicious use of an ultrasonic machine used with a suitable additive specifically designed for firearms.

As others have said, there are many plant and oil based products that are safer, both for you and your firearms. Other options include products sold by Iosso, Blue Wonder, M-Pro 7, and many others. They are, for the most part biodegradable, non-flammable, and reduce dangers brought to the work table by aerosol solvents.

 

[ruger 22]

I use either brake or carb cleaner mostly on my old Ruger Mark 1 since assembly is a pain. All of the precautions given above are very good---with adding also saftey glasses and always remove the grips first.

 

[kbm6893]

Keep in mind that many, if not all of these pressurized solvents are very flammable, and can pose a very real and significant health risk through skin contact and inhalation. Whether you decide to use this horrible stuff is up to you of course, but, if you do, please remember to read and follow label instructions. Wear disposable gloves. Protect your eyes. Keep these products out of the reach of your children and grandchildren.

From an armorer's perspective, these products strip the surfaces they contact of all protective coatings and lubricant. Because of their inherent characteristics, this will include surfaces that cannot be reached without complete disassembly. As a result, oxidation of the stripped surfaces and components may occur, especially if pressurized sprays are applied directly to the parts assemblies and components.

In addition, these types of volatile solvents are not really necessary for typical cleaning scenarios that most of us encounter. Deeper cleaning, if necessary, may require seeking a professional gunsmith's help, or the judicious use of an ultrasonic machine used with a suitable additive specifically designed for firearms.

As others have said, there are many plant and oil based products that are safer, both for you and your firearms. Other options include products sold by Iosso, Blue Wonder, M-Pro 7, and many others. They are, for the most part biodegradable, non-flammable, and reduce dangers brought to the work table by aerosol solvents.

You mentioned use of a sonic cleaner. Would a sonic bath in ultrasonic lubricant without a full disassembly of the frame or slide be something worth looking into?

 

[armorer951]

Unless you are shooting and cleaning large numbers of firearms, the cost of these devices is prohibitive in my opinion. They do a great job though, and don't leave the gun stripped of it's protective layer of lubricant which is left behind by the proper solutions used in the machine. Ultrasonic cleaning certainly doesn't preclude normal, regular maintenance procedures, but makes it much easier on a large scale.

While some large police agencies and military units use this option, it would seem impractical for most of us who shoot only occasionally, or enjoy the sport as a hobby. My department uses slave laborers called "factory trained armorers" for this tedious hand work.

A little research online will give you a good idea if it's affordable and feasible for you.

Gun Cleaning Clinic: Ultrasonics - The King Of Cleaning | Top Rated Supplier of Firearm Reloading Equipment, Supplies, and Tools - Colt

 

[kbm6893]

Unless you are shooting and cleaning large numbers of firearms, the cost of these devices is prohibitive in my opinion. They do a great job though, and don't leave the gun stripped of it's protective layer of lubricant which is left behind by the proper solutions used in the machine. Ultrasonic cleaning certainly doesn't preclude normal, regular maintenance procedures, but makes it much easier on a large scale.

While some large police agencies and military units use this option, it would seem impractical for most of us who shoot only occasionally, or enjoy the sport as a hobby. My department used slave laborers called "factory trained armorers" for this tedious hand work.

A little research online will give you a good idea if it's affordable and feasible for you.

I already have a 2 liter ultra sonic. Bought it to clean brass but it doesn't do such a great job. I use it now for gun parts like AR bolts and revolver cylinders. I rinse the parts off, blow with compressed air, and then dry in a case dryer to get whatever moisture might be left.

I lube where I should lube after a normal clean, but the nooks and crannies aren't getting any lube, so I was wondering if a quick dip in ultrasonic lube would get everything out. I wasn't planning on investing more than $100 for a Harbor Freight cleaner for the lube process.

 

[double-dipper]

Good question jimmyj,
So on the product label of CRC Brakleen green can (non-chlorinated) it contains acetone, carbon dioxide and heptanes.

On the product label of Break Free Power Blaster gun cleaner contains acetone, Toluene and carbon dioxide.
Toluene is very TOXIC!!!!

BTW jimmyj both have a warning "reproductive harm" so keep it away from your junk!!! LOL

I would say use the green can of CRC Brakleen.