Cleaning Solvent Recommendations

[Boomer...]

I like Eezox for lube/protection but ran out, so I have some inbound plus RenWax too. I'm also out of CLP and no local retailers stock it, oddly enough.

So, I bought a can of S&W Bore & Action Cleaner at Big5 this afternoon but unsure just what it is. Says "synthetic-safe" but warns to remove wood or rubber stocks/grips. That can't be good... Maybe OK for (um) "bore & action" parts not in contact with at-risk part finish? I figure the stuff is private labelled version of a product I might recognize but thinking I'll return it unused. Maybe OK for my M&P Shield9 & M&P45c I'd also want it to be safe for my not-plastic guns...

Nobody chimed in on my Q about linked stuff above, so I'll update it with an observation...

When all else fails, read the can (if not instructions ). Says; "Manufactured by The Makers of Liquid Wrench - Radiator Specialty Company". Contains; "hydrocarbon fluid, petroleum distillates, natural methyl ester, d-Limonene, antioxidant, surfactant and dispersant blend and carbon dioxide".

Um, I'm taking the stuff back unused for refund!

 

[Boomer...]

Our Walmart stores stock CLP and if yours doesn't you can get it online and shipped free to the store, even a Neighborhood Market!!!

A quick look-see at my local W-M a few days ago didn't reveal any CLP on the shelf but I need to go there again today so will check again!

Evening Update:
Ordered Eezox arrived this afternoon, ordered Renaissance Wax shipped today and W-M did have CLP in stock! S&W Bore & Action cleaner, ("Liquid Wrench") has been returned too. I'm all set for shooting action after a bit of detail clean 'n lube...

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

Nobody chimed in on my Q about linked stuff above, so I'll update it with an observation...

When all else fails, read the can (if not instructions ). Says; "Manufactured by The Makers of Liquid Wrench - Radiator Specialty Company". Contains; "hydrocarbon fluid, petroleum distillates, natural methyl ester, d-Limonene, antioxidant, surfactant and dispersant blend and carbon dioxide".

Um, I'm taking the stuff back unused for refund!

Did you try it? Try a little on some plastic in an inconspicuous place and observe. It *may* just be lawyer CYA talk.

 

[Boomer...]

Did you try it? Try a little on some plastic in an inconspicuous place and observe. It *may* just be lawyer CYA talk.

My suspicion is that it would be fine for S&W M&P, Glock etc poly pistols, but I have several Beretta pistols plus Ruger revolvers with nice finish plus wood or rubber grips (note their warning on that), so I'll return it unused.

If I wanted to use Liquid Wrench on my firearms, I'd go out into the garage and retrieve a can of that...

 

[EFFIndustries]

Cleaners I use

It seems I have gone through every product as they have come out, never really being too impressed between different solvents and cleaners...

Started out like everyone else with Hoppes 9, and then moved onto Shooter's Choice products and then onto Montana rifleman. That stuff, the bore solvent, 50bmg, copper remover and rimfire solvent work... And damn well. Problem is, I have to either be outside or have a gas mask on to use the stuff. Nitrile gloves are a must and you have to worry about it damaging the metal if left for too long (some of the products).

Tried froglube, the solvent and clp, and rand's new clp. No go on either of those; lubricity and cleaning ability just isn't up to snuff for me.

Found Bore Tech, and am hooked. Tough carbon buildup, I go with the c4. No noxious odor, no ammonia based surfactants, safe on metal, biodegradable (I believe?) and it works almost as well as Montana rifleman's line. Have the copper remover and eliminator, but have only used them sparingly. Same deal though, no fumes and biodegradable. Will be sticking with them for the long haul.

For lubricants, on short term storage app, I still use militec. Not a great anti corrosive, but again when I know it is just short term, it is great. Bonds with the metal to create a semi self-lubricating surface. Longterm, M-Pro7 or corrosionX depending on the gun, CorrosionX has a higher specific G so it is more suited for semi-s. For heavy bearing surfaces like slides, MilCom tw25b. Nothing else matches it's performance as far as products that I have tried.

General dunking to remove stubborn carbon and lead, still using Kroil. Just, because... It works. Haha.

 

[Louchia]

Gun Scrubber is a good choice and it is polymer safe. Maybe no need to completely disassemble. Strong spray flushes it out. Be sure to relube necessary areas.

 

[jmmitc06]

Hey guys, I was wondering about this also. I recently bought a nickel 29-2 and I've been using Ballistol on all of my other guns. I'm wondering if it's safe to use on nickel as well? This is from the MSDS:

Ballistol contains the following ingredients:
Mineral Oil
Potassium Oleate
Ammonium Oleate
Oleic Acid
Benzyl Alcohol
Amyl Alcohol
Isobutyl Alcohol
Benzyl Acetate
Anethole
Isohexane (aerosol only)

Yes, these chemicals should be okay to use on a nickel plated gun.

I believe the issue with ammonia-containing solvents, dissolving the copper underneath and compromising the nickel, won't occur with the compounds above since none of them are nitrogenous bases. Ammonia is some uniquely nasty but awesome stuff. Now, hydrochloric acid is sometimes used to remove nickel from gun parts, oleic acid is also an "acid", but it's nowhere near as potent as HCl, it's a fatty acid. If I had a nickel plated gun, I wouldn't hesitate to use ballistol on it.

If you have gummed up oil on the parts, you effectively have a big wad of organic stuff in there. I would try a q-tip with some acetone to dissolve the organic build up on the inner workings and anything else on the gun for that matter you want to clean. I would then go back with a non-ammonia gun cleaning solution after that and then relubricate.

If you still have problems, go to harbor freight, buy a sonic cleaner and lyman gun cleaning solution and try that, it would still be cheaper than sending it to someone to clean.

Just don't use acetone on a polymer gun or on the wooden grips, it will strip the finish off.

 

[Gunfancier]

Ballistol! That is ALL! It works. DW

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I use Kroil mixed with shooters choice bore cleaner.