Gun Cleaning Tip (Or Not?)

[hooksnatcher]

The last few months I've been using a few squirts of engine starting fluid (heptane, ethyl either) to help clean the surfaces inside the slides of my auto pistols (outdoors!). It does a really quick job of cleaning off the powder residue and old lubricants in all of those tight grooves and crevices. I follow up with a thorough re-lube of all the moving parts and slide grooves before I re-assemble.

But . . . .

I wanted any opinions of some more experienced folks to make sure that I was not overlooking an issue using this product on my firearms.

Thanks!!!!

 

[chaparrito]

Never used starting fluid, but I use carb cleaner on my semi-autos. Works great.

 

[loeman]

I consider it a tip. I guess I do pretty much the same thing but I use brake parts cleaner. I don't know its chemical composition but I have experienced no issues. However, I never use it on guns, just the mags. Also I do not let it touch the magazine base plates or the followers if they are made of plastic. I don't do this every time I clean the gun, only when I want to do a thorough cleaning when I break down the mags. It's very satisfying to watch all the dirt and crud drip out of the end of the mag. The metal will have a very dried out look to it, but a quick wipe with a silicone rag or a rag with a drop or two of oil will restore the metal to the look of new.

 

[gwpercle]

Using automotive spray cleaners is an old cost savings method and does a fine job. I have used Starting fluid, brake cleaner, carburetor cleaner. I usually use carburetor cleaner. They all work, and are a lot cheaper than the " specialty firearms cleaners" and much cheaper. I usually by whatever cleaner is the least expensive, from the automotive parts store.
All of my guns are steel, not sure how these affect "plastic framed" guns.
So you might want to be careful with those guns.
Another advantage is you can clean your carburetor with the stuff.
It's a good tip, at least for steel!
Gary

 

[klausinak]

On just metal I would have no concerns; other than those mentioned. It is going to dissolve any existing lube on the metal. As far as polymer/plastic, I'm not sure. Obviously, if it were turning plastic into goo you would stop using it. I don't know if it might be dissolving something in the polymer, making it weaker???? Hopefully someone with a Chemistry background will chime in...

Just my .02...

-Klaus

 

[ODB]

I agree, brake/carb spray cleaners work great for removing crud.

I am sure 99% of you know, but in an attempt to help the 1% that may not. Make sure you use the Non chlorinated flavors.