I would like to set up a parts washer

[boatboy]

As it says I would like to set up a parts washer/ solvent sink exclusively for being able to take guns and gun parts over and soak and clean them.

I have SS Blue and nickle guns
What can I fill the tank with that I will not have to worry about screwing up finishes etc.

Thanks Hank

 

[SoulLessGinger]

Low odor mineral spirits is what I use. Does fine with blueing, don't know about nickel, though...never tried it.

 

[msinc]

Low odor mineral spirits is what I use. Does fine with blueing, don't know about nickel, though...never tried it.

+1...Yep, that's what I have in mine and it works just fine. You can get better {even less smell, higher flashpoint} from Zepp Chemical and other chemical companies but the cost vs. actual performance isn't worth it.

 

[Denny Crane]

How about in an ultrasonic cleaner? Mineral spirits?

 

[AllAces]

Parts Cleaner

Consider using one of the biodegradable parts cleaner solutions. Fewer problems when you decide to dispose of the used solution.

 

[yamadeal]

I use safety solvent, which can be had at bulk dealers in 5 gal. buckets.
For most total tear down and repairs or trigger work I've used simple green for years , don't need to soak just spray, let set a little ,rinse in a pan of h2o, blow dry and oil.

 

[boatboy]

How about in an ultrasonic cleaner? Mineral spirits?

My first thought was an ultra sonic cleaner but as I looked into it its like most other things you get what you pay for.I was looking at Harbor frieght tools than I found out the Yahama outboard rep paid about 900 for his so I figured that the 100.00 or less was a toy

Hank

 

[mkk41]

My first thought was an ultra sonic cleaner but as I looked into it its like most other things you get what you pay for.I was looking at Harbor frieght tools than I found out the Yahama outboard rep paid about 900 for his so I figured that the 100.00 or less was a toy

Hank

I have 2 of the Harbor Freight parts washer bins in my garage. One was my Pop's and is well over 20yrs old and pumps like a champ. I use mineral spirits and I hooked up a filter. I use #1 for initial cleaning of dirty greasy parts and #2 for final clean. When the fluid in the first bin gets too yucky , it gets drained , the fluid from #2 goes in #1 and fresh stuff goes in #2. 10gal used mineral spirits and 10gal used motor oil heat the garage nicely.

 

[chief38]

I always had the urge to set up one as well, but I never wanted the smell, and flammability issues around. Unless you intend to use this on a daily or weekly basis, you are better off (IMHO) doing one of the following:

1) Use Birchwood-Casey "Gunscrubber" outdoors. It works very well, evaporates instantly and removes everything! Just make sure you oil metal parts afterwards as this stuff removes all traces of oil and rust protection as well.

2) Pour a quart of Hoppes (or similar solvent) into a tray or bucket and let parts soak in that for a while. Follow up with a quick scrubbing with a tooth brush and they will be as clean as they ever will be. I pour the Hoppes back into the original bottle through a filter (catches most of the crud) and I dedicate that special bottle for this purpose only. I've been using the same quart bottle of Hoppes for this purpose for many years now - still works great!

Chief38

 

[imashooter2]

Ed's Red, without the acetone.

 

[boatboy]

Just a follow up
I was at Dick Williams gunsmiths picking up a 317 last week. I asked Kenny what they used in the shop they have a tank of Mineral Spirits.
I did sent up a parts washer with spirits and Sunday shot and brought homes a couple MarkIIs and it really was nice threw the parts in scrubbed the barrel and took out the parts it was quite nice
Worked well

Hank

 

[sjmjax]

I second Ed's Red.

It's what I use in a 20 gal parts washer. Don't use the pump just soak and clean with an assortment of brushes. I added a drain valve and hose and return the solvent to milsurp steel Jerry Cans for storage and control of evaporation losses.


Cleans and lubes. Equal parts low odor mineral spirits, kerosene, acetone and atf fluid. Some add melted lanolin as well.

 

[panhandle_gunslinger]

Vapor Pressure

Just a friendly reminder...no matter what solvent you use, be sure to store it in a sealed container if possible. Other than the chemical solution itself, many solvents work on a vapor pressure gradient, and when the vapor evaporates, the cleaning power evaporates right along with it.

 

[EarlFH]

I don't know if it's true, but I've been told that Simple Green will strip the anodizing from an aluminum gun. I use Prolix gun cleaner/lube. It's expensive as hell, but works great.(last I bought was $65 a gallon, and that was several years ago. I just use it for my handguns, in a small soak tank. Lasts a long time.)

EarlFH