Parts cleaning fluid?

[Jessie]

I have a small parts cleaner tub with pump; what's a good fluid to use? I was thinking diesel or maybe even K-1 kerosene
Are either of these ok with gun parts?
Thanks
Tried to delete this but couldn't. I found that neither of the above should be used because they are flammable. I think maybe Simple Green or equivalent. I wanted to avoid water based but apparently I can't.

 

[Waywatcher]

Kerosene is good to go; it's the main ingredient in Hoppes #9.
Mineral Spirits is the main ingredient in Rem-Oil.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a good lube for firearms.

Put them all together and you have Ed's Red, a homemade gun cleaner/lubricant/preservative. Here's some additional information on ATF in case you are skeptical: Lubricants 101

 

[Jessie]

Kerosene is good to go; it's the main ingredient in Hoppes #9.
Mineral Spirits is the main ingredient in Rem-Oil.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a good lube for firearms.

Put them all together and you have Ed's Red, a homemade gun cleaner/lubricant/preservative. Here's some additional information on ATF in case you are skeptical: Lubricants 101

Thanks, and I have no problem with using ATF. It seems that anything flammable is a no- no. The ATF alone is ok but does it clean well also?

 

[Bkreutz]

I use this in my parts washer. It lasts a very long time. I don't think I'd use it in a parts washer designed for solvent based fluids because they aren't as corrosion resistant as washers that are designed for water based cleaners. Cleaner Degreaser by OIL EATER - Parts Washer Cleaners and Solvents by Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

 

[chief38]

I do not have an official recirculating "Parts Cleaner" but sometimes do use WD-40 to clean grease, tar, oil, etc. from Automotive parts in a large plastic tupperware container with a brush. It would work equally as well for guns too, but I would NOT recommend it as a Lubricant or Rust Preventative - just a cleaner for parts. The reason I use WD-40 for cleaning is that it works quite well and the smell does not make Mrs. Chief38 all bent out of shape. I have dedicated a gallon container of it as a cleaner only and after using it I filter and pour it back for use next time. It lasts quite a while this way and if I do use it on something REALLY DIRTY, I just toss it.

TIP: For those of you who are fussy about their ride, WD-40 works GREAT for removing road tar from wheels, fenders and chrome tail pipes without scrubbing hard.

 

[moe smith]

Lubricants 101

Thanks! Great read.

 

[Jessie]

Kerosene is good to go; it's the main ingredient in Hoppes #9.
Mineral Spirits is the main ingredient in Rem-Oil.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a good lube for firearms.

Put them all together and you have Ed's Red, a homemade gun cleaner/lubricant/preservative. Here's some additional information on ATF in case you are skeptical: Lubricants 101

Thanks! Great read.

Yes it was, I agree.... Thanks

 

[Rule3]

Well do you want to clean parts (as originally stated) or Lube them??

Two different functions. The article 101 is some basic lube info.

Cleaning or decreasing is entirely different. The best degreaser solvent is TCE which is in Chlorinated Brake Cleaner. The new non chlorinated has acetone and is very flammable,.

TCE is a potent solvent so you should wear gloves and eye protection.

Kerosene has a low flash point and is fine for cleaning metal parts, Denatured alcohol also works well to degrease but again is very flammable and a light blue flame which may not be seen.

I have a small plastic container that I use out in the garage (door open) and spray things with the break cleaner. It evaporates very fast in the Sun.

Then you can lube with one of the snake oils.

Parts Washer solvents

Parts Washer Cleaners and Solvents - Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[BigBill]

Here's my secret from the cosmoline cleaning military surplus days.
I use those big plastic tubs with lids from Wal-Mart with kerosene so I can soak them. Light cleaning kerosene, heavy cleaning diesel fuel.

An oil base cleaner will let the new oil adhere to the surface. Using gasoline will not let oil or grease attach itself to the metal.

You have my 57 years of cleaning parts for my dad when I was six yo.

Do not use the spray flammable cleaners around pilot lights don't ask me how I know.

 

[Marshwheeling]

TIP: For those of you who are fussy about their ride, WD-40 works GREAT for removing road tar from wheels, fenders and chrome tail pipes without scrubbing hard.

Here is a better tip: WD40 is a better chain treatment than any of the proprietary chain "lubes", on a bike that sees any substantial amount of off-road or dirt roads. In fact, no chain treatment regimen has been shown to give longer chain life under dirty conditions.

 

[kyf]

Brake parts cleaner

Had a Glock with a gummed up firing pin from too much lube. Gunsmith at the range suggested the brake parts cleaner and a good soak and scrub. Got a can at the local auto parts store for $4 and took the slide apart, firing pin and extractor removed. Found a small container and gave it a good soak. NOTE, be careful when spraying it onto the parts and use eye protection. Cleaned up the old gummed up oil perfectly. Reassembled, lubed and took it to the range. Gun functioned properly. Nice low cost solution.....