Ultrasonic Parts Cleaners ?

[Doug103]

Was just curious to see if anyone was using an ultrasonic parts cleaner for there guns and small parts.
My friend owns a motorcycle shop back in WI and his works just awesome on carburetors and all kinds of hard to clean parts. But I'm looking for a smaller home version and would like to hear if anyone has any pros and cons.

Thanks
Doug

[laguns]

A friend used to use one on his Sig. Other than having to re-piant the sights I think he liked them. LAX range has been using one for years, you may want to ask them about it.

[Doug103]

Thanks laguns!

[What Just Happened?]

I used to use one for cleaning brass. It would get it really clean all over, but I could never get them completely dry so the brass would tarnish.

Moral of the story: It's wonderful for cleaning, but make sure that you get it dry afterwards.

[Turbinator]

A friend used to use one on his Sig. Other than having to re-piant the sights I think he liked them. LAX range has been using one for years, you may want to ask them about it.

I have heard of this happening before with some lesser finishes.. the bake on style or enamel type finishes might have a problem with the ultrasonic cleaning action. I did hear about a SIG with K-Kote not liking the ultrasonic bath very much.

Be careful if you plan on submerging your entire firearm frame or slide, as anything painted pretty much will be attacked as LAGUNS mentions here.

Turby

[C.G.]

I use mine mainly for brass cleaning, but will drop my handgun barrels in once in a while.

Originally posted by What Just Happened.

I used to use one for cleaning brass. It would get it really clean all over, but I could never get them completely dry so the brass would tarnish.

Mesh bags over a heater work well, you just have to shake the brass once in a while to get rid of trapped water. You can also use a compressor with an air nozzle.

[tsongololo]

I'm curious what everyone is using for a solvent. I've seen stoddard solvent (mineral spirits) used (despite the warnings on the ultrasonic cleaner to NOT use flammable liquids) and that worked fairly well, and it's pretty forgiving on many finishes. I've also seen Hoppe's used as a solvent. It IS in fact the recommended solvent for small aircraft engine fuel injectors (my line of work). I was taught to NOT leave the parts in too long, though, because Hoppe's is corrosive. When removed from the ultrasonic cleaner, the parts would have to be rinsed with some other, non-corrosive, oil-soluble substance.

[C.G.]

For barrels I use the Harbor Freight ultrasonic cleaner, rinse barrel in water, dry and use Break Free.
For brass, in addition to the cleaner I use vinegar.

[1911su16b870]

Are they better than a soak in Simple Green followed by a AR15 nylon brush scrub, water rinse, dry and light recoat with CLP?

[ZRX61]

Are they better than a soak in Simple Green followed by a AR15 nylon brush scrub, water rinse, dry and light recoat with CLP?

Simple Green is corrosive..

[cush]

I've used MPro-7 and it works. Filtered it and saved for next time.
From http://www.mp7.com/MPro7Faqs.aspx

Is the cleaner water-based? Can it be used in an ultrasonic tank and be diluted with water?
The cleaner is not water-based, but contains a non-toxic solvent base with additional surfactants, solvents, chelating agents and strong corrosion inhibitors. M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner is a phenomenal ultrasonic cleaner and dissolves evenly in water. To remove heavy carbon fouling the formula can be diluted up to one part water; one part M-Pro7 Gun Cleaner. For general ultrasonic cleaning and degreasing, dilute up to nine parts water; one part M Pro7 Gun Cleaner. A full immersion in M-Pro7 Gun Oil is recommended after ultrasonic or tank cleaning to remove any residual water or cleaner.

-cush

[milsurpshooter]

Simple Green is corrosive..

where did you hear that? i used to use it to clean the bore of my milsurp rifles after using corrosive ammo.

[Turbinator]

Simple Green is corrosive..

Ok, how so? Non-toxic, smells great, tastes great, grows hair on your head...

Turby

[Builder]

Use the search function: Ultrasonic
Current discussion: http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=147135
Thanks,
Builder

[smokingloon]

How well does it work on leaded barrels?