gun cleaning question

[slamfire1]

I was using brake cleaner to dissolve old cosmoline on a Victory Revolver. I had the side plate off and was blasting the innards. The nitrile glove ripped and I got brake cleaner on my skin. Brake cleaner gave me a chemical burn that lasted a year. My skin kept peeling because the body could not neutralize brake cleaner.

I recommend staying away from brake cleaner.

[mtenenhaus]

For the frame (and even sometimes the barrel) I've slowly transitioned from using many of the more caustic cleaning products to hot soapy water followed by thorough drying with an old hair blow dryer. I've been very satisfied with this regimen. I then follow by lubricating and protecting the platform with whatever i have on the bench, be it CLP or RIG or any old gun oil.

I still have a bunch of carbon and copper gun solvents on the shelf if i need them.

[CWL]

Psst! Gunscrubber IS brake cleaner!

Brake cleaner is formulated to remove carbon deposits and oils from metal and leave no residue. What do you think you are doing when cleaning a gun?

Gunscrubber is the same stuff, just with $10 tacked to the price so "you know it's worth it!"

If brake cleaner doesn't melt rubber tires or plastic hubcaps, why does anyone think it will destroy polymer? Just do not use on wood as it dissolves varnish & will dry out wood. Also don't use any that contains clorine.

I've used brake cleaner on firearms for at least 25 years now. Never harmed a finish nor eaten any of my polymers.

Brake cleaner IS Gunscrubber.

[norcalAF]

I just buy Gun Scrubber on Ebay by the case.

Exactly, use the proper tool for the job. Practice cheapness somewhere else, like clothing

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Ever read the MSDS for Crosman Pell Gun Oil? As a backstory, it's the manufacturer's recommended lube for their airguns. it's sold in a 1/2 oz tube, usually for $8-12. Reading the MSDS, it's 30 wt motor oil.

I use Berryman's B-12 for pistols quite a bit. I don't know if I'd use it on a polymer gun (I don't currently own one), but spraying a bit on a patch and wiping a hidden part will tell you if it attacks the plastic. I'm guessing it won't if the plastic stands up to other mainstream powder/carbon cleaning solvents.

I don't use any of those products, and don't regularly read MSDS manuals.

I get it though, doesn't make sense to spend more on something that's just rebranded.

I own firearms that consist of aluminum, steel and polymer, so I just use Hoppes for the bores and Ballistol for everything else.

[LCU1670]

When I was in the ARMY, we used brake cleaner on our 60's to clean them, I did notice it was a little hard on the finish.

[divingin]

If brake cleaner doesn't melt rubber tires or plastic hubcaps, why does anyone think it will destroy polymer?

Because there are a ton of different polymers out there, and a ton of different "brake cleaners" or "carb cleaners". Unless you know specifically that your one brand of cleaner is safe on the polymer used for your gun, it's wise to be a little leery.

[SharedShots]

Cleaning a gun not cleaning brakes, degreasing engines etc. Why not just use the standby products made for the job? Shoot up $50 of ammo and then squeak out to save a few pennies on cleaning the gun?

The wheels on gun owners cars must really be something because we tend to reinvent them all the time.

And the talk about women's cosmetic products. Nothing beats the gun cleaning inventories that make a chemical factory look like amateur hour.

[rodralig]

How much cheaper is it really...? Is it worth that cost savings?

I just go with brands made for firearms. If you have the $$$ to buy toys, then you have the $$$ to spend on proper stuff.

Reminds me of folks buying a few $Ks of a motorcycle but would choose to buy a $50 helmet to protect their noggin'

Or maybe that is just me...

_

[Barang]

i use brake ckeaner when changing brakes but uses bore tech when cleaning firearms.

[RandyD]

This is my perspective. I grew up in a family that are ranchers and saw all kinds of machinery that collected oil, grease, and dirt. Firearms are no different, they can collect a lot of foreign substances and can become clogged up. When I clean my firearms, I want the metal free of all dirt, carbon, oil, grease, and powder. Brake cleaner is an effective solvent that flushes all of those items from the firearm and does not leave a film residue. Once the firearm is clean, I reapply fresh oil and grease where needed. I treat all of my firearms like this, and I own some expensive firearms such as Anschutz, Benelli, Wilson Combat, and other precision firearms. I have been using brake cleaner for at least 30 years and I have not experienced any problems. The only problem that I can think of in using brake cleaner is that it strips the oil out of the pores of the metal and that creates a condition where rust can form. The remedy is to apply a light coat of fresh clean oil.

[FeuerFrei]

Cost shmost!

16oz of 91% denatured alcohol <$5
16oz of Ronson lighter fluid <$4
1qt ATF <$5
14oz of wheel bearing grease <$4

All of this works on ANYTHING and lasts a very long time.

Very KISS and very practical.

Save your ducats for ammo. Yo'll need it right now.

[naz]

[OCEquestrian]

This stuff works great on all my guns...never any issues with gun finish or polymer frames. Cleans the guns really well and leaves the guns ready for me to do the detail work.

[Bullets&Whitewalls]

I would never use brake cleaner on a firearm. Mainly for the same reason I NEVER use brake cleaner to clean any metal parts I intend to weld. Probably a stretch for a gun but when you weld or burn metal that has brake cleaner on it depending on the brand I suppose it can create phosgene gas. Which can kill you if inhaled. Like I said I know its probably a bit of a stretch but between that and possibly messing up the finish why chance it?