gun cleaning question

[NATO762]

[Stumpfenhammer]

Speaking for the metal components on my Glocks, brake cleaner works well as does contact cleaner, but after trying almost everything, I prefer MPRO-7 cleaner, which cleans well enough with less toxicity (why risk it). For handgun lube I use Lucas gun oil because it works, I like the 1oz. size bottles, and they're local (Corona) but for decades I've used whatever oil I picked up free at gun shows, or synthetic auto oil, it all works on a Glock.

That said, I've put a few rounds downrange, certainly over 100K with handguns, and what I've learned is that cleaning guns is overrated, and when it comes to Glocks (and I assume the other reputable polymer handgun brands) you're probably doing it more often and more extensively then you have to (carry guns excluded).

[beerman]

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?

[TimRB]

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.

If you use one of the brake cleaners that is non-chlorinated, you don't need to worry about the phosgene problem (which I agree could be a HUGE problem if you used chlorinated cleaner). I use non-chlorinated brake cleaner all the time to clean the locking lugs and other hard to reach parts of an AR.

You have to be careful with plastics, though. Brake cleaner WILL dissolve the grips of a Ruger Mark pistol. Test thoroughly before spraying at will.

Tim

[Wordupmybrotha]

How much are you really saving?
Cleaning solution that I buy lasts about a year. Maybe $10-$20, I don't even remember. Spread that cost over a year and whatever I paid is negligible ~$2 bucks a month.

[ar15barrels]

I used it on a Parkerized finish Mossberg shotgun and it damaged the finish

had to send the magazine tube to get refinished

LOL.

Brake cleaner won't harm parkerized finish.

What you saw was what park looks like when ALL the oil is stripped off.
Because brake cleaner removes ALL the oil, leaving the park much lighter.

All you had to do to make your park darker again was to re-oil it.
That's probably what the shop who you had refinish it did for you.

[ar15barrels]

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.

I use brake cleaner almost every day.
I try to limit my exposure, but a few drops get on my hands daily.
I only get a burn when I have an open cut.
Maybe I am used to it after 15 years of such exposure.

[ar15barrels]

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.

People "feel" better paying the extra $10.

I buy brake cleaner by the case because I use a case every 3-5 weeks.

[ar15barrels]

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

I pay $2.15 a can for brake cleaner when I buy 2 cases at a time.

Here is the best price (with shipping for a can of gun scrubber on eBay):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264979395111?hash=item3db200b227:g:5uEAAOSwE3Rf2nEY

Works out to $12.35 a can by the case, so over 5x more expensive for the same product that's in the can.

Looks like I save about $1200 a year using brake cleaner instead of gun scrubber.

[ar15barrels]

How much are you really saving?
Cleaning solution that I buy lasts about a year.
Maybe $10-$20, I don't even remember.
Spread that cost over a year and whatever I paid is negligible ~$2 bucks a month.

I save $1200 a year.

[Rifle ronin]

Just be sure to lube your gun well in all the nooks and crannies after using gun scrubber.

[divingin]

If you have the $$$ to buy toys, then you have the $$$ to spend on proper stuff.

Used to participate on a UK based RIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) forum. Brits will spend over $100K (converted of course) on a high performance RIB, and bitch about spending $40 on lifejackets. It's common.