Ultra sonic cleaner

[yacko]

I use the gun cleaning solutions in the ultrasonic, rinse with hot water, remove as much water as I can with compressed air-

Then use the water displacement/lube/rust preventative solution in the ultrasonic. There are several companies that make this. I wouldnt skip this step.

Then compressed air again, let air dry, lube and assemble.

[sonofeugene]

For me, if I can't completely disassemble something, it will never see a water based cleaner because you can never be absolutely sure you've removed every trace of water. Regardless of claims being made by those using water displacing materials.

[boattail]

I have cleaned individual parts in mine but never whole assemblies. It can be done with the right steps but I'm cheap and would rather take the gun apart to inspect while I clean.

I do understand there are people afraid to take a gun apart so the option to dunk it and properly do the process is there...for me I want to see what my internals look like.

[yacko]

For me, if I can't completely disassemble something, it will never see a water based cleaner because you can never be absolutely sure you've removed every trace of water. Regardless of claims being made by those using water displacing materials.

You run that water displacement in the ultrasonic so the vibration works the solution into everything. The first one I bought, the primary ingredient was naptha... a very thin liquid... that is lighter than water, so the water gets displaced, and sinks in the bottom of the tub. The current one I have, is still unopened and didnt look at the MSDS to see whats in it. But after using the ultrasonic for over 3 years, I dont worry about it anymore.

I had to replace the original because the metal can started leaking.... And havent used my new replacement yet.

[BrassCase]

Mine will take the nickel off nickel cases so be careful with finishes.

[Gun Kraft]

I do understand there are people afraid to take a gun apart so the option to dunk it and properly do the process is there.

Not fear but convenience. I've replaced the rebound slide spring on J-frame revolvers, so I have no problem going in there when needed. I just prefer not to when given the choice.

For me, if I can't completely disassemble something, it will never see a water based cleaner because you can never be absolutely sure you've removed every trace of water.

Everyone has their own comfort levels, so you do you. No, you can't prove a negative. But I've been using my ultrasound for over 15 years to clean semi-auto slides and complete revolvers (sans grips) on a regular basis without any issues. No problems found whenever a complete teardown was done. It works for me. Maybe I'm lucky, but if so I've been lucky for a long, long time.

Something else to consider: if internal rusting were an issue from proper ultrasound cleaning, I'd expect the intertubes to be ablaze with people complaining about it. The nature of the web being what it is and all. I haven't heard anything in that regard, and I certainly would be interested if that were the case.

[mike452]

[n8vrmind]

Hello Calgunners

Need your collective intelligence and experience. After a day of shooting can I put the pistol in the cleaner run the cycle and would the pistol be clean? How does the process work?

Also is it safe on every finish or can it harm polymer or steel? Thank you

Personally, I don't see why you would want to use ultrasonic cleaner for pistol. You are gonna disassembly the pistol anyways and carbon fouling isn't that difficult to remove with normal cleaning method. If you just don't have the time, there is this option. I have no experience with it, just heard of it...

https://cylinder-slide.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CS0110&sid=i05e8106cqrx00uw4ws79w5n67a2f845

[tabascoz28]

Doxing everone here that would drop a whole gun in there. Not buying used ...

[BrassCase]

Mine is fairly big, 3 gallons. I never would put a pistol into it, parts yes. I have used it with a BCG but primarily i use it to clean brass. I use distilled water and then I have a couple of 1 liter beakers in the water. The beakers have Hornady "One Shot" in them which is the best commercial cleaner I have tried so far. I run mine on high frequency at 135F and it climbs to about 150F while working. After I took the nickel off some cases with it I am very timid about putting something with a finish on it.

[divingin]

You have threads and screws. Would these small sonic booms allow water to get in between the screws and the threads?

I suspect that immersing in liquid would get liquid into the screws and threads. Unless they sealed with loctite or similar, the liquid will wick in.

How would one completely dry the slide or frame?

I would guess - vacuum chamber. Pull a vacuum and hold it for 2 hours - then repeat a few cycles.

A decent amount of time in a dehydrator or oven should do it as well.

The problem I see with either of these is that there is no real indication of doing it sufficiently. You will find out (eventually) if it was insufficient, however.