Anyone use Sonic / Ultrasonic Cleaners?

[JOHNNYRAMBO]

I am interested in ultrasonic cleaners that are available on the market today to use for cleaning.

Parts I would like to use this on:
AR15 Bolt Carrier Groups, Pistol Barrels

These machines vary in price from $60-$700+ and I have not idea what is really necessary to accomplish what I am looking to use it for.

I am tired of using dental tools and chemicals to remove carbon and gunk. The ultrasonic/sonic cleaning machines seem to be a simple solution.

Anyone with experience using these machines please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions. (IE: Unit you use or recommend, price range, where to buy etc...)

Thanks!

[44fred]

I know this doesn't answer your ultrasonic question but.
Ever tried this?

http://www.kanolabs.com/penLub.html#anchor173855

A buddy of mine turned me onto Kano products a while ago. The Kroil is simply amazing at breaking up carbon. Just soak and wipe off. Also their KG12 copper remover is ammonia free and works great on bores.

[gatesbox]

I have just recently been expiramenting with an ultrasonic cleaner. There are several models at good prices on Amazon.....

So far it has worked best cleaning my revolver cylinders of build up I could never get off with a brush. Varying results on brass. I find also that the best solution is a clean solution. My theory is that soil in the solution causes a weakening of the cavitation on the item you want to clean. My best results have come from plain water changed after every 20 min cycle.... But everyone has a secret recipe to share.... 50% vinegar and water has worked pretty well too, followed by baking soda solution to neutralize PH and then plain water.....

[al8550]

I have just recently been expiramenting with an ultrasonic cleaner. There are several models at good prices on Amazon.....

So far it has worked best cleaning my revolver cylinders of build up I could never get off with a brush. Varying results on brass. I find also that the best solution is a clean solution. My theory is that soil in the solution causes a weakening of the cavitation on the item you want to clean. My best results have come from plain water changed after every 20 min cycle.... But everyone has a secret recipe to share.... 50% vinegar and water has worked pretty well too, followed by baking soda solution to neutralize PH and then plain water.....

Really water and Vinegar???

[coltn46920]

I tried cleaning a ar 15 bolt that I neglected to clean with incrusted carbon on the bolt tail. It didn't really work. After more than a dozen tries. Finally I just let it soak in there over night with degreaser and with a little elbow grease wiped it off with a paper towel.

[gatesbox]

Really water and Vinegar???

Yep basis for this was the testing done on the following site....

http://www.6mmbr.com/ultrasonic.html

[zinfull]

50% vinegar for brass maybe find but put your pistol in that and kiss the bluing goodbye.
I use the stuff they sell for ultrasonic cleaning for my C&R guns but would have no problem using Simple green. 50% vinegar is a acid wash so be careful.

jerry

[50BMGBOB]

I wonder how it would work on 10/22 mags. I get tired of stripping them down to clean. I wonder if they would clean up without stripping?

[MFortie]

I have one I've used on carburetors and it works very well. Haven't dunked any of my firearms yet...

[saki302]

I use one for brass. My uncle in NC used one when he owned an MP5SD- that was the only way to clean some of the nooks and crannies of the suppressor system. I think he used water with a touch of soap.

I used 50/50 white vinegar and water for brass- but make sure you rinse in baking soda'ed water after, and then rinse in distilled water if you don't want it to turn color.

I just use a tumbler now mostly- too much effort if you ask me.

-Dave

[misterjake]

I tried cleaning a ar 15 bolt that I neglected to clean with incrusted carbon on the bolt tail. It didn't really work. After more than a dozen tries. Finally I just let it soak in there over night with degreaser and with a little elbow grease wiped it off with a paper towel.

That's why my BCG is chromed. Clean it with a paper towel.

[elsolo]

I got a Crest industrial ultrasonic cleaner ($1500) for free from a previous employer when the mil-spec changed regarding cleaning electronics. The cheap ones are much less powerful, no frequency sweep, less amplitude, no heaters, smaller capacity, etc.

I really wanted it to be useful for cleaning guns, brass, car parts, whatever.
I sold it because it really didn't save any time or effort in cleaning anything.

Keep in mind they can damage some items, cause cavitation erosion (pitting), coatings like paint, powdercoating, and plating will be inclined to flake off, and having the right cleaning solution really makes a difference in their ability to work as intended.

[s4alex]

Harbor Frieght 2.5L Ultrasonic cleaner. Used a 20% coupon and got a pretty screaming deal on a clean that works great on gun parts and brass.

I also paid an extra $7 for a 2 year warranty from them, incase. I have used it for:

1. Glock 23
2. S&W 686 4"
3. Remington 870
4. Marlin 795
5. AR15

Now, ofcourse I couldn't fit the whole long guns. I am talking parts of the guns that can fit. BCG, FCG, pistol barrels, etc.

So far, it has worked great. Does it get it deep clean and get ALL of the dirt and carbon off? No way. But it does get a majority of it off, and I am free to do other things while I am waiting for a cycle to complete. I am trying out a chemical that I got off eBay. I like it because it contain a lubricant and an anti rust compound, plus it is all natural so it doesn't kill my hands. I have tried, simple green, mpro7, and other stuff. The packets from eBay have worked the best so far.

After the dip in the ultra sonic, i either wipe it dry or use air from my compressor to get the remaining water out.