is brakleen bad for sks????

[Altahick]

ok before i start to clean the cosmo off my sks i just want to make sure that brakleen, wont hurt any parts of the gun (blueing and stuff) thanks

[CALI-gula]

It's lacquer thinner: it will strip just about anything it touches, even any other finishes. There are some people on the board here that have posted great information how how to remove cosmoline the easiest, but my opinion is that Brakleen will do TOO good of a job.

I would use something less volatile. Brakleen even has a tendency to clean some metals of corrosion, and might remove a percentage of any bluing or Parkerizing or ???

.

[glen avon]

it's fine on a Yugo sks but you will have to apply BLO to the stock when you are done.

[bwiese]

Brake Cleaner is fine on SKS action/barrel.

You can use it to help clean a really dirty (fired) gun too. Just remember that it will take about all the lube off so you'll have to completely relubricate.

If you get it on stock, however, it's likely to strip any varnish or wax.

A more tame alternative for cosmo removal is "Mineral Spirits" or even denatured alcohol from Home Depot.

[Altahick]

hmmm i have some denatured alchohol u say that works good and will not damage anything??? my brakleen is non chlorinated if that matters? and it is a yugo sks if that matters any.

[taloft]

I just used Brake Cleaner on my new Yugo two weeks ago. I had no issues with finish. I didn't use it on the stock. I also recommend that you get at least four cans if using the standard spray size. Otherwise, you'll be driving to the store covered in cosmo. I used a whole can for just the trigger group. I used the cheap yellow label $1.98 a can from auto zone(non-chlorinated). I also, recommend a roll of shop towels, tooth picks, 1 or 2 wooden skewers, and Q-tips. You will see why.

[x2delight]

i used crc brake cleaner non clorinated version.. i went through about 6 cans of it... i kept thinkin it was all gone but then i found little bits of cosmo here and there..

[magmaster]

Cleaning cosmoline off sucks, I got lucky with my Russian SKS. Someone did most of the work for me. Gas takes the stuff right off but the fumes will kill you. I used brake cleaner and had no issues with removing the finish. The cans go quick so buy a few just in case. Spray it on a rag and wipe as much away with the rag as you can and q-tip the tight spots. Leave yourself a few hours if it's really bad. Good luck and I feel your pain...

[kenc9]

Brake cleaner or parts dip works good. Take it apart and do it. Aside from the wood that you might have to let sit in the sun to finally get all of it out pay strict attention to the fireing pin. If the pin doesn't drop down by pointing the bolt down and the go back into the bolt when you point it up you can get slam fire and all the rounds can go off when the bolt closes. Dried cosmo get inside the bolt and pin area and not even soaking gets it out. The pin needs to move freely.

-ken

[m2hbvic]

I've been using CRC Brake Parts Cleaner in the red/white can for years to clean my guns and to clean cosmoline off of those greasy surplus guns. Never had any problems using the stuff. I buy it at Walmart. About $1.00 cheaper than at an auto parts store. Just make sure you don't get it on the finished wood stock parts unless you want to strip off all the oil and grease off of it. Also, don't get it on any plastic parts. For plastic guns/parts I use the CRC QD Cleaner for electrical stuff. It is plastic safe and comes in a blue can in the electrical section at Home Depot. For the really tough thick grease I just throw the parts into a big 5 gallon Home Depot plastic bucket filled with Kleen Strip brand laquer thinner and put the lid on it and let it soak for a few hours or days. Works great!
Vic