Alternatives to tumbling brass?

[mnguyen84]

So i've been reading around about other methods of cleaning brass that do not involve tumbling. Many of the literature available via internet suggest that washing the used brass in detergent (soap, vinegar, etc...) can be effective, and perhaps even more so than tumbling alone. But is it safe?

[Mac Attack]

I tumble my brass in corn media with polish and it turns out okay. However, I recently bought some once fired processed brass and it looked so nice it could be mistaken as newly manufactured. When I asked the seller what his secret was he mentioned he soaks his brass in a solution, dries, then tumbles in corn then again in walnut. After seeing his brass I cannot dispute that his method works.

I am lazy and only tumble brass in batches of 500. I haven't tried it yet because I am not sure how to dry all the brass after soaking... I believe if you don't dry it off completely the media will stick to the brass. The thought of having to try 500 pieces of brass one at a time does not sound like something I want to do.

[Fyathyrio]

They're pretty expensive, but there are ultrasonic cleaners available. You still have to dry it after completion of cleaning.

Here's an example. Looks techie enough that you could maybe mount it in your computer/reloading bench!

[Revoman]

I use both at times when picking up some range brass.

The ultra does get things clean, especially the primer pockets, but does not shine. Using a half & half mixture of vinegar and water, then in plain water, then rinsing in water.

The tumbler/vibratory method along with a little Nu-Finish car wax, makes them shine like they are beyond new.

I don't completely dry them out of the ultra, simply let them stand on a towel as I remove, create a basket with the towel and shake to get most of the moisture off and drop into the tumbler. The media does a great job of drying the rest of the moisture along with polishing.

Again, I only use the ultra for dirtier range brass and to clean out the primer pockets.

This is all with handgun brass, no rifle.

[mnguyen84]

is it safe to flush all that stuff from the brass into the drain?

[C.G.]

They're pretty expensive, but there are ultrasonic cleaners available. You still have to dry it after completion of cleaning.

Here's an example. Looks techie enough that you could maybe mount it in your computer/reloading bench!

Better, larger and less expensive option than the Hornady unit (which is a rebranded Harbor Freight unit, that Harbor Freight no longer sells):

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html

[Revoman]

[mnguyen84]

well i'm reassured.

If you're talking about the lead, there are traces of that in most plumbing systems anyway.

[mnguyen84]

the reviews on this is pretty good. i wonder what the life is on this type of equipment.

Better, larger and less expensive option than the Hornady unit (which is a rebranded Harbor Freight unit, that Harbor Freight no longer sells):
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-lite...ner-95563.html

[Corbin Dallas]

So i've been reading around about other methods of cleaning brass that do not involve tumbling. Many of the literature available via internet suggest that washing the used brass in detergent (soap, vinegar, etc...) can be effective, and perhaps even more so than tumbling alone. But is it safe?

The most cost effective method of cleaning brass is tumbling. Tumblers are cheap, media is cheap (crushed walnut from pet store) and it only takes about 1-2 hours of tumbling to make your brass look great.

Crushed walnut is also biodegradable (if you're worried about that stuff).


Vinegar will ruin your brass and make it brittle. There are other methods but they cost more money and time to get similar results.

Unless you're selling your brass there is no need to get it factory clean.

[Eargasm]

Better, larger and less expensive option than the Hornady unit (which is a rebranded Harbor Freight unit, that Harbor Freight no longer sells):
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-lite...ner-95563.html

Nice Find!

Five cleaning cycles: 90, 180, 280, 380 and 480 seconds

How many cycles to clean a load of brass?

[killshot44]

Another way is using stainless steel media in a rotary tumbler. Mix media, brass, water and an oil-cutting soap. Comes out like new and doesn't harden the brass (much).

Media and tumbler are more expensive, naturally...but the primer pockets and insides get squeaky clean. Guess you have to ask yourself: how much OCD do I really have?

I use a vibrating tumbler with Pet-Co Walnut and Nu-Finish and my brass looks good, loads good. Lazy #*!* that I am....

[C.G.]

Nice Find!



How many cycles to clean a load of brass?

Depends on the brass, but usually no more than two 480 second cycles.

I had the old Harbor Freight unit (without a heater), which is the unit that Hornady sells now, for couple years. When the new, larger Harbor Freight unit with heater came out earlier this year I bought it and gave my old unit away; as far as I know it still works.

Here is an article that got me started on ultrasonic cleaning, although I use a slightly different formula than in the article.

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

[C.G.]

Vinegar will ruin your brass and make it brittle.

Someone forgot to tell my brass. Most if not all brass cleaners contain acetic acid, which is exactly what vinegar is. Of course, I do rinse the brass in water afterwards.

[gorblimey]

Very interesting, C.G. Thanks!