Scotty Posted November 22, 2009 Report Share Posted November 22, 2009 Took a can of brake cleaner to my Ruger Standard .22 the other day (removed the plastic grips first). Did a great job. Lubed everything with Breakfree CLP afterward.Am I asking for trouble doing this? Surely I'm not the first to try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwillson Posted November 22, 2009 Report Share Posted November 22, 2009 I would be a bit concerned that the brake cleaner would damage the paint/coating on firearms.Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted November 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2009 Yes. The finish is my concern. It didn't seem to bother the bluing. Not sure about long term use though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crashbox Posted November 22, 2009 Report Share Posted November 22, 2009 I suspect if it's the non-chlorinated stuff then it would be safe® than if chlorinated; the latter not too good for certain (most?) plastics, not sure about finishes but possibly a greater risk with one or the other (lotta good that answer did, eh?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkie_Lefty Posted November 22, 2009 Report Share Posted November 22, 2009 Been using it for years. Will dull the finish of the plastics used for pistol front sight inserts, and I'd keep it off of Pachmyer type rubber grips. Pretty mild otherwise, and does a great job on gunk.The one you must use VERY carefully is CARB CLEANER!Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted November 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2009 I'm careful to keep it away from plastics, etc. Seems to work great. Just hose it down. Much cheaper than the gun specific products. I suspect it's probably the same stuff anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwillson Posted November 22, 2009 Report Share Posted November 22, 2009 I have read that brake cleaner is pretty much ok for guns, less the plastic. Carb cleaner is much stronger and should be used with extreme care, better yet don't use it on guns.Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichR Posted November 24, 2009 Report Share Posted November 24, 2009 I use carb cleaner on my 22 pump-the wax from the loads builds up and the action will not eject-carb cleaner was shown to me by an old friend(gunsmith).I do not get it on the stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted November 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Think I'll avoid the carb cleaner just in case. The brake cleaner worked great.Nasty stuff to breathe though. I'm using it outside from now on--and with gloves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkie_Lefty Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Think I'll avoid the carb cleaner just in case. The brake cleaner worked great.Nasty stuff to breathe though. I'm using it outside from now on--and with gloves. WUSS! Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkie_Lefty Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Do cleaning in my shop/wellhouse, outside the home. Usually do step outside before any major "hose downs" with B cleaner.Personally prefer "CRC Brakleen", as, while still odoriferous, it's non-flamable. Speaking of use as a gun cleaner, and professionally when installing brakes.Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted November 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Great. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incognito Posted March 9, 2015 Report Share Posted March 9, 2015 Try using 91% isopropyl alcohol in a sprayer bottle instead. It's way cheaper, way safer on most all finishes as opposed to brake cleaner, and it's non toxic. Works just as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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