Parts Washer

[HandKBRad]

Lets talk parts washers. Who is using them for gun cleaning? What solvent are you using? Had any problems with mineral spirits and polymers, finishes or night sites?

When I was in the Marines we had parts washers at the armory. Any one know what solvent was in them?

[Great-Kazoo]

i have a small table top parts washer. using simple green
my main parts cleaner for guns is this. also using s/green cut 50/50 then blow off with compressed air. takes even the most powder fouled (suppressed) pistol and makes it look new
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91957

[Hoser]

Heated ultrasonic and Simple Green cut 50/50 with water.

[rondog]

I don't know anything about Simple Green, never used it. I prefer to use the old standard, called "stoddard solvent". The same stuff auto mechanics had been using for decades, until the Greenies and Safety Kleen came along with their organic, feel-good crap. Stoddard solvent is kinda hard to find, though. Usually have to go to a large petroleum products distributor/wholesaler. Anything you have to mix with water ain't no solvent, IMO.

Kerosene ain't no good, and gasoline is out of the question, same with acetone. Stoddard solvent WILL burn, but it's NOT volatile, the fumes aren't explosive. Some folks have said it's the same thing as mineral spirits, but I've compared them side-by-side and they're not the same. The stuff works good in an old Crock Pot too, heated solvents clean really well.

[7idl]

how suitable is a crock pot for flammable liquids?

[westy1970]

how suitable is a crock pot for flammable liquids?

The shrapnel is pretty cool when they blow up. Simple Green works well and is easy to find for the home owner. if you are going to do this for a living, go with a Zep parts washer and avoid Safety Kleen like the plague.

[Great-Kazoo]

I don't know anything about Simple Green, never used it. I prefer to use the old standard, called "stoddard solvent". The same stuff auto mechanics had been using for decades, until the Greenies and Safety Kleen came along with their organic, feel-good crap. Stoddard solvent is kinda hard to find, though. Usually have to go to a large petroleum products distributor/wholesaler. Anything you have to mix with water ain't no solvent, IMO.

Kerosene ain't no good, and gasoline is out of the question, same with acetone. Stoddard solvent WILL burn, but it's NOT volatile, the fumes aren't explosive. Some folks have said it's the same thing as mineral spirits, but I've compared them side-by-side and they're not the same. The stuff works good in an old Crock Pot too, heated solvents clean really well.

while i like to use a 'good" parts cleaner, degreaser. the major issue for the home parts cleaner user is disposable of used solvent.
simple green has been around longer than anyone even considered using the term GREEN. non-toxic biodegradable flush it down the crapper, and not much needed to take any left over residue off your gun.
plus you can find it in any hardware, big box, or tool supply store. one of the best parts washers is the one that is heated, cost is about $1K.


as for a heated ultrasonic. the HF one runs about $250 min less then the name brand (crest, bransonic etc) excluding the heat option. i had some concern regarding the HF unit not having heat. however run it for 30min and it warms up nice. the othe rplus is it has a better warranty then the name brand ones do

[HunterCO]

Let me say this about simple green I have never thought of useing it for cleaning my guns. However there is nothing on the face of this earth that will remove greasy fingerprints from oxidized paint like simple green I worship the stuff as an auto tech. It will remove axle grease, oil, and any other thing you could ever imagine from paint, upolstrey, carpet hell it is endless.

Jim I am going to order that sonic cleaner tomorrow and let me say your not so bad for the other colored guy. [ROFL1]

I guess I just may worship it as my gun cleaner also. [Beer]

[Great-Kazoo]

Let me say this about simple green I have never thought of useing it for cleaning my guns. However there is nothing on the face of this earth that will remove greasy fingerprints from oxidized paint like simple green I worship the stuff as an auto tech. It will remove axle grease, oil, and any other thing you could ever imagine from paint, upolstrey, carpet hell it is endless.

Jim I am going to order that sonic cleaner tomorrow and let me say your not so bad for the other colored guy. [ROFL1]

I guess I just may worship it as my gun cleaner also. [Beer]


before you order call your local HF they usually match catalog price the store part # is 91957
also listed @ $139.99

alan said he told rob's mom the "colored" story and she got a good laugh out of it
IT AIN'T EASY BEING GREEN

[7idl]

hmmm, I"m glad I'm a nosey mod type.. (I look at everything(~))



I've been wanting an US tank, this may be the thing :)


SG works pretty good, but the Crystal SG works better. [Flower]

[RYAN50BMG]

I use liquid dish soap and hot water.

[HandKBRad]

I use liquid dish soap and hot water.

LOL at one point in the Marines a Staff NCO had us uesing laundry detergent and hot water.

[HunterCO]

I use liquid dish soap and hot water.

Yep works good this is how I washed Alans 50.


Nobody show him this.[ROFL1]


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c63/HunterCO/kitchen21.jpg

[RYAN50BMG]

When I was in the Army, I used to use liquid Tide to clean my M-60. The key is to rinse with the hottest tap water you can (rubber MOPP gloves anyone) to prevent rust. Get the metal hot and the hot water will evaporate off fast.

[7idl]

I picked up one of the HF US tanks yesterday (they had 1 left (Aurora))

now to figure out what solution/mix to use.....

[7idl]

I chose a 50/50 of simple green and water.

did two 20 minute runs with my dirtbike chain flipping it over between the two. It did a pretty damn good job!... that o-ring lube is sticky and nasty, but it got it all off :)

[HunterCO]

I chose a 50/50 of simple green and water.

did two 20 minute runs with my dirtbike chain flipping it over between the two. It did a pretty damn good job!... that o-ring lube is sticky and nasty, but it got it all off :)

I picked one up last week at the west denver store they had three left. I used the same mix and cleaned every gun I own that was dirty it works awesome.

My M16 was the worst it had probably 3K+ through it since I last cleaned it. I could never get the bolt and carrier assembly as clean as that thing did. The parts looked like they were brand new out of the box.

:D

[Colorado Osprey]

From Simple Green's web site:

Simple Green does not recommend using as a gun cleaner with aluminum parts. Simple Green is a high PH (base) solution wich will surface etch aluminum and discolor other metals including the removal of phosphate finishes. (Specifically AR-15 recievers)

Simple Green does also recommend caution when using in a parts washer. Electrolysis is the transfer of metal ions from one type of metal to another. Electrolysis needs a medium through which these ions can travel, and water is a good medium for this. Therefore, when cleaning metal parts or equipment, particularly in parts washing scenarios, it is best not to allow multiple metals to soak in the solution for any extended period of time. Evidence of electrolysis can be black or dull streaking on metal parts/equipment after prolonged soaking with other kinds of metals.

[RYAN50BMG]

Ya know, Dawn keeps my hands kissably soft.