Had a friend of mine over that's not into guns at all, as I'm cleaning & oiling my XD and he asked me a question that I really couldn't answer other then "I wouldn't do it". But he's curious to know, as am I now.. (although I'd still never do it!)

 

Can you, use an automotive cleaner such as Carb cleaner, Brake clean etc to spray a Pistol/RIfle down?

 

I understand why he would ask, it does remove oil, and has the power (being an aerosol powered cleaner) to clean out those hard to reach areas (between small springs and such). I use cue-tips and an array of dental pics, brass brushes and a toothbrush and patience...

 

But for Joe Lazy, could you for all intent and purpose, spray it down with Car/Brake clean and just re-oil?

 

Do they make something for this purpose strictly for firearms?

I don't think I would do it on a gun that involves polymer, but steel guns ... why not?

I used break cleaner to clean the cosmoline out of a Mosin. I think it was break cleaner, anyway. However, I would make sure to get it all off because it might eat away at the finish. Also, wouldn't use it on plastics.

I use brake cleaner on gun parts all the time.

I also use it on metal parts, keep it away from plastic and wood though, I found that one out the hard way. Now I have a Mosin stock refininshing project on my hands.

Use the green label brake cleaner (non-chlorinated) on metal guns. Remember to lube and/or oil after cleaning siince it strips the gun completely of them.

Interesting.. I wouldn't have thought of it if he never asked.

 

I do understand keeping it away from Plastic/Wood. Been around cars enough to know that's a no-no. Brake clean will actually MELT plastic.

 

Ask me how I know lol..

The other thing I keep near by is "Dust Off" You know the compressed air in a can used for computer stuff.

What a good idea. I can use it on my slide(firing pin/springs) and clean them out good. Thanks

Interesting.. I wouldn't have thought of it if he never asked.

 

I do understand keeping it away from Plastic/Wood. Been around cars enough to know that's a no-no. Brake clean will actually MELT plastic.

 

Ask me how I know lol..

 

Some of us here have done the same thing.. believe me... I like using it for some things, if a gun is REALLY gunked up, i'll soak it in WD or another type of penetrating oil/solvent to loosen the crud up, then flush the parts with Brake cleaner to get out some of the less desirable things that products like WD and similar bring to the table. Some guns get stored dry, some get lubed with Slip 2K, others get teflon grease..there's no single answer to everything. Brake Cleaner (Green/non-chlorinated) works great for specific purposes..also, if you plan on doing any Krlylon, or other Paint-type finishes, the Brake cleaner is absolutely necessary to wash away ANY traces of oil or grease.

The other thing I keep near by is "Dust Off" You know the compressed air in a can used for computer stuff.

 

One word of caution...that particular product is INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS to children, it's a form of freon, and an oxygen Binder, and if it is inhaled by a child, it can have tragic results. The caution warnings on those cans is serious. and in this you dont WANT to know how i know.

I use brake cleaner on metal gun parts whenever I want to "dry-clean" metal parts of a gun. Basically removes all oils/greases/lubes. This makes a good foundation for laying down a fresh layer of your favorite gun lube/protectant.

Some of us here have done the same thing.. believe me... I like using it for some things, if a gun is REALLY gunked up, i'll soak it in WD or another type of penetrating oil/solvent to loosen the crud up, then flush the parts with Brake cleaner to get out some of the less desirable things that products like WD and similar bring to the table. Some guns get stored dry, some get lubed with Slip 2K, others get teflon grease..there's no single answer to everything. Brake Cleaner (Green/non-chlorinated) works great for specific purposes..also, if you plan on doing any Krlylon, or other Paint-type finishes, the Brake cleaner is absolutely necessary to wash away ANY traces of oil or grease.

 

Well, I guess I'll use it on the Mossberg, that's about the safest one I would use it on I guess..

 

Side note, I grew up in the Burg. Recent (2yr) transplant to UB.

 

I use brake cleaner on metal gun parts whenever I want to "dry-clean" metal parts of a gun. Basically removes all oils/greases/lubes. This makes a good foundation for laying down a fresh layer of your favorite gun lube/protectant.

 

Good point..

 

Learn something new everyday!

if you remove all the wood and plastic yes, but be carful you may remove blueing or other finishes.

Brake cleaner is great for shooting thru rifle bolts to clean up from dirty ammo, especially combloc stuff. It's the shiznit for my SKS(between disassemblies of the bolts)