Cleaning solvent

J

jchurchwell

Inactive
Need some help. What is a good solvent to use for soaking my metal gun parts in so they will clean up easier. Where do I find it, and what does it cost. Can't seem to find anything at Walmart or Academy. Thanks for any help!
 
I've been using Ballistol and a toothbrush with good results. I found mine at the LGS. I cut it with water for my cap and ball guns, too.
 
Mineral spirits or naphtha both work well.

I have heard of people using kerosene to soak, or gasoline when kerosene just doesn't cut it.

Advise you to blow the parts off with an air compressor. These solvents are very flammable. If you do not have an air compressor I would just leave them somewhere sunny or warm. Use these solvents outside so your house doesn't smell like solvent.
 
If you don't have an air compressor you can always buy that air-in-a-can stuff they sell for blowing dust off of electronics. They sell a 3-pack at my local Office Depot and that's part of my cleaning kit. When I go to clean off my solvent, no matter how good a job I do, that strong compressed air manages to blow a micro-thin layer of it off the metal.

As you use it the can will get cold. As the can get's cold the pressure goes down and it won't blow as well. Run it under hot water to solve this problem.

I've also used WD-40 (followed by solvent and then compressed air before using REAL gun oil) with good success as a de-greaser/cleaner for my gun parts.
 
If they are all-metal, then plain old brake cleaner is great. However, since it removes oil down to the micoscopic level you must replace that protection as soon as you dry it off or it can start to rust.
 
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