"Ed's Red" - How to store?

F

flintlock.50

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In the article I have by Ed Harris, in which he describes "Ed's Red" cleaning solution, he says that NFPA approved plastic gasoline storage containers are okay. But he continues by saying do NOT use HDPE. All the plastic gasoline containers I have found are made of HDPE. :confused:

How do you store "Ed's Red"? Do HDPE plastic gasoline containers work?
 
I don't use Ed's Red but would abide by his instructions.
I suspect the acetone would diffuse out through the HDPE.
That's what Fr Frog says. He says it will also dissolve PVC.

I would try to round up a metal can.
If you start with a quart of each ingredient, you will have a gallon of solvent.
I think I'd rather have it in four one quart metal cans than one gallon size.
Check at paint stores.
 
Here's my favorites,

1, Old steel IMR power cans.
2, Old Winchester steel power cans
3, the can the acetone came in
4, new paint cans from the hardware store if I'm out of other options.

Tony
 
Wow! Didn't think anybody used "Ed's Red" anymore.

When I make "Ed's Red", I only make up a small batch at a time, and leave the original components in their own original containers. When I mix up a batch, I'll mix it up in a 200 ml. "Everclear" bottle, and will store the Red in it.

I only mix up "Ed's Red" recipe #1, #2, and a I don't mess with #3.
 
I only mix up "Ed's Red" recipe #1, #2, and a I don't mess with #3.
Click to expand...

I'm not familiar with these recipe numbers. The article I have only shows:

1 part Dexron
1 part K1 kerosene
1 part mineral spirits
1 part acetone

1 lb lanolin per gallon is optional

Can you elaborate?

Thanks
 
I make, and keep, mine in a gallon can that once held Coleman fuel. I skip the lanolin. I think the last batch was made 6 years ago.
 
Flint,


#1. is just ATF & K-1. (very good lub.)

#2. is everything but lanolin. (very good cleaner)

#3. is everything. (I don't need it)
 
OK. I understand.

I mixed up a gallon with everything but the lanolin, but I ordered some of that.

My mix is in a metal mineral spirits can but I was hoping I could use a plastic gas can. I'm still a bit puzzled by Ed's comment that a plastic gas can is OK, but don't use HDPE, and all the gas cans I can find are HDPE. Guess I'll stick to the metal.

Thanks!
 
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I use a new metal 1 gallon paint can from Home Depot. If you don't want your mix eating a plastic container, leave the acetone out until you need it and be careful not to get it on the stock finish. Acetone is for the plastic fouling in shotguns and it evaporates out over time so I don't add it unless its needed. I also only mix acetone with what I will need at the moment in a smaller glass or metal container.

Another ingredient that you can add for copper fouling is ammonia. I also leave this one out until its needed. Ammonia can ruin a stock finish as well and it stinks worse than acetone. I wouldn't use it or the acetone without good ventilation.
 
I have been using Ed's Red about 8 years now. I do not add the acetone as I get too much on my skin to be healthy.

The being said I only use:

2 qts Mercon Dexron Trans Fluid
2 qts K1 Kerosene
2 qts Mineral spirits

I got a 2 gal Blitz can at Wally world, the above obviously makes 1.5 gals. Container has not degraded in 8 years.

I guess I have made up 30 gals. I give a lot to friends in small jars and then they make their own.

It is the best bore cleaner (non copper removing) I have ever used. It is good on most everything.

Locks, mechanisms, cables etc. Great on fire ants and wasps for those that live in the South.

I have left it stored 14 months in rifle stored muzzle down. I borescoped it and bore was still wet.

I have three quart bottles (Home Depot) that have sprayers on them and I leave them all over so I am not ever far from one.
 
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