If brake cleaner is ok to use should I use chlorinated or non-chlorinated? I will use to remove built up oil and junk, spray it down the barrel to rinse it out, spray in the gas tube on the AR-15, I use the stuff on all of my shotguns rifles and pistols. Brake fluid is cheaper and easier to get around hear. Thanks alot
Should I use a degreaser made for guns or just use brake cleaner?chlorinated or non?
- Thread starter NYCOP
- Start date
George Stringer
Staff Alumnus
I use it occasionally for removing cosmoline. I've never seen it hurt a gun. George
Jim Watson
New member
None of those automotive products will hurt metal. I doubt they will affect inorganic finishes like bluing, plating, or Parkerizing. Find an out of the way test spot on plastic or coatings.
However, they are all different blends of assorted solvents. Chlorinated vs nonchlorinated, flammable vs nonflammable, non-toxic vs as tough as they can sell over the counter. Read the label and take precautions. I use Berryman's Electric Motor Cleaner, which is nonflammable and supposedly low toxicity. But I still use it outside.
However, they are all different blends of assorted solvents. Chlorinated vs nonchlorinated, flammable vs nonflammable, non-toxic vs as tough as they can sell over the counter. Read the label and take precautions. I use Berryman's Electric Motor Cleaner, which is nonflammable and supposedly low toxicity. But I still use it outside.
Devildog_1911
Inactive
I think no matter which break cleaner you use, the main thing is to reaply oil (which I'm sure you do) since break cleaner removes every last bit of oil and residue from metal...some even say that it has a drying out effect on the metal but I have also heard that's a "wives tale" Oil really well after its use, that's the main thing.
Beware of getting brake cleaner on synthetic stocks, polymer handgun frames, or many finishes on wood stocks and grips.
I use the stuff occasionally to degunk a gun, but I don't use it routinely (It's too expensive for that.). I like the Brake-kleen brand, which seems to be the same stuff as Gunscrubber for about 1/3 the price.
Clemson
I use the stuff occasionally to degunk a gun, but I don't use it routinely (It's too expensive for that.). I like the Brake-kleen brand, which seems to be the same stuff as Gunscrubber for about 1/3 the price.
Clemson
I have no idea whether the following comes from independent testing by Brownells or is merely recycled hype from MPro 7, but fwiw it's part of a "Web Bench" article on the Brownells site:
Many shooters prefer brake or carburetor cleaner in place of more expensive, dedicated carbon cleaners. However, be aware that the chlorinated solvents in these products are not safe for all metals and can cause serious etching and pitting in the gunmetal.
Non chlorinated brake cleaner. Keep it away from paint and ABS, but fine for polymer like the frame on my HKs. Make sure to wear your eye protection when squirting it, failure to do so can be painful. 
Non chlorinated because absorbed chlorene takes a long time to get out of the body and can have some harmful (fatal) interactions with OTC medications/dietary suppliments.
Non chlorinated because absorbed chlorene takes a long time to get out of the body and can have some harmful (fatal) interactions with OTC medications/dietary suppliments.