Carb Cleaner Vs. Brake Cleaner for Guns
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John Wayne
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- Dec 11, 2007
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I have used non-chlorinated cleaner on guns with mixed results. It always gets them clean and blasts the crud out of the crevices that are hard to reach, but it has damaged the finish on some painted aluminum and plastic parts. It didn't hurt the frames on my Glock or XDM, but I would imagine it's due to a gun frame being much more resistant to solvent than, say, a cheaper part like a plastic trigger guard on a rifle with a steel reciever.
Brake cleaner has too strong an odor to be a practical gun cleaner, IMO. The ultra-high pressure spray also has a tendency to bounce back at you and really does a number on your skin. I always wore a pair of cheap disposable gloves when using the cleaner and after a few minutes, the stuff had eaten through the fingers of the gloves. I will say that it did get the grease out of there about like it was new though!
I am considering purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner so that I can use a less-agressive solvent. I would like to use something more organic that doesn't give off toxic fumes, but I don't know how well low-end cleaners work.
Brake cleaner has too strong an odor to be a practical gun cleaner, IMO. The ultra-high pressure spray also has a tendency to bounce back at you and really does a number on your skin. I always wore a pair of cheap disposable gloves when using the cleaner and after a few minutes, the stuff had eaten through the fingers of the gloves. I will say that it did get the grease out of there about like it was new though!
I am considering purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner so that I can use a less-agressive solvent. I would like to use something more organic that doesn't give off toxic fumes, but I don't know how well low-end cleaners work.
I avoid all harsh chemicals whenever possible. My health and body are far more important than any object I could ever own.
I have used isopropyl alcohol (70%) with great success. I last used it as a degreaser prior to applying cold bluing formula, and it seemed to work well.
91% alcohol might be a choice also.
I am curious what someone with a chemistry background might have to say about this.
gd
I have used isopropyl alcohol (70%) with great success. I last used it as a degreaser prior to applying cold bluing formula, and it seemed to work well.
91% alcohol might be a choice also.
I am curious what someone with a chemistry background might have to say about this.
gd
danez71
Member
One is for cleaning carburetors and the other is for cleaning brakes.
They also make stuff thats used on guns too.
MEK, methyl ethyl Ketone is an organic solvent, similar to acetone but a bit stronger. It will not harm blueing, which is an inorganic (non carbon based being inorganic chemistry)
It "will" harm, dissolve, cloud many organic (carbon based) finishes, ie linseed or tung oil based finishes, varnishes, lacquers and many if not all plastics to some degree.
I think you're referring to GunScrubber.
Brake Cleaner is the same thing...just cheaper
Buck Snort
Member
John Wayne wrote: "Brake cleaner has too strong an odor to be a practical gun cleaner..."
Right, that's the crucial test alright, the odor.
Right, that's the crucial test alright, the odor.
Deltaboy1984
Member
I blow out mine outside!
wvshooter
Member
If you find yourself in some third world place where carb or brake cleaner is the only thing you have then go for it. Otherwise use products which are made for cleaning guns. Did you know brake cleaner can cause cancer if you don't get it off your skin. I knew a guy that this happened to. It was a small spot but it was cancer and developed where a drop of brake cleaner had landed.
Use your brain and take care of your body.
Use your brain and take care of your body.
Hatterasguy
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Neither they harm finish's, mil comm MC25 is where its at. No smell, no fumes, no liver or brain damage, and no finish damage.
jimmyraythomason
Member
So,no soapy hot water, no mineral spirits, no scrap tee shirts. Don't clean your guns on the kitchen table. No paper towels,no dental picks,no cotton swabs,no old tooth brushes........
oneounceload
member
Brake cleaner works great on shotgun barrels to get plastic and other crud out very easily
Suggest the use of nitrile gloves to the "guy you know."
Why would I want to pay for for the same chemicals in a different colored package?
The biggest difference is that carb cleaner tends to leave a residue behind, brake cleaner will dry clean. I know a person that used carb cleaner on brakes once, evidently the residure that it leaves is flamable. I dont know that a gun would get hot enough to light it off, but there are better things to clean a weapon with that wont eat plastic and melt varnish.
Two Cold Soakers
Member
^^^This.
The volatility of the "dry-clean" agents - historically chlorine-based - gives brake cleaner a bad rap.
Thus the appearance of "non-chlorinated' or "California spec" brake cleaner.
I've had no trouble with brake cleaner on firearms, but it will leave ferrous surfaces susceptible to quick rust. I follow up immediately with gun oil, ACEA rated motor oil, or automatic transmission fluid, depending on the application.
danez71
Member
No, I wasnt refering to Gunscrubber specifically.
However, if you look pull up the MSDS sheet for Gunscrubber and braker cleaner you'll find they are similar but not the same thing. (I compared it to 3-4 different brands of brake cleaner).
It make work equally for the most part but they are not identical.
B-12 Chemtool Carb cleaner. Works great, dries residue free. Much better than the cheap brake cleaner stuff for the same price or less. You must re-lube after using it. I only use it for metal. I have no idea how it is with wood or plastic.
ljnowell
Member
That is ridicculous. I am an auto mechanic, and can tell you for fact that is BS! If you knew how much of that stuff annually is absorbed into a mechanics skin, you would probably die. I doubt there are many mechanics that havent been in a hurry and sprayed a little brake clean on the hands and wiped it off with a shop towel. It does not cause cancer from a single drop on the skin, otherwise it would be called Cancer Spray.
I was thinking along the same lines. I've had enough brake cleaner on my skin to have died by now if it caused cancer.
Jolly Rogers
Member
That would make me #3 to have not died yet...
Joe
Joe
vett3v
Member
I haven't died yet, but I think I do have a brain tumor because I have this constant urge to buy more guns...
Seriously tho, I have used the non-chloro brake cleaner to clean my hand guns and haven't had an issue.
I suppose then that these warnings are in error. Please ignore (at your own peril).
gd
From ehow.com:
Brake Cleaner Ingredients
Brake cleaner is an aerosol-delivered solvent designed to clean grease, oil, brake dust and dirt from brake pads. Brake cleaner is available in both chlorinated and non-chlorinated versions. The ingredients in brake cleaners are toxic. Take care not to inhale the brake cleaner, and keep it away from automotive paint and plastic parts, as the solvent can be damaging to both of these. The ingredients in brake cleaners are a solvent combined with an aerosol propellant.
Acetone
Acetone is a solvent also used as fingernail polish remover.
Butane
Butane is a petroleum derivative, most familiar to people as a fuel, that acts as a solvent.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is used as a propellant in aerosols.
Isopropanol
Isopropanol is another name for isopropyl alcohol. Diluted for household use, this is a common disinfectant and cleaner. In stronger concentrations it acts as a solvent in brake cleaner.
Methanol
Methanol is another name for methyl alcohol or wood alcohol. It's used as a fuel and as a solvent.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Also known as butanone or MEK, methyl ethyl ketone is another solvent, similar to acetone.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is the chief ingredient in automobile antifreeze. In brake fluid it acts as both a solvent and as a stabilizer for other ingredients, helping them to combine more readily and lowering the freezing point.
Stoddard Solvent
Stoddard Solvent is a flammable liquid derived from paraffin.
Tetrachloroethylene
Also used in dry cleaning, tetrachloroethylene cuts grease.
Toluene
Also known as methyl benzene, toluene is used as a paint thinner. It is a solvent.
Read more: Brake Cleaner Ingredients | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5985776_brake-cleaner-ingredients.html#ixzz0ysRSFQdT
gd
From ehow.com:
Brake Cleaner Ingredients
Brake cleaner is an aerosol-delivered solvent designed to clean grease, oil, brake dust and dirt from brake pads. Brake cleaner is available in both chlorinated and non-chlorinated versions. The ingredients in brake cleaners are toxic. Take care not to inhale the brake cleaner, and keep it away from automotive paint and plastic parts, as the solvent can be damaging to both of these. The ingredients in brake cleaners are a solvent combined with an aerosol propellant.
Acetone
Acetone is a solvent also used as fingernail polish remover.
Butane
Butane is a petroleum derivative, most familiar to people as a fuel, that acts as a solvent.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is used as a propellant in aerosols.
Isopropanol
Isopropanol is another name for isopropyl alcohol. Diluted for household use, this is a common disinfectant and cleaner. In stronger concentrations it acts as a solvent in brake cleaner.
Methanol
Methanol is another name for methyl alcohol or wood alcohol. It's used as a fuel and as a solvent.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Also known as butanone or MEK, methyl ethyl ketone is another solvent, similar to acetone.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is the chief ingredient in automobile antifreeze. In brake fluid it acts as both a solvent and as a stabilizer for other ingredients, helping them to combine more readily and lowering the freezing point.
Stoddard Solvent
Stoddard Solvent is a flammable liquid derived from paraffin.
Tetrachloroethylene
Also used in dry cleaning, tetrachloroethylene cuts grease.
Toluene
Also known as methyl benzene, toluene is used as a paint thinner. It is a solvent.
Read more: Brake Cleaner Ingredients | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5985776_brake-cleaner-ingredients.html#ixzz0ysRSFQdT
From the MSDS sheet:
SECTION II-HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS/IDENTITY INFORMATION
1 PETROLEUM SOLVENT 85 - 90
2 ALCOHOL 10 - 15
NONE OF THE COMPONENTS OF THIS PRODUCT ARE RECOGNIZED AS CARCINOGENIC.
SECTION III-PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
BOILING POINT : 149 (DEGREES F)
evaporation rate: < 1 (ether = 1) % solid : not applicable
VAPOR DENSITY : > 1 (AIR = 1) WEIGHT PER GALLON : 5.74 (THEORETICAL)
PH LEVEL : SJB
(Boiling point represents boiling point of lowest boiling raw material.)
SECTION III-HEALTH HAZARD DATA
- EYE CONTACT -
BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PRODUCT IS PRESUMED TO BE MODERATELY IRRITATING TO THE EYES. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PRODUCT VAPORS AND/OR MISTS MAY ALSO BE IRRITATING TO THE EYES.
- SKIN CONTACT -
BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 1 PRODUCT IS PRESUMED TO BE MODERATELY IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. PROLONGED CONTACT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SKIN. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PROLONGED OR REPEATED CONTACT MAY RESULT IN DEFATTING AND DRYING OF THE SKIN WHICH MAY RESULT IN DERMATITIS.
- INHALATION -
EXPOSURE MAY PRODUCE IRRITATION TO THE NOSE, THROAT, RESPIRATORY TRACT, AND OTHER MUCOUS MEMBRANES. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 EXPOSURE TO HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF VAPOR MAY PRODUCE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 1 REPEATED OVEREXPOSURE MAY DAMAGE THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
- INGESTION -
BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PRODUCT IS PRESUMED TO BE SLIGHTLY TOXIC. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 2 INGESTION MAY CAUSE KIDNEY DAMAGE. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 2 INGESTION MAY CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 SMALL AMOUNTS OF THE LIQUID ASPIRATED INTO THE LUNGS DURING INGESTION OR FROM VOMITING MAY RESULT IN SEVERE LUNG DAMAGE. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 INGESTION MAY CAUSE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION.
- SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS -
SYMPTOMS OF EYE IRRITATION INCLUDE PAIN, TEARING, REDDENING AND SWELLING. SYMPTOMS OF SKIN IRRITATION INCLUDE REDDENING, SWELLING, RASH AND REDNESS. SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY IRRITATION INCLUDE RUNNY NOSE, SORE THROAT, COUGHING, CHEST DISCOMFORT, SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND REDUCED LUNG FUNCTION. SYMPTOMS OF GASTROINTESTIONAL IRRITATION INCLUDE SORE THROAT, ABDOMINAL PAIN, NAUSEA, VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION MAY BE EVIDENCED BY HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, NAUSEA AND SYMPTOMS OF INTOXICATION; IN EXTREME CASES, UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND DEATH MAY OCCUR. SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC OVEREXPOSURE INCLUDE LOSS OF MEMORY, LOSS OF INTELLECTUAL ABILITY AND LOSS OF COORDINATION.
SECTION II-HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS/IDENTITY INFORMATION
1 PETROLEUM SOLVENT 85 - 90
2 ALCOHOL 10 - 15
NONE OF THE COMPONENTS OF THIS PRODUCT ARE RECOGNIZED AS CARCINOGENIC.
SECTION III-PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
BOILING POINT : 149 (DEGREES F)
evaporation rate: < 1 (ether = 1) % solid : not applicable
VAPOR DENSITY : > 1 (AIR = 1) WEIGHT PER GALLON : 5.74 (THEORETICAL)
PH LEVEL : SJB
(Boiling point represents boiling point of lowest boiling raw material.)
SECTION III-HEALTH HAZARD DATA
- EYE CONTACT -
BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PRODUCT IS PRESUMED TO BE MODERATELY IRRITATING TO THE EYES. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PRODUCT VAPORS AND/OR MISTS MAY ALSO BE IRRITATING TO THE EYES.
- SKIN CONTACT -
BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 1 PRODUCT IS PRESUMED TO BE MODERATELY IRRITATING TO THE SKIN. PROLONGED CONTACT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SKIN. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PROLONGED OR REPEATED CONTACT MAY RESULT IN DEFATTING AND DRYING OF THE SKIN WHICH MAY RESULT IN DERMATITIS.
- INHALATION -
EXPOSURE MAY PRODUCE IRRITATION TO THE NOSE, THROAT, RESPIRATORY TRACT, AND OTHER MUCOUS MEMBRANES. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 EXPOSURE TO HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF VAPOR MAY PRODUCE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 1 REPEATED OVEREXPOSURE MAY DAMAGE THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
- INGESTION -
BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 PRODUCT IS PRESUMED TO BE SLIGHTLY TOXIC. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 2 INGESTION MAY CAUSE KIDNEY DAMAGE. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENT 2 INGESTION MAY CAUSE LIVER DAMAGE. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 SMALL AMOUNTS OF THE LIQUID ASPIRATED INTO THE LUNGS DURING INGESTION OR FROM VOMITING MAY RESULT IN SEVERE LUNG DAMAGE. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 INGESTION MAY CAUSE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION.
- SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS -
SYMPTOMS OF EYE IRRITATION INCLUDE PAIN, TEARING, REDDENING AND SWELLING. SYMPTOMS OF SKIN IRRITATION INCLUDE REDDENING, SWELLING, RASH AND REDNESS. SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY IRRITATION INCLUDE RUNNY NOSE, SORE THROAT, COUGHING, CHEST DISCOMFORT, SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND REDUCED LUNG FUNCTION. SYMPTOMS OF GASTROINTESTIONAL IRRITATION INCLUDE SORE THROAT, ABDOMINAL PAIN, NAUSEA, VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. BASED ON THE PRESENCE OF COMPONENTS 1 AND 2 CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION MAY BE EVIDENCED BY HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, NAUSEA AND SYMPTOMS OF INTOXICATION; IN EXTREME CASES, UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND DEATH MAY OCCUR. SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC OVEREXPOSURE INCLUDE LOSS OF MEMORY, LOSS OF INTELLECTUAL ABILITY AND LOSS OF COORDINATION.
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