Cleaning Products. Super informal test.

[GigaBuist]

Years back George Hill gave a big thumbs up to Hoppe's Elite on his website so I went out and got some. I remember cleaning a couple of handguns bores with Hoppe's #9 and then hitting them with Hoppes Elite. Patches came out black, so I made that my serious cleaner.

Recently, like about two wees ago, I've taken a page out of sm's teachings and figured I'd try ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) as a general purpose cleaner and lube. So far no problems, but I haven't done much shooting with any gun cleaned by it.

Remembering my old #9 vs. Elite test I cleaned a couple dirty pistol barrels this weekend with ATF and then hit them with Elite. Nothing. Elite didn't pick up anything that the the ATF didn't.

I think I've got myself a new "everyday" gun cleaner.

 

[alex_trebek]

From my basic knowledge of auto mechanics, ATF serves multiple functions. My high school autoshop teacher claimed that it has detergents in it, a claim i cannot confirm or deny. He even went so far to say that adding a little ATF to engine oil will clean carbon deposits from the combustion chamber. This might be why it cleans the bore as well as you noticed.

Since it is mostly mineral oil, it should lubricate sufficiently.

I find this interesting. Keep us updated on how well ATF works for both lubrication and cleaning.

Also as a side note, since transmissions are closed systems, it is theoretically possible that ATF has hydroscopic chemicals. Once again there seems to be a large variation in formulas, so i dont know for sure. Just as a precaution I would inspect the firearms for corrosion every once in a while, just to make sure.

 

[MartinS]

http://www.grantcunningham.com/lubricants101.html

 

[alex_trebek]

Interesting article, although I would like to point out one small contridiction that I am sure was unintentional.

One of the main ingredients in ATF is mineral oil, which the author claims to lack corrosion resistance. If this is true, then you should be careful of which ATF brand you buy. The cheaper off-brand stuff is probably mostly mineral oil, where the more expensive is probably synthetic.

 

[Cacique500]

If you're going to use ATF, you might as well mix up a batch of Ed's Red - recipe found here: http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=9.

I've been using this for a few years now and it does a great job. Have a small tub that all the parts go in while I clean the frame & slide - then a few passes with a bore brush and some patches and it's done.

 

[bmitchell]

I don't think I want the ATF near my guns.

 

[Flame Red]

I have been using Ed's Red for years and have thrown out all the other snake oils. It is far superior to anything out there. You can google it, but the formula I use in a 5 Gallon bucket is:

1 Gallon Tranny Fluid
1 Gallon Kerosene
2 Gallons Orderless Mineral Spirits

There are other ingrediants, like adding a gallon of Acetone. But it you add that it may remove the finish off of wood grips.

I put a stainless steel kitchen collendar on the bottom of the bucket as a parts catcher and suspended it using some ss wire so I don't even get my hand wet.

I have heard it is excellent when used in a auto parts washer.

This stuff works the best, and is the cheapest.

 

[Cacique500]

I don't think I want the ATF near my guns.

I don't either, but in this case I was referring to Automatic Transmission Fluid

 

[strat81]

Hoppes Elite is non-toxic, IIRC. Is ATF? That might be a matter of concern for some folks.