I use kerosene and a toothbrush to clean gun parts. I have been using tupperware with a snap on lid since the kerosene can be used more than one time. I'm looking for a container that's more durable than plastic that has a leak proof lid, preferably stainless steel and with a capacity of two-four quarts. I have searched everywhere including Wally World kitchen products with no luck. Any ideas out there?
How do you soak gun parts for cleaning?
- Thread starter OleCodger
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Guns R Tools
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- May 21, 2005
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How about 1 gallon paint cans from paint store or home improvement store?
I don't think it is stainless but it resist solvent well.
And with lid tapped in it is liquid tight.
I don't think it is stainless but it resist solvent well.
And with lid tapped in it is liquid tight.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I would suggest mineral spirits paint thinner (Stoddard solvent) instead of kerosene.
It doesn't stink nearly as much, and works just as well.
I buy the gallon plastic jugs, and use a funnel to pour it back in the jug after using it each time.
The dirt & grime settles out and it can be reused forever if you carefully pour it back out of the jug each time.
rcmodel
It doesn't stink nearly as much, and works just as well.
I buy the gallon plastic jugs, and use a funnel to pour it back in the jug after using it each time.
The dirt & grime settles out and it can be reused forever if you carefully pour it back out of the jug each time.
rcmodel
Captain Emo
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We cleaned a bunch of very dirty ceremonial rifles with kerosene. We kept it in coffee cans with the snap-on lids.
Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. As a coincidence, my 'smith recommended mineral spirits instead of kerosene. I think that I'm going to try one of the large Folgers plastic coffee containers since it has the built in handle. It will be interesting to see if the seams are leak proof when filled with solvent. I was tempted to not even post the question but obviously there are others with the same situation based on the numbers of viewers. Thanks again fellows and Happy Shootin' .
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
They are completely leak-proof.
That's what I use all the time.
rcmodel
Gord
Member
I use a 50/50 mixture of Purple Power (automotive solvent - six bucks or so for a gallon jug at Autozone) and water. My cleaning containers are a couple of empty 7.62x54R spam cans, naturally. 
Hey, RC. ur right.........Folgers didn't "drip".
TN, my first reaction to your comments was a shiver when I read the Purple Power and WATER to clean a gun????!!!!!! But I work at our local Tractor Supply Co. and we sell Purple Power. I read the instructions today and sure enough, it mixes with water and works as a solvent. I never get too old to learn something new! And after the dilution, it's less than half the price of kerosene or mineral spirits. Honest though............the water part still makes my skin crawl!
Happy Shootin'
TN, my first reaction to your comments was a shiver when I read the Purple Power and WATER to clean a gun????!!!!!! But I work at our local Tractor Supply Co. and we sell Purple Power. I read the instructions today and sure enough, it mixes with water and works as a solvent. I never get too old to learn something new! And after the dilution, it's less than half the price of kerosene or mineral spirits. Honest though............the water part still makes my skin crawl!
Happy Shootin'
havoc7usmc
Member
Simple Green
I have a home shop and do a lot of gun coating so this maybe more then you want to set up. One tank is simple green for scrubbing the crude off, Second tank is hot water and the third tank is mineral sprites. Then finish with blowing off the part with the air gun at 80 psi.
Semper Fi
Guns - out
I have a home shop and do a lot of gun coating so this maybe more then you want to set up. One tank is simple green for scrubbing the crude off, Second tank is hot water and the third tank is mineral sprites. Then finish with blowing off the part with the air gun at 80 psi.
Semper Fi
Guns - out
theoldgringo
Member
OleCodger
I waited a long time for this tray to present itself. It's a fish cooker of a sort, but suits my cleaning needs quite well. I got it from an on-line dealer somewhere and, unfortunately, I can't remember who. In any case the stuff is out there. This one was about $20, if I remember correctly. Under $30 without question. It's long enough (approx. 18") to soak just about anything, but a barrel and small enough to keep on the bench.
I soak in Ed's Red which is a little less "aromatic" than spirits, but I know spirits
works just fine and the lid albeit not "sealed" keeps in the vapors.
Note: it's stainless and the tray allows you to drain the parts before handling them.
Thought it was worth sharing.
Note the small stainless tray in the background of the first photo; It's perfect for small stuff like springs, pins, etc.
I waited a long time for this tray to present itself. It's a fish cooker of a sort, but suits my cleaning needs quite well. I got it from an on-line dealer somewhere and, unfortunately, I can't remember who. In any case the stuff is out there. This one was about $20, if I remember correctly. Under $30 without question. It's long enough (approx. 18") to soak just about anything, but a barrel and small enough to keep on the bench.
I soak in Ed's Red which is a little less "aromatic" than spirits, but I know spirits
works just fine and the lid albeit not "sealed" keeps in the vapors.
Note: it's stainless and the tray allows you to drain the parts before handling them.
Thought it was worth sharing.
Note the small stainless tray in the background of the first photo; It's perfect for small stuff like springs, pins, etc.
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That's It!!
Hey TOG, that is exactly what I've been looking for. The drain tray is the final straw. After reading your post, I've already been searching Google for oblong stove top pans, fish cookers, etc and so far no luck. Will continue to search. I don't guess it has a brand name stamped somewhere on it does it? I'm presently using one of the large Folgers coffee containers but it needs to be a little wider so I can get my hands down in it while brushing the gook away. Guess we live too far back in the sticks (sunshine is a day old by the time we get it) but I've never heard of Ed's Red.......
Thanks for sharing and Happy Shootin'
Hey TOG, that is exactly what I've been looking for. The drain tray is the final straw. After reading your post, I've already been searching Google for oblong stove top pans, fish cookers, etc and so far no luck. Will continue to search. I don't guess it has a brand name stamped somewhere on it does it? I'm presently using one of the large Folgers coffee containers but it needs to be a little wider so I can get my hands down in it while brushing the gook away. Guess we live too far back in the sticks (sunshine is a day old by the time we get it) but I've never heard of Ed's Red.......
Thanks for sharing and Happy Shootin'
theoldgringo
Member
Codger,
A little memory search (mine) tells me it came from an on-line seller called Sportsman's Guide. I looked in their site, however, and can't find it. I may have found it in a mailed, closeout flier. I'm not really sure. There's also nothing stamped on the pan that hints of the origin, so I will try to find the invoice to see if there's a brand name there.
Regardless, we know it's out there........all we need is to find it.
Ed's Red is a home-made concoction developed by a man named Ed Harris. I've included a link that pretty clearly explains "Ed's Red" and its origins. If you decide to make some, I have one suggestion............ The recipe calls for 1/4 of the solution to be acetone. Since the acetone is extremely volatile and will escape from any unsealed container, I wait and add the acetone as I use the stuff. Additionally, since I believe the only use for the acetone in the mix is to clean plastic residue from shotguns, I only add it for...well...cleaning shotguns. Cuts down on the toxic vapors and keeps the odors from being worse than they are already.
Good luck on your search........I'll see if I have that invoice.
http://social.boards.ie/blog/double-barrel/2006/05/30/eds-red-er-bore-cleaner
A little memory search (mine) tells me it came from an on-line seller called Sportsman's Guide. I looked in their site, however, and can't find it. I may have found it in a mailed, closeout flier. I'm not really sure. There's also nothing stamped on the pan that hints of the origin, so I will try to find the invoice to see if there's a brand name there.
Regardless, we know it's out there........all we need is to find it.
Ed's Red is a home-made concoction developed by a man named Ed Harris. I've included a link that pretty clearly explains "Ed's Red" and its origins. If you decide to make some, I have one suggestion............ The recipe calls for 1/4 of the solution to be acetone. Since the acetone is extremely volatile and will escape from any unsealed container, I wait and add the acetone as I use the stuff. Additionally, since I believe the only use for the acetone in the mix is to clean plastic residue from shotguns, I only add it for...well...cleaning shotguns. Cuts down on the toxic vapors and keeps the odors from being worse than they are already.
Good luck on your search........I'll see if I have that invoice.
http://social.boards.ie/blog/double-barrel/2006/05/30/eds-red-er-bore-cleaner
theoldgringo
Member
Codger
I found one. The link is encrypted, so you'll need to google "Target store" and look in their search box for "Norpro fish poacher". I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Good luck...............
I found one. The link is encrypted, so you'll need to google "Target store" and look in their search box for "Norpro fish poacher". I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Good luck...............
theoldgringo
Member
Another one; Same product, a little less expensive.........
http://shop.vendio.com/andyahrens/item/971923587/?s=1223807693
http://shop.vendio.com/andyahrens/item/971923587/?s=1223807693
Gord
Member
OleCodger said:
I don't see why; it's not as if guns are any more prone to rust than any other metal object, nor are they any more difficult to safeguard against such. Clean, wipe/blow dry, reassemble, oil. None of my guns has a speck of rust on 'em anywhere.
TOG, U R a gentleman and a scholar........thanks for your efforts. The "parts drain tray" will certainly be a handy deal. Ordering today......when it arrives, my first priority will be to hurry and pour some solvent into it so the better half doesn't claim it for the kitchen!
TN, my comment on "skin crawl" was said with tongue in cheek to a certain extent. However I live in an area that "enjoys" extremely high humidity. Therefore I'm always on the lookout for the potential for rust from all directions in spite of a pretty good gun care routine. We lived in New Mexico for a few years and humidity was much less of a problem out there as I'm sure it is in your area.
Y'all keep your powder dry and Happy Shootin'
TN, my comment on "skin crawl" was said with tongue in cheek to a certain extent. However I live in an area that "enjoys" extremely high humidity. Therefore I'm always on the lookout for the potential for rust from all directions in spite of a pretty good gun care routine. We lived in New Mexico for a few years and humidity was much less of a problem out there as I'm sure it is in your area.
Y'all keep your powder dry and Happy Shootin'
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