Results of gun care product evaluation
- Thread starter DIY_guy
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Nom de Forum
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Thank you.
JRH6856
Member
This is a great evaluation. Thanks for doing it and sharing.
Upon completion of this evaluation I sent emails to several of the manufacturers of the products used. Thus far (4 days after sending the emails) I have received only one reply and it came from the founders of Frog Lube. Here is that reply.
“Ron,
We are stunned by the exhaustive and comprehensive approach of your testing. And we are quite flattered at the result. You have done something no one else has done.
We do our testing in primarily in operating firearms, but we have done some technical tests such as the corrosion and lubricity testing and have seen the same results.
May we use this link to share with our customers on line and in our facebook page? We have lots of fans (and a few competitors) who would appreciate seeing this.
Also, we very much appreciate your 'objectivity' and your public claims. This strengthens the validity of your results.
Thanks again for sharing this profound work with us.
Larry Lasky & Stacy Lasky
FrogLube Founders “
----
I replied to them with the following:
“Feel free to share or distribute the info as you see fit. Prior to this evaluation I had never used Frog Lube (or many of the products I evaluated) so I was curious and ended up doing this evaluation. My search for lube and corrosion solution was not entirely firearms centric as I am more of an archer and bowhunter so I would like to make this request. Archery and Bowhunting are very large markets with direct overlap to firearms owners. The same holds true for the rapidly increasing crossbow and crossbowhunting market. All of these user groups require lubrication and corrosion solutions.
The main difference for the bowhunting and crossbow hunting market is the scent/smell of products we use due to how close bowhunters and perhaps crossbow hunters have to get to prey to make a successful shot. The minty smell of Frog Lube may keep this user group from using your product. Would it be possible to remove the minty scent and create a scent free version? Breaking into the archery/bowhunting and crossbow hunting market would create another demographic purchasing your product. Please consider it. You would certainly have me as a customer for more than just firearms usage.
Ron”
“Ron,
We are stunned by the exhaustive and comprehensive approach of your testing. And we are quite flattered at the result. You have done something no one else has done.
We do our testing in primarily in operating firearms, but we have done some technical tests such as the corrosion and lubricity testing and have seen the same results.
May we use this link to share with our customers on line and in our facebook page? We have lots of fans (and a few competitors) who would appreciate seeing this.
Also, we very much appreciate your 'objectivity' and your public claims. This strengthens the validity of your results.
Thanks again for sharing this profound work with us.
Larry Lasky & Stacy Lasky
FrogLube Founders “
----
I replied to them with the following:
“Feel free to share or distribute the info as you see fit. Prior to this evaluation I had never used Frog Lube (or many of the products I evaluated) so I was curious and ended up doing this evaluation. My search for lube and corrosion solution was not entirely firearms centric as I am more of an archer and bowhunter so I would like to make this request. Archery and Bowhunting are very large markets with direct overlap to firearms owners. The same holds true for the rapidly increasing crossbow and crossbowhunting market. All of these user groups require lubrication and corrosion solutions.
The main difference for the bowhunting and crossbow hunting market is the scent/smell of products we use due to how close bowhunters and perhaps crossbow hunters have to get to prey to make a successful shot. The minty smell of Frog Lube may keep this user group from using your product. Would it be possible to remove the minty scent and create a scent free version? Breaking into the archery/bowhunting and crossbow hunting market would create another demographic purchasing your product. Please consider it. You would certainly have me as a customer for more than just firearms usage.
Ron”
Giterboosted
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- Dec 9, 2010
- Messages
- 578
Is this stickied yet?
Interesting information, thanks for doing what must have been an expensive test.
It seems strange that Hoppes 9 the solvent is much better at lubricating than Hoppes lubricating oil? Would liked to have seen Slip 2000 EWL 30 tested alongside Slip 2000 to see if the extra "thickener" changed anything with the results. Maybe next time when you feel like spending another $500 on testing supplies?
It seems strange that Hoppes 9 the solvent is much better at lubricating than Hoppes lubricating oil? Would liked to have seen Slip 2000 EWL 30 tested alongside Slip 2000 to see if the extra "thickener" changed anything with the results. Maybe next time when you feel like spending another $500 on testing supplies?
ohbythebay
Member
A question...
Please don't take this as criticism or armchair quarterback. I think its a valid thought.
Something overlooked (or perhaps not the purpose) was how do these work as CLEANERS ? You covered all gamuts of lube and ongoing protection, but I wonder how the top ones would fair as cleaners?
I am guessing that it would bring a whole different subset to the top in that category so that this would be a two step process. Example - WD 40 to clean, Hornady's to protect.
It would be a fairly easy test in that you could take all of the exposed metal plates you have, get them to the same corrosion or dirt level and try each product as a cleaner.
I only bring this up because having done similar tests with things such as car wax, it was found that some made great protectors but could cause buildup and had no qualities in removing surface impurities. Others that were better cleaners did not have long lasting protection.
Anyway, just a thought and please know, your work is appreciated 110%. Just thought about this after ordering my Hornady's...LOL
Please don't take this as criticism or armchair quarterback. I think its a valid thought.
Something overlooked (or perhaps not the purpose) was how do these work as CLEANERS ? You covered all gamuts of lube and ongoing protection, but I wonder how the top ones would fair as cleaners?
I am guessing that it would bring a whole different subset to the top in that category so that this would be a two step process. Example - WD 40 to clean, Hornady's to protect.
It would be a fairly easy test in that you could take all of the exposed metal plates you have, get them to the same corrosion or dirt level and try each product as a cleaner.
I only bring this up because having done similar tests with things such as car wax, it was found that some made great protectors but could cause buildup and had no qualities in removing surface impurities. Others that were better cleaners did not have long lasting protection.
Anyway, just a thought and please know, your work is appreciated 110%. Just thought about this after ordering my Hornady's...LOL
I did not evaluate the cleaning properties of these products for the following reasons.
1. I was unable to formulate a credible and objective design of experiments to evaluate (with equity) the cleaning properties of each product that covered lead, copper, carbon, gun powder, black powder, primer residue, shotshell wad residue fouling.
2. A large segment of the products in this evaluation did not claim to be cleaners (i.e. 3 in One oil, paste wax, motor oil, Silicone and several others)
3. I was not particularly interested in the cleaning properties of these products because my interests were not entirely gun-centric and had equal interest in archery/bowhunting, tools, knife making, other outdoor gear that don’t require the rigor of a gun cleaner.
4. I am a Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent fan for gun cleaning because I am pleased with how it performs and more importantly because the glorious perfume takes me back to so much past enjoyment and prior hunts and my dad. Would it be wrong to say that I will on occasion crack open a bottle just to smell it???
5. Ive never struggled to clean a weapon because I strip them down to the last pin and if need be use acetone to rid the surface or any and all contaminants so I didn’t deem it a problem I needed to find a solution for (pun intended)
1. I was unable to formulate a credible and objective design of experiments to evaluate (with equity) the cleaning properties of each product that covered lead, copper, carbon, gun powder, black powder, primer residue, shotshell wad residue fouling.
2. A large segment of the products in this evaluation did not claim to be cleaners (i.e. 3 in One oil, paste wax, motor oil, Silicone and several others)
3. I was not particularly interested in the cleaning properties of these products because my interests were not entirely gun-centric and had equal interest in archery/bowhunting, tools, knife making, other outdoor gear that don’t require the rigor of a gun cleaner.
4. I am a Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent fan for gun cleaning because I am pleased with how it performs and more importantly because the glorious perfume takes me back to so much past enjoyment and prior hunts and my dad. Would it be wrong to say that I will on occasion crack open a bottle just to smell it???
5. Ive never struggled to clean a weapon because I strip them down to the last pin and if need be use acetone to rid the surface or any and all contaminants so I didn’t deem it a problem I needed to find a solution for (pun intended)
ohbythebay
Member
I see your point
I am curious on this aspect though. I too like to strip all down and had not thought of acetone (I use that on other projects).
So without derailing, is acetone okay on all gun parts, is there anything I should avoid (like the plastic parts on my Glock ? ) Grips ?
THANKS
I am curious on this aspect though. I too like to strip all down and had not thought of acetone (I use that on other projects).
So without derailing, is acetone okay on all gun parts, is there anything I should avoid (like the plastic parts on my Glock ? ) Grips ?
THANKS
RustyShackelford
member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2006
- Messages
- 4,018
Frog-Lube; full scale T&E.....
Good job DIY.
Your hard work & efforts will help 1000s of hunters/target shooters/armed professionals/gun owners.
I'm surprised the Frog-Lube product did so well. I've put off buying or trying it, now I'll give it a whirl.
To my knowledge, Frog Lube was invented & developed by a US Navy SEAL.
It's a item sold & displayed at the SEAL-UDT museum in Fort Pierce Florida so that's no Stolen Valor BS.
I expected Ballistol to do better. It's non toxic & safe for bare hands but I guess it's not quite as long lasting as Id first think.
I thought Gunzilla would be a higher rated CLP too. It gets high marks from US combat troops & sworn LE officers.
I'd add that I don't really agree with the odor remarks about the Mpro7/LPX. I never had any - odors or "manure" type smells.
I used LPX often from 2009-2011 with no problems.
Rusty
PS; the fact that Frog-Lube took the time to personally respond shows how much they are concerned with customer feed-back & QC.
That's a attitude more small business owners & US companies should have. It's another reason I may get some Frog-Lube. Id prefer to get a spray bottle too but we'll see.
Good job DIY.
Your hard work & efforts will help 1000s of hunters/target shooters/armed professionals/gun owners.
I'm surprised the Frog-Lube product did so well. I've put off buying or trying it, now I'll give it a whirl.
To my knowledge, Frog Lube was invented & developed by a US Navy SEAL.
It's a item sold & displayed at the SEAL-UDT museum in Fort Pierce Florida so that's no Stolen Valor BS.
I expected Ballistol to do better. It's non toxic & safe for bare hands but I guess it's not quite as long lasting as Id first think.
I thought Gunzilla would be a higher rated CLP too. It gets high marks from US combat troops & sworn LE officers.
I'd add that I don't really agree with the odor remarks about the Mpro7/LPX. I never had any - odors or "manure" type smells.
I used LPX often from 2009-2011 with no problems.
Rusty
PS; the fact that Frog-Lube took the time to personally respond shows how much they are concerned with customer feed-back & QC.
That's a attitude more small business owners & US companies should have. It's another reason I may get some Frog-Lube. Id prefer to get a spray bottle too but we'll see.
ohbythebay, To my knowledge, Acetone will not harm any gun metals. I have also never heard of acetone harming gun bluing. IT WILL however harm lots of gun finishes and plastics and I WOULD NOT let acetone touch non-metal surfaces of any kind without first soaking a representative part in acetone overnight to see if there are any ill effects.
I was only speaking of using acetone on metal parts requiring cleaning where standard cleaners fail.
Rusty, the odor/smell evaluation (as I disclaimed) was the most subjective of all the evaluations I conducted. As I stated, I jotted down the first thing that came to mind that it reminded of when I smelled each product. I could have perhaps searched for different words but that is what came to mind.
The_Next_Generation
Member
Fantastic work! I have been using 3in1 since I got started in guns (cheap, widely available, and also cheap ) but now I think I will switch to WD40 specialist as my cheap gun-care product!
I too will share this with all of my shooting buddies.
A quick suggestion if you were to ever do another batch of tests would be on LPS 1. It is popular in the aviation industry as a lubricant and corrosion-inhibitor and is widely available similar to WD40.
*****This DEFINITELY needs to be made a sticky******
) but now I think I will switch to WD40 specialist as my cheap gun-care product!I too will share this with all of my shooting buddies.
A quick suggestion if you were to ever do another batch of tests would be on LPS 1. It is popular in the aviation industry as a lubricant and corrosion-inhibitor and is widely available similar to WD40.
*****This DEFINITELY needs to be made a sticky******
Its been 288 hours (12 days) since Board #1 was placed outside and 264 hours (11 days) for Board #2 so I thought I would update. There has been some rain this week but lots of sun and wind and the trees are spreading all manner of pollen and debris in the air. The Sun’s UV rays have all but made the sharpie marker unreadable but I have a map and can still make it out enough to see.
Here are the two boards where they are residing on the patio.
And here are the close-ups of the samples.
As for Board #3 in my house. Its been 240 hours (10 days) and as expected, the indoor protection in a constant environment has them all still in fine shape.
Here are the two boards where they are residing on the patio.
And here are the close-ups of the samples.
As for Board #3 in my house. Its been 240 hours (10 days) and as expected, the indoor protection in a constant environment has them all still in fine shape.
Skylerbone
Member
DIY indeed! Firstly, thank you for the near Herculean effort and commitment of doing what I've not seen done. Second, thank you again for providing your methodology combined with clear pictures. Finally, thank you for your straightforward presentation which manages to entertain while enlightening.
I've been sold on Frog Lube (paste) for several years now though I admit to occasionally cracking open my old standby FP-10. I'm another who would enjoy an evaluation of cleaning as Frog Lube has minimized the effort for me in every firearm I've tried it in to include revolvers, pistols, rifles and muzzleloaders. Powder and carbon residue simply wipe off as do lead and copper streaks.
The other test I'd enjoy would be a material contact test using materials such as leather, foam and damp cotton to simulate holster/soft gun case material storage.
Again, fantastic job and thank you for a real eye opener.
I've been sold on Frog Lube (paste) for several years now though I admit to occasionally cracking open my old standby FP-10. I'm another who would enjoy an evaluation of cleaning as Frog Lube has minimized the effort for me in every firearm I've tried it in to include revolvers, pistols, rifles and muzzleloaders. Powder and carbon residue simply wipe off as do lead and copper streaks.
The other test I'd enjoy would be a material contact test using materials such as leather, foam and damp cotton to simulate holster/soft gun case material storage.
Again, fantastic job and thank you for a real eye opener.
I have several of each of the three winners on their way to my house now. I've been using weapon shield for lubing my 1911s and regular wd-40 for my tablesaw and other woodworking tools. As well as my hornady LNL AP press dies and shell plate.
Thanks!
Thanks!
AethelstanAegen
Member
I've said it once already but I just need to reiterate, awesome, awesome work.
I also vote this gets a sticky.
I also vote this gets a sticky.
RustyShackelford
member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2006
- Messages
- 4,018
FL; prices....
I looked over the Frog Lube product website.
The CLPs are not cheap.
I may order the 4oz bottle & the 1oz pump spray(for ranges/travel/duty bag).
The promo T shirts only go up to XXL too.
Time to hit the 24hr fitness center.
I looked over the Frog Lube product website.
The CLPs are not cheap.
I may order the 4oz bottle & the 1oz pump spray(for ranges/travel/duty bag).
The promo T shirts only go up to XXL too.
Time to hit the 24hr fitness center.
Longhorn 76
Member
I once did a similar project, all be it for lubrication only. So I particularly appreciate the time and money you spent on such a comprehensive survey. VERY WELL DONE, SIR!
Quentin
Member
DIY_guy, thanks again for this comprehensive review. Frog Lube on order! (I bet there are lots of recent orders for Frog Lube!)
