Unchlorinated aerosol brake cleaner remove BP sub crud?

[Tallbald]

In another thread on a different forum, I have learned that non-chlorinated brake cleaner will help scrub crud from gun internals before re-lubing. Just like it's a brake drum or caliper. A lost less pricey than aerosol gun cleaning blasters for sure, and I plan to use CLP for the lube afterwards.
Now I'm wondering if brake cleaner will clean the internals of my stainless Old Army. I use Triple 7 mostly, but one day may try Holy Black. Before anyone here lectures me about soap and hot water I already know that because I've been at this a while. I know that PB Blaster does a good job for me but it's a little high.I'm asking about brake cleaner spray effectiveness in cleaning residue from internals. Thanks all. Don

 

[Jim Watson]

It's a strong solvent. It may not get out every speck but it won't leave enough to matter.
Note that the non-chlorinated solvents are mostly flammable.

 

[CWL]

Brake cleaner removes carbon, grease, oils and other contaminants down to the bare metal of the brakes and pads. It will do the same on your firearms. Just be sure to keep it away from wood. Won't do much for lead though.

I don't shoot BP, but I've been using brake cleaner on all my firearms for 20 years without any problems. Used to pay ~$15 for Gunscrubber, now I'm paying a fraction of that.

 

[Tallbald]

Thank you both for the fast replies. Not knowing about brake versus carburetor cleaner the other day at Walmart, I did the ennie meenie minie moe and ended up with carb cleaner. I'll save that now for the mower, and get some brake cleaner next trip. Don

 

[Diogenes415]

Usually when in doubt and I need to make sure something (metal, sintered metal, or bare wood) is stripped of almost all contaminants I'll use acetone, not to be confused with nail polish remover which has additives, and it's relatively cheap... ~$17/gal.

 

[whughett]

Brake cleaner removes carbon, grease, oils and other contaminants down to the bare metal of the brakes and pads. It will do the same on your firearms. Just be sure to keep it away from wood. Won't do much for lead though.

I don't shoot BP, but I've been using brake cleaner on all my firearms for 20 years without any problems. Used to pay ~$15 for Gunscrubber, now I'm paying a fraction of that.

Will it remove the organic lubes black powder shooters use. I work extra hard removing just the black powder residue with out stripping the bees wax/vegetable/animal based lubes that are on the metal. The bp residue is in all the cracks and pores one can only reach by complete disassembly but is neutralized by water or a mix of water and Ballistol making a full disassembly unnecessary between range sessions. Think I'll keep the brake/carb cleaner in mind for the smokeless rim and center fires it should be a cheaper alternative to the gun scrubber products. I too use acetone and pause sometimes wondering if that is a good idea.

 

[BSA1]

Only word you need to remember;


Ballistol

 

[whughett]

Only word you need to remember;


Ballistol

Yes but do you get use to the odor,................FUNKY.

 

[Noz]

I bought a can today and the brake cleaner was by far cheaper.