I was just reading a 1976 National Rifleman mag, April issue I think, and a one page article caught my eye. To digress, I was just looking for some solvent that would not be toxic to me (as Hoppes is) not damage a gun. I found G96 but on another forum a person said he had used G96 on a nickel plated gun and it had dulled the finish irreparably. So, this article was carefully read by me and revealed the following: The author recommended using waterless handcleaner, he did not outrightly say the name but the tagline talked about de-Gooping a gun. I know Goop is a prominent brand of this stuff. Anyway, author simply said that guns should be periodically completely disassembled and cleaned. He said use the cleaner and an old toothbrush to clean the parts. It was emphasized that it will remove the lubricant so make sure and relube the gun when finished. I for one am happy to find this article because regular gun solvents have been extremely unpleasant for me to use, even in well ventilated spaces.
Cleaning guns with waterless handcleaner
- Thread starter moewadle
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Rex B
Member
Why not?
I get a lot of automotive samples in the course of my work, many of them hand cleaners. I use hand cleaner for a lot of things besides the intended purpose. It's a great way to get oil and other stains - even some paints - out of fabric, leather, and wood. I've not tried it on a gun, but I may.
I get a lot of automotive samples in the course of my work, many of them hand cleaners. I use hand cleaner for a lot of things besides the intended purpose. It's a great way to get oil and other stains - even some paints - out of fabric, leather, and wood. I've not tried it on a gun, but I may.
"...even in well-ventilated areas."
What is it about Hoppes-like chemicals that bothers you? I assume you're getting headaches or other side effects from inhaling the fumes? If so, use the same mask you should be using spraying garden chemicals (malathion, Round-Up, etc.)--any OSHA-approved dual cartridge respirator classified with a TC-19C or 23C classification will work. The classification will be declared on the packaging.
When fitted correctly on the face, one can't smell anything; the 'air' is oderless. I used it to spray some very strong chemicals for years. You can find them at Lowe's or Home Despot; they'll run about $30 I think. They look like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3M-7192-Dual-Cartridge-Respirator-Mask-Auto-Car-Paint_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63702QQihZ009QQitemZ190213622909QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
What is it about Hoppes-like chemicals that bothers you? I assume you're getting headaches or other side effects from inhaling the fumes? If so, use the same mask you should be using spraying garden chemicals (malathion, Round-Up, etc.)--any OSHA-approved dual cartridge respirator classified with a TC-19C or 23C classification will work. The classification will be declared on the packaging.
When fitted correctly on the face, one can't smell anything; the 'air' is oderless. I used it to spray some very strong chemicals for years. You can find them at Lowe's or Home Despot; they'll run about $30 I think. They look like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3M-7192-Dual-Cartridge-Respirator-Mask-Auto-Car-Paint_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63702QQihZ009QQitemZ190213622909QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Moredes
thank you. I appreciate you trying to help. However, I have found another solvent that does not bother me for most of my guns. But probably cannot use it on nickel. And, cannot use Hoppes on nickel either. I would buy a $30 mask if absolutely necessary to my safety and well-being but don't think I need to in this case.
thank you. I appreciate you trying to help. However, I have found another solvent that does not bother me for most of my guns. But probably cannot use it on nickel. And, cannot use Hoppes on nickel either. I would buy a $30 mask if absolutely necessary to my safety and well-being but don't think I need to in this case.
Master Blaster
Member
Hoppes elite cleaner formerly MPRO 7 cleaner is a non toxic biodegradable cleaning agent. No fumes doesnt destroy your skin. Its all I use now followed by a dry patch and by fp-10 oil. Its a cheleating agent non toxic no fumes and it cleans up after cast bullets better than anything else I have tried. Shooters choice hoppes etc. I also use a bronze brush after wetting the bore and chamber using a saturated patch leading and copper fouling come right out.
I just bought a quart size from midway usa.
I just bought a quart size from midway usa.
mrmeval
Member
Hoppes elite
http://www.copquest.com/knowledgebase/MSDS_Hoppes_Elite_Gun_Cleaner.pdf
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER
http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/summary.tcl?edf_substance_id=112-34-5#hazards
It's pretty save even with all the scary text in the MSDS, much better than some of the electronics cleaners I use.
http://www.copquest.com/knowledgebase/MSDS_Hoppes_Elite_Gun_Cleaner.pdf
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER
http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/summary.tcl?edf_substance_id=112-34-5#hazards
It's pretty save even with all the scary text in the MSDS, much better than some of the electronics cleaners I use.
Well of course hand soap, dishwater detergent, will dissolve oils, waxs, and gunpowder residues. All that stuff is organic, and the cleaning soaps we use will clean that up.
But why? You want to save money by taking home the company's soap dispenser?
If you want to understand what is needed in a powder solvent, Google "Ed's Red" and read the explaination for all the different stuff in Ed's Red.
I am still using GI bore cleaner, found four gallons at a Flea Market, at $5.00 a gallon, I guess I am down to 2.5 gallons. That stuff dissolves powder residue, does not damage chrome, bluing, or parkerization. Probably will dissolve paint. When that is all gone, I am making Ed's Red.
But why? You want to save money by taking home the company's soap dispenser?
If you want to understand what is needed in a powder solvent, Google "Ed's Red" and read the explaination for all the different stuff in Ed's Red.
I am still using GI bore cleaner, found four gallons at a Flea Market, at $5.00 a gallon, I guess I am down to 2.5 gallons. That stuff dissolves powder residue, does not damage chrome, bluing, or parkerization. Probably will dissolve paint. When that is all gone, I am making Ed's Red.
Chester32141
Member
I know Ed's Red can be made at home but I'd like to pick up a gallon of it pre-mixed ... does anyone know where I could find it ...
Chester
Chester
WayneConrad
Member
Chester32141, the only place I've seen to buy Ed's Red is from Brownell's, but you'll pay gun store prices for it... dollars per ounce.
There's your proof that some people will pay more if you slap a label on it and put it in a little bottle.
There's your proof that some people will pay more if you slap a label on it and put it in a little bottle.
Chester32141
Member
Good Lord ... $2 an oz ... that's about $250 a gallon ... OUCH !!
Chester
Chester
mrmeval
Member
1 gallon each
ATF 4.72 acetone18.95 kerosene11.59 mineral spirits 9.99
$45.25 / (128 * 4)= $0.08 / oz
You can get kerosene at a pump cheaper but it smells.
The others will be cheaper at the hardware store to some extent.
ATF 4.72 acetone18.95 kerosene11.59 mineral spirits 9.99
$45.25 / (128 * 4)= $0.08 / oz
You can get kerosene at a pump cheaper but it smells.
The others will be cheaper at the hardware store to some extent.
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