Parts Washer/Degreaser

[fractal7]

So in a discussion yesterday someone mentioned an automotive parts washer, sort of a sink that recycles some type of solvent/degreaser formula usually to clean auto parts. I was wondering has anyone ever used one of these for cleaning their guns, or gun parts? I'm thinking the smaller versions would do a pretty good job say on things like AR bolts etc...

Here is an example of a tabletop parts washer from amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G4012...D25N/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288781889&sr=8-1

 

[woodsoup]

That would work, but why spend the $$$. A baking pan that your parts fit into and some mineral spirits works just as good.

 

[Flame Red]

I found one on sale a couple of years ago from Tractor Supply and I filled it up with Ed's Red. Makes quick work of any gun cleaning dirty job. Only thing is cleaning rifle barrels in it not going to happen. The metal lid did not seal very well so I put some seals around the top lid and have to put some weight on the top to keep it sealed. Other than that, perfecto!

 

[M-Cameron]

i honestly think i can make one of those out of a 5 gallon bucket and a fish tank pump......

lets see.....$2 for the bucket...........$10 for the pump..........$5 for misc parts......for a grand total of $17.....sounds a lot better than the $50 the commercial unit is going for...

 

[Bubbles]

We have a smaller one that's great for cleaning gunk off of parts. Nothing big enough to do a whole barrel, though.

 

[dreamer56]

Added a parts washer to my shop this year and it has been great for cleaning pistols, especially those that come caked in cosmoline - filtered compressed air to dry - and then good job with CLP to oil and rust protect - good to go -

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I first used a parts washer when I worked as a mechanic in the early 70's. In some areas the worst part about owning one is locating a source of safety solvent. They usually hold about 2/3 of the listed capacity in solvent. About a year ago the price was $7 a gallon, but it lasts a long time if you close the lid.

Safety solvent is named because it doesn't flash ignite at room temperature. You can throw a lit match in the tank and the flame will go out. And it does a far better job of degreasing than mineral spirits. If you have parts that are real gunky direct the flow on the part and leave the pump run for a couple of hours. Usually the gunk will then come off with a brush.

Harbor Freight is another source. Watch the ads and buy on sale. Currently the 20 gal. model is $100.

 

[hso]

Seems like a waste of money compared to some Ed's Red and brushes.

You'd need to be running a lot of guns through it to make it worthwhile.

 

[FROGO207]

Bet it would have saved me a lot of trouble when I used a can of Hoppes #9 and my mothers turkey roster to clean my .22 a few days before Thanksgiving some years ago when I was about 10.:banghead: BTW I still have that turkey roaster/parts cleaner.

 

[Murphy4570]

A good automotive parts washer will work well for cleaning firearms, I'm sure. My experience with one has been as a mechanic, and they work very well to clean dirt/grime/grease off of any and every part that fits in one. Sure saves money on cans of carb cleaner and brake Kleen!

The purchase of one is doubly useful for those who work on their own vehicles, which has been on the rise since the economy tanked (can't pay mechanic's fees? Do it yourself!). That is another topic altogether, however.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

It's not worth it to buy it as a gun cleaner only, but if you are a shadetree mechanic they are great for cleaning automotive parts or anything that gets greasy/dirty and can handle solvents. My dad has one in his shop and I haven't used it on a gun yet but will probably try it because of this thread on an AR bolt or something.