Posted: 5/24/2004 3:14:52 PM EDT
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Ok, I am new to firearms ownership and I need to check on a few things. 1. Is it really ok to use break cleaner on your firearms to help clean it up (instead of more expensive things like Breakfree Powder Blaster)? 2. Is it better to use the non-clorinated or clorinated break cleaner? Sorry, for asking this as I am sure it has been addressed before. But since the search function is not working yet, I thought I better ask before I start spraying. |
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On metal, it's fine...on wood, it'll remove the finish. On plastic, it may melt/deform the plastic, depending on what type of plastic it is (I damn near ruined a pair of AR handguards...) On metal, also, you sorta need to treat it like you just dunked it in water because it strips it totally down; lube/oil will be the order of the day after you've cleaned it. |
| Use it liberally. My AR stocks are fine, despite having had lots of brake cleaner on them. However, cherish your rifle as you cherish your ass - WIPE! Also the guys are 100% right when they warn that it dissolves all the lube. Be sure you put oil back where it belongs when you're done. |
Also, if you are with a girl whose mouth says "No, no, no," but whose eyes say "Yes," you can spray some brake cleaner in her eyes, smear some Hoppe's #9 on her lips [No Kissing!], and go to town! CAUTION Do not cross state lines to do this. |
| Break Free Powder Blast will discolor the finish. I advise against it. I used it on an AR15 extractor to test it for discoloring and it turned the extractor a rust red color. A LOT of rubbing with Remoil and it finally went back to its original color. The only finish I use it on now is stainless steel. |
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Okay, so Brake cleaner is OKAY for cleaning most parts... What about alternative lube? I know I can use old tractor oil in the AK, but that'll run with anything or nothing. Anyone ever use bearing grease? I find things to feel much smoother with that than your basic gun-oils. How well does it attract carbon? |
I guess that's a matter of alcohol content 
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Yeah, that does break up the monotony of gun cleaning. I have found that it expands my vocabulary, as well. |
) is to sell cheap ass brake cleaner!|
Andreuha: I use bearing grease to take away the "AR music" in my Colt HBAR. Works pretty well, only took a handful. The noise isn't so bad on my Panther shorty so I haven't done it with that one. As far as the rest of the lubrication on an AR, I use Rusty Duck on the extractor and TW25B everywhere else. Period. It seems to me that you could use just about any other lubricant on an AR as long as it's not too thick. I think someone here on this board even uses Castrol motor oil on theirs. Pick and choose, experiment if you like. But I've done a little experimenting and have settled on TW25B for ALL my firearms. |
Good news  I already use Castol Bearing Grease on an AK, but haven't tried it on anything else... |