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8/27/2007 5:44:13 PM EDT
there is a thread in precision rifles and they are talking about using acetone as a solvent to clean the glass on scopes. i have never seen this before. their is a link to a video from usoptics showing this being done using a q-tip. acetone is a very strong solvent it is one of things in nail polish remover. i can not see my self using this on my nikon tactical. would like some other thoughts or info from the experts . i have used acetone to clean contact cement off of laminate. it just seems wrong to use it on a high dollar scope with coated glass. educate me on this please.
8/27/2007 5:47:52 PM EDT
[#1]
I was going to ask how to clean my eotec.  Maybe I'll learn it here
8/27/2007 10:20:35 PM EDT
[#2]
I don't know about EOTechs and what material their screen is made out of, but for cleaning riflescopes, acetone is fine. The coatings aren't weak. They can be abraided off. of course, but acetone won't hurt it and evaporates leaving a harmless residue.

When cleaning the lenses, you want to blow or brush off any particles, then just use a clean solvent like acetone. There are some good cleaners that the camera guys use. Those are very good.

Avoid tap water as that will leave minerals (metals) that will attract to the coated lenses like a magnet.

Also, don't get the acetone on the rubber seals or under the moveable parts of the scope as it will break down most of the greases that are used on scopes.
8/28/2007 12:44:39 AM EDT
[#3]
I use a lens pen cleaner that came with my Trijicon ACOG.  There is a retractable brush on one end and the cleaning pad on the other end.  It is very gentle and nonabrasive.
8/28/2007 4:22:08 AM EDT
[#4]
Becareful with acetone though.  Keep it all on the glass if you use it, because it attacks rubber, platics, paint, and grease.  

I prefer pharm grade ethanol or isoproply (rubbing alcohol).

Different scope companines recommend different solvents, mostly one of the above.  
8/28/2007 4:31:48 AM EDT
[#5]
I've always used isopropyl alcohol and it's worked fine.  I also have some of those nice little pre-moistened Zeiss optic wipes.  They work well too.  It's basically lens paper that's been treated with a bit of isopropyl alcohol.  MJD
8/28/2007 6:56:25 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
I use a lens pen cleaner that came with my Trijicon ACOG.  There is a retractable brush on one end and the cleaning pad on the other end.  It is very gentle and nonabrasive.


+1  It doesn't get much easier than a lens pen.  It should cost about $10 at just about anywhere you can buy good glass.
8/28/2007 9:09:33 AM EDT
[#7]
i have been using a lens pen and the canned compressed air that you buy at a camera shop. i have had nikon camera equipment for years and had never seen the acetone thing discussed before. i did a search on google and it is a very common practice to clean with acetone. alot of telescope companies list it as the method to use. i was thinking the same thing that it could cause damage to gaskets or seals. i guess the key is to use a qtip and make sure it it just damp.and on a eotech i use a lens pen and air only not sure what the lens material is.
8/30/2007 9:48:17 PM EDT
[#8]
I emailed EOTECH to answer the question of what they recommend on cleaning:

height=8
When cleaning the glass services, first blow away any dirt or dust.
Clean the glass surfaces with a water base cleaner such as glass
cleaner, ammonia, or soap and water. Avoid using solvent base cleaners
such as alcohol or acetone. Use a soft cloth or lint free lens paper.

We are in the process of upgrading our website and this one item that
will be included in the FAQ's sections.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to give me a call
or visit our website at www.L-3com.com/eotech.

Thank you
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