Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
3/4/2004 6:56:22 AM EDT
I am searching for non-toxic biodegradable cleaner that I can use for cleaning the bolt carrier group.  I currently flush the bolt carrier group with brake cleaner and this is very effective, but this stinks up the garage and uses a lot of cleaner.  I would like find a cleaner that I could simply dunk the parts in a come back in fifteen minutes and rinse them clean.  I was think of using Simple Green or something like it.  This is only for the steel parts, not the receivers.  Thanks.
3/4/2004 10:02:59 AM EDT
[#1]
Simple Green is what I use, only on the carrier and bolt and after it has been removed from my rifle. I have yet to find a cleaner that will eat up the carbon like SG. It is biodegradable and much less harmful to the skin and lungs than most others, especially Ed's Red.
3/4/2004 10:08:31 AM EDT
[#2]
Simple Green is fine for the steel and plastic parts, but don't use it on the aluminum parts. SG is a very mild alkali which will act like a stripper on the anodized surface and over time will begin to dissolve it.
3/6/2004 1:57:19 AM EDT
[#3]
Used a lot of Simple Green in the Marines.  We all had a bottle under the sink.  Didn't notice any negative effects on the finish, but then again, those service rifles had very little finish left on them.
3/13/2004 2:37:25 PM EDT
[#4]
[url]www.slip2000.com[/url]  Look at this site and see. Their carbon cleaner is very good
3/16/2004 5:51:49 AM EDT
[#5]
409 works well also, whatever you use, just rinse with hot water and it will be gone. Then use a hair dryer and favorite lube.
3/18/2004 5:05:50 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Simple Green is fine for the steel and plastic parts, but don't use it on the aluminum parts. SG is a very mild alkali which will act like a stripper on the anodized surface and over time will begin to dissolve it.
View Quote


IIRC some branches of service put out a warning not to use Simple Green on the aluminum. neilfj is correct; it attacks the metal itself.

Edited to add link:

[url]http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/ashore/issues/winter00/fromourreaders.htm[/url]
3/21/2004 7:04:53 AM EDT
[#7]
 Does simple green REALLY eat up carbon that well?  It'd be a hell of a lot cheaper to go with SG if that's the case...any testimonials?
AR Sponsor