Posted: 12/3/2010 7:46:21 AM EDT
| Can anyone recommend a safe solvent for nickel? |
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To clean the bore, just clean as you normally do, just don't let the solvent soak on the plating.
Bore solvent can damage bright nickel by infiltrating under the plating through cracks, scratches, or thin spots and causing it to lift. Just don't allow it to soak longer than you need to and there'll be no damage. I've seen nickel guns that were cleaned with Hoppe's #9 for 30 or 40 years that still were in great shape. The owners just didn't let it soak on the plating. To clean the outside you can use something like CLP Breakfree, a good wax (NOT auto wax, it's often abrasive) or even a solvent like paint thinner or lacquer thinner. For carbon fouling on the outside, LIGHTLY use a "lead-away" cloth. These can also damage nickle if used too hard or too often, so easy does it. To make the plating last, don't try to remove all traces of carbon off the cylinder face. If you want a gun that looks unfired.... don't fire it. All metal polishes are abrasive, including mild ones like Flitz. They too WILL damage nickel if you polish too hard or use it too often. You can use Flitz possibly once a year, VERY gently to brighten it up, but remember that scratches can only be "removed" by removing the surrounding plating. Try to polish a scratch out and you'll thin and remove the plating. |