Can I Use Brake Cleaner to Clean My Gun?
When it comes to cleaning your firearm, you want to make sure you’re using the right cleaning solutions to effectively remove dirt, grime, and other debris without causing damage. One common product that people often wonder about using on their guns is brake cleaner. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at brake cleaner and whether or not it’s safe to use on your firearm.
What is Brake Cleaner?
Brake cleaner is a solvent-based cleaning product designed specifically for cleaning automotive brakes and other mechanical systems. It’s typically made from a combination of hydrocarbons, mineral spirits, and other solvents. Brake cleaner is usually clear or light-colored, and has a strong, unpleasant odor.
How Does Brake Cleaner Work?
Brake cleaner works by breaking down and dissolving dirt, grime, and other substances on the surface of the brakes and mechanical components. The solvents in the cleaner dissolve the dirt and other substances, allowing them to be easily wiped away or blown off with compressed air.
Can I Use Brake Cleaner to Clean My Gun?
The short answer is: No, you should not use brake cleaner to clean your gun. While brake cleaner may be effective at cleaning mechanical components, it’s not designed for cleaning firearms, and using it on your gun can potentially cause damage.
Here are some reasons why you should avoid using brake cleaner on your gun:
• Chemical composition: Brake cleaner contains solvents and chemicals that can damage the finish and metal components on your firearm. The harsh chemicals in brake cleaner can strip away the protective coatings on your gun, exposing the metal to corrosion and rust.
• Polarity: Brake cleaner is not polar, meaning it won’t effectively clean gun surfaces. Gun surfaces require a polar cleaning agent to break down and remove dirt, grime, and other substances. Brake cleaner lacks this polar property, making it ineffective for cleaning gun surfaces.
• Rough texture: Brake cleaner is designed to clean rough, mechanical surfaces, not the smooth, precision-crafted surfaces of firearms. The harsh chemicals and abrasive nature of brake cleaner can damage the fine details and finish on your gun.
What to Use Instead
If you’re looking for a safe and effective cleaning solution for your gun, consider the following options:
• Gun-specific cleaners: Look for cleaning solutions specifically designed for firearms, such as Hoppes #9, Break-Free CLP, or Frankford Arsenal’s Extreme Reliability Cleaner. These cleaners are designed to clean and lubricate your gun without causing damage.
• Lithium-based cleaners: Lithium-based cleaners are gentle and non-abrasive, making them safe to use on gun surfaces. Examples of lithium-based cleaners include Shooter’s Choice CLP and Sil-Glyde Lubricant.
Tips for Cleaning Your Gun
To keep your gun in top condition, follow these cleaning tips:
- Always use a cleaning kit specifically designed for firearms
- Clean your gun in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harsh chemicals
- Avoid using household cleaners, lubricants, or chemicals on your gun
- Store your cleaning supplies and chemicals in a safe, accessible location
- Clean and lubricate your gun regularly to prevent corrosion and rust
Conclusion
Brake cleaner is not safe or effective for cleaning your gun. The harsh chemicals and rough texture of brake cleaner can damage your gun’s finish and metal components. Instead, opt for gun-specific cleaners or lithium-based cleaners that are gentle and non-abrasive. Always follow proper cleaning procedures and store your cleaning supplies and chemicals safely.
