Brake clean vs. Blueing

[autotech6506]

Hey guys I simply want to know how my guns blueing will be affected if I use brake clean to clean it. I would use it primarily for tight areas like inside the slide and mag area, but I still don't want to destroy the finish. Also I would guess I would need to spray some sort of rust inhibitor/oil so that it doesn't rust right?

[ReconLdr]

Originally Posted by autotech6506

Hey guys I simply want to know how my guns blueing will be affected if I use brake clean to clean it. I would use it primarily for tight areas like inside the slide and mag area, but I still don't want to destroy the finish. Also I would guess I would need to spray some sort of rust inhibitor/oil so that it doesn't rust right?

Some Brake Clean will harm the finish some won't. I use it for some of my weapons especially AK/SKS. Make sure you don't get it on the stock, it will turn white in a lot of cases.

I would start with putting some on a q-tip and testing it on a very small area. If the finish is not harmed by the chemicals, you should be ok using it.

You will definately need to apply oil when you are done to prevent rust. The brake clean/carb clean etc ... will remove all oils from the metal.

Brake Clean works very well to remove carbon from weapons.

Hoppes makes a similar product that I have been using, it works pretty good too.

[1blindref]

I only use brake cleaner to clean magazines.
It would probably be OK to use on a blued gun as is Gun Scrubber, but I wouldn't take the chance of ruining the bluing.

DO NOT get it on any wood or plastic grips. Don't even let a rag that has brake cleaner on it touch them, it will ruin them (ask me how I know )
I get Brake Clean at work for a very good price, but it's not worth ruining the finish on a nice gun or grips.

I use Hoppes #9 on my Stainless and Blued guns, and CLP on my Nickel'd guns.
It's worth the extra $

[Fr0sty]

I use "Gunk" Pro Series Brake Cleaner with no issues. Caution should always be used when stocks and other pieces are involved. Nothing cleans a dirty FAL better than a can of brake cleaner

I started using this due to a friend insisting that it would work. I was concerned, but I figured I would give it a try. It has work perfectly since I started using it, and the bonus is my father owns a car dealership so from time to time I go down and score a can or two. Nothing beats the price, free.

You will go through it pretty quick though, as it comes out like a gushing gyzer. (No idea how to spell gyzer)

[autotech6506]

thanks guys. I think I will invest in some proper spray cleaner for pistols.

[riverpirate]

Ive been thinking about using this to clean my Star before I Duracoat it. Im not to worried about the finish since it will get painted , i just want all the oil and stuff off.

[ReconLdr]

Originally Posted by riverpirate

Ive been thinking about using this to clean my Star before I Duracoat it. Im not to worried about the finish since it will get painted , i just want all the oil and stuff off.

If you are going to paint it, no problem. It will remove everything from the metal, wood, plastic and won't leave a residue behind.