Brake fluid spraY

Brake fluid spray
Is brake fluid spray a good tool to use to get a 22 to clean in stead having to break it down to its individual parts I heard of this being used before but I don’t know if it was hearsay or not. Just spray the brains out of the magazine area, behind the bolt down to the barrel etc. etc.

I'd be careful. I once sprayed an M16 with some brake cleaner and removed the finish. Not a good day lol.
Jon

IF you do.....make sure it's the NON-CHLORINATED stuff.
Also be aware that it will remove the protective oil & lubricant from EVERYTHING.

I personally thing the better route would be to a thorough job rather than quick & easy...assuming you like your toys to last.

Is break free spray a better alternative to use or any other spray type liquid?

Do note that brake fluid is not brake cleaner!  Brake fluid is the hydraulic "liquid" that operates brakes and I've never seen it in a spray form.

OTOH, brake cleaner is used to clean contaminants off pads, shoes, rotors and drums and is what I use on my 1911s, but I do not like the "green" version.  I use the red can version.  The one I use is named Brakleen.  As mentioned, it will remove everything that isn't physically part of the metal.  You HAVE to lubricate after using it, because the metal will be bone dry.

Brake Free is something different.  It is known as CLP (Cleaner-Lubricant-Preservative).  That is what I use to lubricate my 1911s (after cleaning with Brakleen).

Ed Hall wrote:Do note that brake fluid is not brake cleaner!  Brake fluid is the hydraulic "liquid" that operates brakes and I've never seen it in a spray form.

OTOH, brake cleaner is used to clean contaminants off pads, shoes, rotors and drums and is what I use on my 1911s, but I do not like the "green" version.  I use the red can version.  The one I use is named Brakleen.  As mentioned, it will remove everything that isn't physically part of the metal.  You HAVE to lubricate after using it, because the metal will be bone dry.

Brake Free is something different.  It is known as CLP (Cleaner-Lubricant-Preservative).  That is what I use to lubricate my 1911s (after cleaning with Brakleen).

Very good info here. Personally I try to use no more than CLP with brushes but occasionally break out some bore cleaner or lead remover and try to use just on my barrel and keep away from finished surfaces. Most blued parts need little more than wiping of a microfiber cloth and CLP, occasionally a nylon brush, lead buildup is what drives me crazy.

I use Red Can CRC for everything. 

Jon when I was in the Corps we cleaned our M16’s every time with brake clean! Never had an issue thank god. Armory took them in on the first try and pissed off the other platoons!

Be careful, I would not use brake cleaner on plastic, rubber or scopes.  I also would not use it on firearms either, especially if I was not completely disassembling them.

CrankyThunder wrote:Be careful, I would not use brake cleaner on plastic, rubber or scopes.  I also would not use it on firearms either, especially if I was not completely disassembling them.

Has to be 25 years worth and never a problem. Maybe I am lucky who knows. I do wash off with water after spraying though.

I wait till it goes on sale. Buy one case get one free. I use it all the time. But again, never use it on plastic, rubber, or optics. It is a very aggressive cleaner. I wear gloves when I clean my guns. If you are using brake cleaner use nitrile gloves. Brake cleaner will make silicone gloves expand.

Bill

Birchwood Casey makes a product called Gun Scrubber. Although pricey compared to brake cleaner it does an excellent job. Much more friendly to plastics and finishes than brake cleaner.

I've been using G96 Crud Buster. It is safe on polymer. It costs a lot more than brake cleaner, but I think it is worth it. It appears to take off all lubrication, so I re-lube after each use. I was tempted to use brake cleaner, but I finally decided not to take a chance on my firearms.

I've had pretty good success with this product from CRC.  It's designed for electronic parts so it's less likely to damage gun parts.  To me, it looks, acts, and smells like gun scrubber but less expensive. 

xman wrote:Brake fluid spray
Is brake fluid spray a good tool to use to get a 22 to clean in stead having to break it down to its individual parts I heard of this being used before but I don’t know if it was hearsay or not. Just spray the brains out of the magazine area, behind the bolt down to the barrel etc. etc.

The SDS(Safety Data Sheet) for the products above are attached. They list the chemicals with approximate percentages used in each product. Always a good idea to look at the SDS from that perspective and safety before using it.
Brakleen is mostly acetone and that is pretty nasty on many synthetics.