Is A Brake Cleaner Safe for Guns?

Content Menu

● What Is Brake Cleaner?

● Can You Use Brake Cleaner on Guns?

>> Types of Brake Cleaners and Their Ingredients

● How Brake Cleaner Affects Firearms

>> 1. Potential Damage to Firearm Parts

>> 2. Health and Environmental Risks

>> 3. Drying and Residue

>> 4. Gun-Specific Cleaning Solutions

● Best Practices for Using Brake Cleaner on Guns

● Cleaning Car Cleaning Guns

● Alternatives to Brake Cleaner for Gun Cleaning

● Conclusion

● Frequently Asked Questions

The question of whether brake cleaner is safe for guns is an important one, especially for those who regularly maintain their firearms or cleaning tools like car cleaning guns. It’s not uncommon to see brake cleaners used in various cleaning tasks, but its compatibility with firearms needs to be carefully considered. In this article, we will delve into the key factors to consider when using brake cleaner on guns, discuss potential risks, and provide guidance on the best practices for cleaning both firearms and car cleaning guns.

What Is Brake Cleaner?

Brake cleaner is a specialized solvent designed for cleaning the brake components of vehicles, particularly in the automotive industry. It is engineered to remove dirt, grease, oil, and brake fluid from metal parts, ensuring that the braking system functions efficiently. These cleaners are available in various forms, such as aerosol sprays, and often contain a mix of solvents like acetone, toluene, or chlorinated compounds. Brake cleaners are highly effective at dissolving contaminants and evaporating quickly, making them suitable for cleaning parts that need to remain dry after the cleaning process.

Can You Use Brake Cleaner on Guns?

Brake cleaner is sometimes used as a quick solution for cleaning firearms due to its ability to cut through oil, grease, and carbon buildup. However, whether or not it is safe for your gun depends on the type of brake cleaner and the firearm in question.

Types of Brake Cleaners and Their Ingredients

Brake cleaners typically fall into two categories:

1. Chlorinated Brake Cleaner: Contains chemicals like tetrachloroethylene, methylene chloride, or perchloroethylene, which are effective solvents. However, these chemicals are toxic and pose a health risk when inhaled. They also can damage certain parts of your firearm, such as rubber O-rings and plastic components.

2. Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner: Uses alternative solvents like acetone or other petroleum-based substances. These cleaners are less toxic than their chlorinated counterparts but can still cause damage to certain firearm parts, particularly wooden stocks, and polymer finishes. Non-chlorinated brake cleaners tend to be safer for general cleaning, but they can still be harmful if misused.

How Brake Cleaner Affects Firearms

Brake cleaner is designed to break down oil, grease, and contaminants, which is also what makes it useful for cleaning guns. However, firearms require a more delicate cleaning process to prevent damaging sensitive parts or finishes. Here's a closer look at the potential effects of using brake cleaner on guns:

1. Potential Damage to Firearm Parts

• Rubber O-rings and Seals: Brake cleaners, particularly chlorinated varieties, can break down rubber components found in many firearms. The solvent can degrade O-rings, seals, and gaskets, leading to leaks and loss of pressure or function in gas-powered firearms.

• Wooden Stocks: Wooden parts of firearms, including stocks, can be harmed by brake cleaners, as the chemicals may strip the wood’s protective oils and finish. This can lead to drying, cracking, or discoloration of the wood.

• Polymer Frames and Components: Many modern firearms have polymer parts that are designed to be lightweight and durable. However, brake cleaners, particularly those with acetone, can cause polymers to become brittle, discolored, or damaged over time.

• Coatings and Finishes: Many firearms come with protective coatings, like Cerakote or blued finishes, which may be vulnerable to harsh solvents like brake cleaner. These chemicals can strip the finish, leaving the metal vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

2. Health and Environmental Risks

• Toxicity: The solvents in brake cleaners are potent and can be harmful to your health. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals may cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, or even long-term damage to organs if inhaled in large quantities. Chlorinated brake cleaners are particularly hazardous, as their vapors can be toxic and are harmful when inhaled.

• Environmental Impact: The chemicals in brake cleaners, particularly chlorinated types, can be harmful to the environment. When used incorrectly, these solvents may contaminate the air, water, or soil. It is crucial to dispose of used brake cleaner responsibly and avoid using it in an open, unventilated area.

3. Drying and Residue

• Brake cleaners evaporate quickly, which means they leave little to no residue behind. However, for firearms, this can be a double-edged sword. While it ensures the metal parts dry quickly, it also means that the cleaning agent does not have time to dissolve contaminants effectively. Without proper lubrication after cleaning, the firearm’s moving parts may be left dry and susceptible to wear, rust, or malfunction.

4. Gun-Specific Cleaning Solutions

Guns require specialized cleaning solutions that are designed to gently clean and preserve the firearm's parts while not causing damage. Firearm-specific cleaning solvents are formulated to safely remove carbon, copper, lead, and powder residues without harming the metal, wood, polymer, or other materials of the firearm.

Best Practices for Using Brake Cleaner on Guns

If you choose to use brake cleaner on your firearms, it is essential to take precautions to minimize the risks. Here are a few best practices to ensure that you are using brake cleaner safely and effectively:

1. Use Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner

Always opt for non-chlorinated brake cleaners when working with firearms. These are less toxic and less likely to damage the parts of your gun. Non-chlorinated cleaners are still potent and can remove contaminants effectively, but they are much safer for both you and your firearm.

2. Test on a Small Area First

Before using brake cleaner on your entire gun, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it does not damage the finish or material. This is especially important for firearms with custom coatings or finishes, such as Cerakote or bluing.

3. Clean in a Well-Ventilated Area

Brake cleaner produces strong fumes that can be harmful to your health. Always clean your firearms in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling the fumes. Consider using a respirator if working in an enclosed space.

4. Follow Up with Proper Lubrication

Brake cleaner can strip away lubrication, leaving the metal parts of your gun exposed. After cleaning with brake cleaner, make sure to apply a high-quality lubricant or oil to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. This is particularly important for firearms that are used in harsh environments or that are frequently exposed to moisture.

5. Avoid Using Brake Cleaner on Sensitive Parts

Avoid spraying brake cleaner on sensitive parts of your firearm, such as the wood stock, polymer components, or O-rings. Instead, use a firearm-safe cleaning solvent for these parts to prevent damage.

Cleaning Car Cleaning Guns

The concept of using brake cleaner can also apply to cleaning other types of cleaning guns, such as car cleaning guns used in detailing. Like firearms, these tools often require regular maintenance to maintain their performance and longevity. However, brake cleaners should still be used with caution when cleaning car cleaning guns.

Car cleaning guns, especially foam guns, often use various cleaning solutions to create foam, which helps remove dirt and grime from a vehicle's surface. While brake cleaner can be used to clean the nozzles and internal parts of car cleaning guns, the same precautions should apply:

• Use Non-Chlorinated Brake Cleaner: Opt for non-chlorinated brake cleaners to minimize the risk of damage to rubber seals and plastic components in the car cleaning gun.

• Flush Thoroughly: After using brake cleaner, ensure that the car cleaning gun is thoroughly flushed with clean water to remove any residues. This is particularly important to prevent any leftover cleaner from affecting the performance of the gun in future uses.

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Just like with firearms, ensure that moving parts, such as the trigger mechanism, are lubricated after cleaning to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Alternatives to Brake Cleaner for Gun Cleaning

If you're unsure about using brake cleaner on your firearms or cleaning tools, there are many alternatives specifically designed for gun maintenance and detailing:

• Gun-Specific Cleaning Solvents: These are formulated to safely dissolve carbon, lead, and other residues found in firearms without damaging the metal, wood, or polymer parts.

• Oil-Based Solvents: Many oil-based solvents are effective at breaking down oils and residues while providing lubrication at the same time.

• Compressed Air: For light cleaning, compressed air can be a safe way to remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas of a gun or cleaning tool without the need for harsh chemicals.

• Soap and Water: For more gentle cleaning, mild soap and water can be used to clean the exterior of firearms and cleaning guns, followed by a thorough drying process.

Conclusion

While brake cleaner is effective at cleaning dirt, grease, and grime from metal parts, it is not always the best solution for cleaning guns. Brake cleaner, especially the chlorinated types, can damage sensitive parts like O-rings, wooden stocks, and polymer components. For gun cleaning, it’s best to use products specifically designed for firearms that are formulated to safely dissolve residue while preserving the integrity of the materials. If you must use brake cleaner, opt for non-chlorinated varieties and always follow up with proper lubrication to ensure the firearm or cleaning gun continues to function at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can brake cleaner damage the finish of my gun?
Yes, brake cleaner can strip protective finishes like Cerakote, bluing, or anodizing from metal parts, leaving them vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

2. Is it safe to use brake cleaner on a gun barrel?
While brake cleaner can be used on a gun barrel to remove carbon buildup, it’s best

to use a dedicated gun cleaning solvent to ensure safe cleaning and protection of the barrel.

3. Can brake cleaner be used on polymer firearm parts?
Brake cleaner, particularly non-chlorinated types, can be used cautiously on polymer parts, but frequent exposure may cause the material to become brittle over time.

4. Should I lubricate my gun after using brake cleaner?
Yes, it’s important to apply lubricant after using brake cleaner to prevent rust and ensure smooth functioning of the firearm’s moving parts.

5. What’s the safest way to clean a gun?
The safest way to clean a gun is to use gun-specific cleaning solvents, brushes, and oils designed for firearms. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance.