I need some advice from the experienced - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

XD_Dan · 12-13-2005, 07:06 PM

I'm going to get a parts washer....finally.

Me & the fam ride dirtbikes. I am always cleaning parts and thought a 20 gallon parts washer would be handy. We all also go to the range a lot....again, a parts washer might make quicker work of cleaning the guns.

My question is:
What type of solvent should I use to clean our guns in a parts washer? Will the typical degreasers (Varsol) that mechanics use on greasy auto parts be too harsh?

I asked the gunsmight at Gander Mtn what solvent he used. He didn't know exactly, but told me it was a water based solvent.

I have an air compressor with an in-line dryer, so I'm not too worried about left-over solvent causing rust. But water solvent cleaner?

If there are any members with some advice for me, I would really appreciate it. The names of some solvents would be nice.

I currently use Hoppes #9 solvent, bore brushes/bore-snakes for the bbl, and an old toothbrush for internals. This method works well, but it's time consuming when you have 4 guns to clean.

Thanks in advance.

ichy_trigger · 12-13-2005, 07:12 PM

Commercial users of parts washers have gone to water based degreasers for environmental reasons. Call up a few gun makers and ask if that solvent would be safe for use on the guns. Im sue they have parts washers in house. Ive used citrus degreasers on my guns with great results.

XD_Dan · 12-14-2005, 07:07 AM

Thanks i_t.

Anyone else have some advice on solvents?

mr0w1 · 12-14-2005, 12:13 PM

Sorta a bump, sorta a suggestion: I've seen that Simple Green is like the absolute greatest stuff ever conceived for cleaning. Check out some bigger forums like ar15.com or glocktalk and do a search for Simple Green and see what it turns up.

XD_Dan · 12-14-2005, 01:05 PM

Will do.
Good idea.

12-13-2005, 07:06 PM	#1
XD_Dan XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Huntsville, TX Posts: 887	I need some advice from the experienced I'm going to get a parts washer....finally. Me & the fam ride dirtbikes. I am always cleaning parts and thought a 20 gallon parts washer would be handy. We all also go to the range a lot....again, a parts washer might make quicker work of cleaning the guns. My question is: What type of solvent should I use to clean our guns in a parts washer? Will the typical degreasers (Varsol) that mechanics use on greasy auto parts be too harsh? I asked the gunsmight at Gander Mtn what solvent he used. He didn't know exactly, but told me it was a water based solvent. I have an air compressor with an in-line dryer, so I'm not too worried about left-over solvent causing rust. But water solvent cleaner? If there are any members with some advice for me, I would really appreciate it. The names of some solvents would be nice. I currently use Hoppes #9 solvent, bore brushes/bore-snakes for the bbl, and an old toothbrush for internals. This method works well, but it's time consuming when you have 4 guns to clean. Thanks in advance. __________________ XD 9mm SC C.C. trigger job, Custom griptape, Pearce extensions XD 9mm Tactical C.C. trigger job, polished ramp/bbl, DGR, 16#recoil spring, Hogue grip, Magwell Texas XD Practical Shooters Association

12-13-2005, 07:12 PM	#2
ichy_trigger XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 7,525	Commercial users of parts washers have gone to water based degreasers for environmental reasons. Call up a few gun makers and ask if that solvent would be safe for use on the guns. Im sue they have parts washers in house. Ive used citrus degreasers on my guns with great results. __________________ "The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." http://militarysignatures.com/signatures/member2645.png

12-14-2005, 07:07 AM	#3
XD_Dan XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Huntsville, TX Posts: 887	Thanks i_t. Anyone else have some advice on solvents? __________________ XD 9mm SC C.C. trigger job, Custom griptape, Pearce extensions XD 9mm Tactical C.C. trigger job, polished ramp/bbl, DGR, 16#recoil spring, Hogue grip, Magwell Texas XD Practical Shooters Association

12-14-2005, 12:13 PM	#4
mr0w1 XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,525	Sorta a bump, sorta a suggestion: I've seen that Simple Green is like the absolute greatest stuff ever conceived for cleaning. Check out some bigger forums like ar15.com or glocktalk and do a search for Simple Green and see what it turns up. __________________ guns.freaksho.net - My awesome gun website! More guns than ever! (Last updated: July 24, 2006)

12-14-2005, 01:05 PM	#5
XD_Dan XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Huntsville, TX Posts: 887	Will do. Good idea. __________________ XD 9mm SC C.C. trigger job, Custom griptape, Pearce extensions XD 9mm Tactical C.C. trigger job, polished ramp/bbl, DGR, 16#recoil spring, Hogue grip, Magwell Texas XD Practical Shooters Association

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