Cleaning your firearm is crucial for its proper functioning, safety, and longevity. While many solvents exist, a common question among gun owners is whether brake cleaner can be used for this purpose. The short answer is: no, you should absolutely not use brake cleaner to clean your gun. This seemingly simple cleaning solution can cause significant damage and compromise your firearm's safety. Let's delve deeper into why.
Why Brake Cleaner is NOT Suitable for Gun Cleaning
Brake cleaner, while effective at removing grease and grime from automotive parts, possesses several properties that make it wholly unsuitable for firearms:
1. Aggressive Chemical Composition:
Brake cleaner is formulated to dissolve tough residues like brake fluid and grease quickly. This aggressive chemical composition can:
- Damage internal components: The powerful solvents can strip away lubricants, finishes, and even the metal itself, leading to corrosion and premature wear. This is particularly damaging to delicate parts like the firing pin and extractor.
- Dissolve plastics and polymers: Many modern firearms utilize plastic or polymer components. Brake cleaner can dissolve these materials, rendering them unusable and potentially causing malfunctions.
- Compromise seals and o-rings: These critical seals prevent leaks and ensure proper operation. The aggressive solvents in brake cleaner can degrade these seals, leading to gas leaks or malfunctions.
2. Flammability and Safety Concerns:
Brake cleaner is highly flammable. Using it in an enclosed space or near open flames poses a significant fire hazard. The fumes are also irritating and potentially harmful if inhaled. Proper firearm cleaning should prioritize safety above all else.
3. Residue Buildup:
Although seemingly effective at initial cleaning, brake cleaner can leave behind residues that attract dust and debris, negating the cleaning process. This residue can also interfere with the gun's function.
Recommended Gun Cleaning Solvents
Instead of using brake cleaner, opt for gun-specific cleaning solvents designed for the task. These solvents are formulated to safely and effectively clean firearms without causing damage. You'll find a variety of options, including:
- CLP (Cleaning, Lubricating, Protecting): A popular choice offering a combination of cleaning, lubrication, and protection.
- Bore cleaners: Specific solutions designed for cleaning the barrel of your firearm, removing lead and powder residue.
- Gun cleaning solvents: Many reputable brands offer gun-specific solvents, tailored for different types of firearms and materials.
Proper Gun Cleaning Procedure
Remember, proper gun cleaning is a multi-step process. This includes:
- Disassembling: Carefully disassemble your firearm according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Cleaning: Use a suitable gun cleaning solvent and patches to clean all parts.
- Lubricating: Apply a light coat of gun oil to lubricate moving parts.
- Reassembling: Carefully reassemble your firearm, ensuring all parts are correctly in place.
Conclusion: Choose Safety
While brake cleaner might seem like a quick fix, it is absolutely not recommended for cleaning firearms. The potential for damage, safety risks, and compromised functionality far outweigh any perceived benefits. Always use a solvent specifically designed for cleaning guns to ensure the safety, performance, and longevity of your firearm. Investing in proper gun cleaning supplies is an investment in the safe and responsible handling of your weapon.
