Gunsmithing Ultrasonic cleaner solution for gun parts?

[RWSGunsmithing]

Well I purchased a Hornady Hot Tub 9L ultrasonic cleaner last week along with Hornady's gun parts cleaning solution and I must say I'm less than impressed by how well it DIDN'T work.

I went by the instructions and used distilled water and using proper mixing solutions.

I did a few muzzle brakes, some were very dirty and a few others with just a few rounds through it. I ran them all through a few 30 min cycles with less than stellar results. Heck I could have done a better job faster with a few assortment of brushes and cleaner.

I bough this thing specifically to do parts. Especially parts that can not be taken apart easily, like triggers.

I would also like to be able to use this on polymer framed guns so any suggestions on a solution for them?

So what am I doing wrong? Is this cleaning solution not that good? What should I be using or am I expecting to much from a $400 ultrasonic cleaner?

 

[Gene Poole]

I have a $50 Harbor Freight US cleaner and I use mineral spirits in mine for gun parts. Works great. I've heard automotive antifreeze works good too although I've never tried it. Lots of chelating agents and metal conditioners/cleaners in antifreeze so I'm not surprised. I've mixed up some of my own secret sauce before for testing that works very well, but I'm not going to spill the beans just yet until I'm certain it's safe for gun parts.

 

[Twisted300Win MAG]

Boil muzzle brakes in glycol(green)based antifreeze. Works like a charm. Learned this trick for cleaning up carboned up engine parts form an old time engine builder.
Donald

 

[mobius38]

I have used some diluted simple green with success.

 

[Victor N TN]

In my last job I used diluted 409 to clean a lot of machine parts.

 

[Geno C.]

Has anyone tried Lyman's solution? Is it any better?

 

[Redcreek1]

I use the Slip 2000 Ultra Clean, which was designed specifically for Ultra-Sonic cleaning systems. This is also what the Marine Corps uses in their Ultra-Sonic cleaing tanks at thier depot maintence facilites and bases. Works great or carbon and greasy grimey parts.

Slip 2000™ - 725 Gun Cleaner

 

[gewehr]

Ultrasonic cleaner solution for gun parts?

If you want an inexpensive solution, use alchonox, it's a commercial cleaning agent that is very effective for removing grease and grime and washes off easily


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[BWB]

I've been using the Hornady Gun Parts Cleaner and mixing it about twice as strong as they say, and it's been working pretty well. I do agree it doesn't seem to be the best stuff out there.

 

[LRJammer]

50/50 mix of cleaning strength vinegar and water. Mix up a 1/4 cup of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid and keep it from discoloring the brass and rinse thoroughly with water. Whe finished, pour the cleaning fluid down your drains to help keep them clean.

 

[LRJammer]

I have also heard that Citrinox is the bomb as well but not available locally. Has to be mail ordered.

 

[Victor N TN]

Something my brother found out the hard way. Take the gun apart and after it's clean, put the required lube in the important places. I keep a "Fat 50" ammo can around with Varisol in it to clean and degrease parts. After a local IPSC match he came by to clean his 1911 and just took his grips off and dropped it in. Then he swished it around and used an old toothbrush to get the rest of the residue off. Then he took an air hose and blew all the liquid out. Later that week when he went to practice he noticed his trigger pull getting progressively harder. Then it locked up on him. Yes I took it apart and cleaned it right. Then used just a drop or 2 of oil and put it back together. It worked fine.