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11/16/2002 3:05:28 PM EDT
Is brake cleaner acceptable for cleaning my AR?  Will it damage anything?

Thanks,
Bradd
11/16/2002 7:28:10 PM EDT
[#1]
There are a few peple who use carb cleaner to clean their AR15's.

Just don't use it on any of the plastic or let it get on the plastic in the spring of the ejector on the bolt.
11/18/2002 12:28:24 AM EDT
[#2]
Is brake cleaner or carb cleaner more harsh to use on the AR?
11/18/2002 2:31:40 AM EDT
[#3]
Carb cleaner is great for loosening up oil bases sludge and gum and other lubricants.

Brake cleaner removes oil - as in clean to bare metal. Great for de-greasing prior to rebluing or parkerizing.

Keep both away from any plastic that might be damaged. (test in a hidden stop by using a q-tip to see if the solvent will discolor or dissolve the plastic.)

Generally I clean with my bore cleaner/powder solvent, then rinse with WD40. Then degrease/dry with brake cleaner. Finally apply oil & rifle grease minimally as needed to select areas.
11/18/2002 2:38:17 AM EDT
[#4]
I have been using Gumout Choke and Carb cleaner on all my guns for years, a little over $1.50/can at Wal-Mart.  It has never harmed anything ie metal, wood plastic etc.  I have, on occasion, used brake cleaner on the metal, such as the carrier.  It is effective in removing the carbon, however as Prof stated it leaves the metal dry.
11/18/2002 12:55:43 PM EDT
[#5]
It won't hurt the plastic on an AR.  However, since it strips all the oil from the metal you need to completely re-oil everything that it touches.  Works great to de-carbon a rifle.

Word of caution on Gun Scrubber.....I used it on a Beretta Tomcat and it attacked the grips.. just started melting them.  Don't know what it will do to an AR since after seeing that, I never use Gun Scrubber for anything.  Brake cleaner is cheaper, milder, and cleans great.
11/19/2002 10:55:34 PM EDT
[#6]
Cheap assed Berettas!

I use Gun Scrubber on my Glock, it hasen't melted yet.

I also used it on my H&K USP Compact and the only thing that happened was the paint marking the selector switches came off.


11/21/2002 3:21:16 AM EDT
[#7]
I don't think anything will attack a Glock!!!  Gun Scrubber works good but, after seeing the results on that Beretta, I haven't bought any more.  I doubt it would hurt an AR either but why spend all the money for the extra cost of the Gun Scrubber when brake cleaner works better???
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