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Acetone and brass question ?

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15 June 2007, 21:45
Erik
Acetone and brass question ?
I have a question. Does useing acetone to degrease and clean rifle brass effect the metalurgy or harm the brass in any way?

Thanks
15 June 2007, 22:48
van
Acetone won,t hurt it,but ammonia will make brass brittle.
16 June 2007, 02:19
mete
Van is correct but you don't have to go to a solvent, just use a detergent. Ammonia causes stress corrosion cracking of brass so if you get ammonia based bore cleaner on your brass wash it off.
16 June 2007, 05:18
Dr.K
Final wipe or initial cleaning ?. Media tumbler works or wash with Borax and Hot water or combo of TSP also works well . Lacquer or Acetone works well for final wipe .

Ever try to remove tree sap off a chain saw blade ?. Gum resin is one of the most difficult materials to remove from metal. Borax will do wonders !!. Lacquer & acetone do little .

Also for heavy weather corrosion on brass a MILD Acid solution works very well and quickly !. Be sure to neutralize ( baking soda and water bath )then rinse well !!!. Tooth paste also works or automatic commercial dish washing solution . There are numerous good safe brass cleaners in your home !... salute
16 June 2007, 05:24
ireload2
quote:
Originally posted by Erik:
I have a question. Does useing acetone to degrease and clean rifle brass effect the metalurgy or harm the brass in any way?

Thanks


If you just want to degrease brass buy some 90% isopropyl alcohol. It is cheaper and safer than acetone and removes sizing lube well, plus it evaporates quickly.