Just picked up a grungy old Rockchucker for $50. No corrosion, but the thing is just dirty. What do you guys use to clean a press, and what is your favorite lube for the ram and linkages?

Laugh if you must, but Hoppe's #9 cleans the pivot points and linkages well. As for lube, I like "Finish Line" Cross Country synthetic bicycle lubricant. A capable extreme pressure lubricant that will withstand dirt, it is as good as any and doesn't stink like 90wt gear lube.

WOW,
I thought I was the only one who used finish line on my press!
Have a Hornady LNL AP and Finish Line works like a charm.
Right on Buckshot.

Your grung is part water soluable and part solvent soluable and part not. A bucket , a can of carburater cleaner and a brass brush will get most of it. A similar follow up treatment with an ammonia solution should take care of what is left. Flush with strong alcohol to remove captured water. Dry

Bardahl is the lube I use. It is thick and slimy but still wicks and runs. I have a Hollywood Senior (48 yrs old) with a large cylinder and Bardahl or Casite Motor Honey is the best I've found for it in all those years.

a little side note; The Bardahl is the best I've found for lubing cases also bar none. roger

i usually give it a bath in brake cleaner and lube w/breakfree

Hey Bill, Good old Dawn dishwashing detergent cuts through grease "for me" about as well as anything short of the Carb or Brake Cleaner previously mentioned. I'd "guess" Goop hand cleaner would work right well too, but I've not tried it.

Oh yes, I've got some kind of "Orange Based" pump spray cleaner that is quite effective on grease. Can't remember if it is Fantastic or 409, maybe both.

Glad you brought the thread up, cause I like to Lube my Press once a year and here it is the 3rd month already and my Press has not been Lubed. Pitiful!

I lay my Rockchucker on it's side atop the Sunday paper, put a bit of Rem Oil on the hinge pins, work them a bit and let it set overnight. Next day I flip it over and do the other side. When I bolt it back in place, then I Lube the Ram, also with the Rem Oil.

Squirt it down with engine degreaser and take it to the local coin op car wash. Blow dry with compressed air and lube. I use plain 'ol milsurp LSA.

I've used various things over the years to lube presses. I got curious and called RCBS to see what they recommended. The suggested plain old 30 WT engine oil. I like the idea of the special bicyle oil. I have used motorcycle chain oil in the past.

I helped a buddy 'salvage' one, and we used a can and half of Break Free Powder Blast, it's citrus based, and works great. I love the stuff, and it evaporates pretty quick and has a nice smell to boot!

Good Luck--Don