Couple of questions arose today when cleaning a rifle: 1)Read a recommendation(by Jim Carmichael in Outdoor Life?) to use brake cleaner to clean brass brushes after brushing barrel, which I have been doing, when using brass brushes. Now, I usually use nylon brushes. But, I am afraid to use brake cleaner on the nylon for fear of it "eating" them up. Anyone know if brake cleaner harmful to nylon? 2) Accumulation of gun oil softens/degrades wood gunstocks over time. What does it do to synthetic stocks? Is it harmful?

What do you use on the nylon brushes that requires they be cleaned with brake cleaner? I don't use nylon so I can't tell you. I use bronze brushes exclusively. If they need cleaning I use Kerosene.

The material in synthetic stocks aren't usually harmed by bore cleaners and solvents. Some paint finishes might be so I would avoid letting the stuff sit on the finish very long. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer of the stock for their recommendations.

I use a 2 part Shooter's Choice to 1 part Kroil to clean my barrels. After brushing with this mix I flush the bronze brush with plain old rubbing alcohol. Every once in a while, when loading indoors at a BR match, I get a big whiff of Brake cleaner. So some people are using it as well.

I use the brake cleaner to wash off the sweets copper stuff off the nylon brushes. Works well, also use it on the bronse brushes after shooters choice or butches bore shine! Curly

Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not, but most brake cleaner is pretty toxic stuff, wear gloves and use proper ventilation.

quote:

Originally posted by Recoil Rob:
Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not, but most brake cleaner is pretty toxic stuff, wear gloves and use proper ventilation.

Yep, Brake cleaner is some nasty stuff. Rather wash my hands in with wet concrete. Even Carb cleaner would be a beter choice.

quote:

Originally posted by GSP7:

quote:

Originally posted by Recoil Rob:
Maybe it needs to be said, maybe not, but most brake cleaner is pretty toxic stuff, wear gloves and use proper ventilation.

Yep, Brake cleaner is some nasty stuff. Rather wash my hands in with wet concrete. Even Carb cleaner would be a beter choice.

Precisely why I now use Wipe Out bore cleaner, and no longer expose myself to such chemicals. Plus, it flat works!

Jeff