Cleaning brass without a tumbler

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regulate34

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So I am starting reloading. I have been saving brass for years. I was sorting and cleaning them in a hot water and dish soap mix. It cleaned the brass but still had some "grime" leftover. I am wondering if anyone has a "recipe" that they use for cleaning brass without a tumbler. I seen some people suggest using a little vinegar. I added a Little vinegar to the soap/hot water and tossed in a few cases. made them shiny and very clean.

I know tumblers are cheep. Its more of a room and dust thing right now.

thanks guys
 
I used soap and hot water for years without any problems. It is more time consuming and they do come out cleaner with a tumbler but if you want to save money and clutter don't feel the need to get a cleaner anytime soon. I still clean MOST of my brass in the sink with soap and HOT water and sometimes use salt and/or vinegar. Best of luck
 
Brass polish. Spin in drill using lock stud. Polish cleans so shiny- use wet- then shine with clean cloth on bottom and old tooth brush trimmed short bridle to clean letters when dry.
 
Try this:

1 Quart water
1 Cup vinegar
1 Tbs dish washing soap
1 Tbs salt

Don't soak brass for too long or it will start turning pink and do your final rinse in a baking soda solution.
 
Here's my routine:

- dump the brass in an old pot, fill with hot tap water until it covers the brass.
- add about 2 tbsp of phosphoric acid. I use "Spa Aquarius Stain Prevent Descaler", available at Canadian Tire.
- stir with a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes.
- drain, rinse thoroughly, and dry. I dump the brass into a fry basket when rinsed, shake off the excess water, and turn on my furnace: the floor vent in the bathroom is right next to the furnace and blasts hot air. Fry basket on vent (without the vent cover), stir until the furnace cycles off.

At that point, they're clean, bright, and ready to prime. Not as clean as a tumbler, but I too have space, noise, and dust issues, and these come out just fine.
 
Trinimon said:
Try this:

1 Quart water
1 Cup vinegar
1 Tbs dish washing soap
1 Tbs salt

Don't soak brass for too long or it will start turning pink and do your final rinse in a baking soda solution.
Click to expand...

+1 on that except I cut it short

-Hot water
-Vinegar
-Dish soap

Leave 20 min, sake a bit then rinse with hot water and dry up in dehydrator which I bought from CT. Surprisingly come out very clean include the primer pocket. Hope it help. 2 hour max for 200 x 308 brass.
 
regulate34 said:
So I am starting reloading. I have been saving brass for years. I was sorting and cleaning them in a hot water and dish soap mix. It cleaned the brass but still had some "grime" leftover. I am wondering if anyone has a "recipe" that they use for cleaning brass without a tumbler. I seen some people suggest using a little vinegar. I added a Little vinegar to the soap/hot water and tossed in a few cases. made them shiny and very clean.

I know tumblers are cheep. Its more of a room and dust thing right now.

thanks guys
Click to expand...

What dust? Just buy a tumbler and leave the lid on while using it and change out your media once in a while.
They don't take up much space unless your reloading room is a closet in which case your priorities are all messed up ;)
 
For many years I used a sleeve from an old flannel shirt. Dumped the brass in, squirted lighter fluid on it, grabbed the two ends and shook it for a minute. Took all the serious grime off, no problem. Of course it didn't get is purdy-shiny, but that's not really vitally anyway and it cost me the price of a can of lighter fluid. Afterwards, I just dumped then on a tray to air-dry.
 
I just started reloading as well. I dont have a tumbler yet so i figured i would give my wifes sonic jewelry cleaner a try ( while she was out )
While her cleaning solution did not remove all the tarnish on my shells it did clean them up fairly well. As much as i like polished casings getting all the primer pockets cleaned is a real bonus with the sonic.
 
When the wife is not home throw the brass in a big sock and zip strap the end shut. Throw it in with a load of laundry (not nice shirts etc, but carharts and work shirts). Look brand new after that.
 
I guess Cr5 and I are the only fellas that keep the lid tightly screwed down on our vibrating tumblers, as the only dust I get is on the inside of the tumbler. Absolutely none any where else.
 
When 'da missus is not home, put brass in pillow case and them throw it on the washer on cold cycle with lemme shine.
 
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