Cleaning brass without a tumbler

[Kryogen]

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

honestly, ss or us if you dont want dust.

US is cheaper, but less effective, and will not shine.
SS is more expensive, cleans and shines, and no dust.

but with the thumlers rock tumbler B, I believe it's a pretty decent easy setup.

mine is made with a 1/2 hp motor rated for continuous use.... I could tumble my car.(or not)

 

[fungunner]

i use CLR .i let them sit in it for 20 minutes, then rinse with hot water, they come out perfect. use rubber gloves

 

[tutteal]

Hey tried your method works good i'm impressed
Thanks

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.

 

[rumrunner64]

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.

This is a recipe for pickling brass. I would not use the salt. If you do keep it real short. I use this same recipe tho make brass jackets look like copper.