Cleaning compounds

srnson

CGN Regular
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Nova Scotia
Not sure where to post this so trying here.

I currently use BreakFree CLP (MSDS http://www.wfrfire.com/msds/pdf/break.pdf) and am wondering if anyone has found a cleaner/oil substitute that is less toxic for use? I always use gloves when cleaning but more concerned about the longer term exposure and whether or not it is carcinogenic in nature; probably is.

Comments here http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/general-firearm-discussion/20061-break-free-clp-2.html seem to indicate it is less of an issue than others. Just curious if anyone has found something that has less toxicity.

Ohh and not trying to start a which cleaner is better. I use BFC and it seems to work just fine. No gumming up in cold weather, cleans well seems to lube well.

Cheers

SRNSON
 
Ballistol? They say you can use it on your dogs coat/fur and various other non-firearms related items. heck I read the msds and they filled belly of rats and they just pooped it out without any issues. There is no lethal dose known, hence non-toxic status.
 
I use to use Ballistol for years, worked great, then read an article about Ed's Red. Mixed up a batch and have been using it ever since, the recipe made about a gallon.............
 
If you're after a lower toxicity then Ed's Red is the last thing to use. The kerosene in it isn't TOO bad. But you really should avoid skin contact for the long term. But the acetone is bad both because of the fumes as well as it strips out the skin oils and more easily allows the kerosene and ATF to leech through the skin and into the blood stream. So wearing solvent resistant gloves is quite important. And due to the fumes it should only be used in a well ventilated area.

But it IS one hell of a cleaning option.

If you're worried about Breakfree CLP then the few options you have for less toxic products are Ballistol and Froglube.

But I've used Ballistol quite a lot on my black powder guns and because it's around I tried it as a cleaner a couple of times on my smokeless guns. Frankly it's not all that great as a cleaner. Especially not compared to how Ed's Red just flushes fouling away And pricey to boot if you use much of it.

Froglube I've never used but apparently it's totally non-toxic as well.

You may find that as an option it's easier to do your cleaning and lubricating with "regular" products and just wear nitrile gloves and for using solvents to work in an area with some ventilation. Or to set up some sort of ventilation such as a work table right by a window where you can set a fan into the window to draw air over the area and on to the outside.
 
Plus one on Eds Red, you can adjust it a bit, lamp oil or VVL instead of kerosene. Rubbing alcohol instead acetone.
Try it, tried all of the above some work better than others. Still better than CLP.
Be well
 
Back
Top Bottom