Ultrasonic Parts Cleaning Solution

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crocty

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Hey all!

I am about to get into ultrasonic cleaning. Mainly pistol barrels, parts, AR bolts, etc.

What solutions are you guys using and what's been the experience? Is there a "home brew" out there that's recommended?

Thanks!
 
I've mostly done small parts - cleaning rust, dried grease - never tried a barrel yet. Put the items in a zip-loc freezer bag - partially fill that bag with Ed's Red or similar solvent, then seal that bag - drop it into an ultrasonic tank of clean water - works fine - grunge stays within the bag - water in US tank stays clean. Other guys have done similar with plastic jar - like peanut butter comes in - parts and solvent into bottle - twist on the cap - drop whole thing into US tank - seems to work fine right through the bag or jar wall.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2353867-Ultra-sonic-cleaner-what-fluid-to-use
 
Potashminer said:
I've mostly done small parts - cleaning rust, dried grease - never tried a barrel yet. Put the items in a zip-loc freezer bag - partially fill that bag with Ed's Red or similar solvent, then seal that bag - drop it into an ultrasonic tank of clean water - works fine - grunge stays within the bag - water in US tank stays clean. Other guys have done similar with plastic jar - like peanut butter comes in - parts and solvent into bottle - twist on the cap - drop whole thing into US tank - seems to work fine right through the bag or jar wall.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2353867-Ultra-sonic-cleaner-what-fluid-to-use
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. I recalled there being a thread but the search function couldn't help me locate it.
 
Be careful with simple green and aluminum, the reg formula that’s green in colour is a strong alkaline solution and will etch alloy if left in it for any length of time. They make a version that won’t eat alloy that is purple in colour, I’ve used both to clean old motorcycle carb bodies. The green version has this info/warning on the label, I’ve long switched over to a product called hydro-seal for any heavy duty ultrasonic cleaning.

Be sure to use the basket in the tank, you don’t want any parts or jars etc sitting directly on the tank. It can damage them.
 
I have been using Zep Citrous Orange cleaner for the past five years in my ultra sonic cleaner without any issues. It doesn't damage the finish on any bluing or other types of finishes on receiver's and barrels .
I use it to clean all my metal work. It works great.
 
FLHTCUI said:
Simple Green............
Click to expand...

Is also my go to, in freezer bags, plastic or glass containers with the USC tub full of hot wtr.
Have used Kerosene if I'm worried about something that might get internal rusting.
Acetone works great, but does boil off quickly in hot water. (must let bag or jar vent)
 
Go to post #15 in the link above (post #3 in this thread) - there are MANY kinds of products labeled as "Simple Green" - not at all the same make-up - I can not believe that they are interchangeable with each other.
 
Thanks for the information guys. I think I have settled on Simple Green HD which is non corrosive to all metals and is readily available. An alternative seems to be Simple Green Extreme which is used in the aviation world, it is not as easy to find.

My next question is how you are handling the parts after cleaning. Obviously they will be devoid of any lubricant and should be promptly oiled.

Are you rinsing them after coming out of the machine? I have learned some people are using deionized water.

Thanks again.
 
Not likely the best, but what I did for the parts that got cleaned in water and Dawn dish soap - I just rinsed those parts in kitchen sink hot water tap - so as hot as our domestic water is. Then patted dry if they needed it - usually they were reasonably warm and dried off by themselves - then dunked the small parts in a container of motor oil. I let them soak in there until I was using them for re-assembly - from a few minutes, to a day or two later.
 
I'm a pine sol ultrasonic bath kinda guy

De-ionized water will strip ions from the metal of your parts and is way overkill for firearms parts. Rinse with hot water, blow dry and coat with your favorite gun oil.
 
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