Cleaning suppressors

[samson7x]

Well I've put several hundred rounds through my TiRant 45 now and I broke it down to clean it as best I could but I would like to know how you guys clean aluminum baffles. I know "the dip" will eat aluminum and some people recommend using a soda blast cabinet. Others recommend just cleaning the piston system and leave the baffles alone. I don't have a blast cabinet but I may eventually invest in one if that is the best option, but I would like to hear some alternatives first.

Thanks gentlemen.

[peejman]

What's "the dip"? Some chemicals attack aluminum, some don't.

[samson7x]

It is a 50/50 solution of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.

[Guest drv2fst]

Some manufacture recommended that you clean your suppressor every time you clean the muffler on your car.

Still, I'd love to hear any good cleaning suggestions as well. I don't like keeping them dirty.

There was some other "dip" recommended on here a long time ago. I think it contained mineral spirits and automatic transmission fluid and something else. I think it was called "Ed's Red" or something like that. Edited November 8, 2012 by drv2fst

[Dolomite_supafly]

[quote name='samson7x' timestamp='1352323416' post='841319']
It is a 50/50 solution of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
[/quote]

And it releases[b] [/b][u][b]lead acetate[/b][/u], a very dangerous chemicaol that seeps into the groundwater. It also crosses the blood brain barrier and is one of the mst cancer causing agents known to man.

As far as cleaning I owuld not worry about it unless you notice a substantial increase in report.

Dolomtie

[samson7x]

[quote name='drv2fst' timestamp='1352338847' post='841539']
Some manufacture recommended that you clean your suppressor every time you clean the muffler on your car.

Still, I'd love to hear any good cleaning suggestions as well. I don't like keeping them dirty.

There was some other "dip" recommended on here a long time ago. I think it contained mineral spirits and automatic transmission fluid and something else. I think it was called "Ed's Red" or something like that.

[/quote]

Seems like I remember seeing "Ed's Red" as well. Anyone used this combination to clean aluminum baffles? How effective was it?



[quote name='Dolomite_supafly' timestamp='1352342771' post='841582']
And it releases[b] [/b][u][b]lead acetate[/b][/u], a very dangerous chemicaol that seeps into the groundwater. It also crosses the blood brain barrier and is one of the mst cancer causing agents known to man.

As far as cleaning I owuld not worry about it unless you notice a substantial increase in report.

Dolomtie
[/quote]

Yes, I had also read about lead acetate and potential health hazards.

I paid so much dang money for this thing it just seems like I should keep it clean, ya know? I suppose since I won't be shooting lead through it, it'll be alright. Edited November 8, 2012 by samson7x

[peejman]

What Dolomite said. Chemistry can be a tricky thing. Why not just use a pressure washer?

[samson7x]

[quote name='peejman' timestamp='1352378759' post='841710']
What Dolomite said. Chemistry can be a tricky thing. Why not just use a pressure washer?
[/quote]

I never was very good at chemistry....organic II was almost the death of me.

Pressure washer might be difficult. The logistics of that operation might prove to be challenging.

[peejman]

[quote name='samson7x' timestamp='1352395883' post='841861']
I never was very good at chemistry....organic II was almost the death of me.

Pressure washer might be difficult. The logistics of that operation might prove to be challenging.
[/quote]

I assumed you could disassemble the suppressor and clean the pieces. If you can't, I'd just soak it in very hot soapy water or a mild solution of something like simple green.

[gnmwilliams]

[quote name='Dolomite_supafly' timestamp='1352342771' post='841582']
And it releases[b] [/b][u][b]lead acetate[/b][/u], a very dangerous chemicaol that seeps into the groundwater. It also crosses the blood brain barrier and is one of the mst cancer causing agents known to man.

As far as cleaning I owuld not worry about it unless you notice a substantial increase in report.

Dolomtie
[/quote]

I acutally had a guy tell me he just flushes the "dip" down the toilet when he's done with it. I was like WTH man! But it is Oak Ridge so it probably can't get any worse.

Having said this, I still plan to use the "dip" once I get my sparrow but only every few thousand rounds or so and I will definitely make sure I am wearing the proper attire and using the proper materials for storage. I have a friend in the health care business that deals with hazardous waste and can hook me up with protective clothing and storage containers. But as to what to use on aluminum tubes I can't offer any advice to the original question.

Edited November 8, 2012 by gnmwilliams

[sbeck37923]

I have not tried it, but I have heard of using an ultrasonic cleaner on suppressors (even sealed ones).

[Dolomite_supafly]

[quote name='gnmwilliams' timestamp='1352399015' post='841902']
I acutally had a guy tell me he just flushes the "dip" down the toilet when he's done with it. I was like WTH man! But it is Oak Ridge so it probably can't get any worse.

Having said this, I still plan to use the "dip" once I get my sparrow but only every few thousand rounds or so and I will definitely make sure I am wearing the proper attire and using the proper materials for storage. I have a friend in the health care business that deals with hazardous waste and can hook me up with protective clothing and storage containers. But as to what to use on aluminum tubes I can't offer any advice to the original question.
[/quote]

Why?

The Sparrow is the easiest suppressor to take apart. It would be more difficult to use the dip than to just media blast the monocore clean.

Dolomite

[gnmwilliams]

[quote name='Dolomite_supafly' timestamp='1352416342' post='842098']


Why?

The Sparrow is the easiest suppressor to take apart. It would be more difficult to use the dip than to just media blast the monocore clean.

Dolomite
[/quote]

I'd definitely be open to cleaner options but I'm just not that familiar with blasters. How much do they run and what else can they be used for?

[peejman]

[quote name='sbeck37923' timestamp='1352415322' post='842090']
I have not tried it, but I have heard of using an ultrasonic cleaner on suppressors (even sealed ones).
[/quote]

Some ultrasonics will erode aluminum (and any other relatively soft metal). It depends on the power of the ultrasonic source and the time you leave it in the cleaner.


[quote name='gnmwilliams' timestamp='1352424440' post='842175']
I'd definitely be open to cleaner options but I'm just not that familiar with blasters. How much do they run and what else can they be used for?
[/quote]

The best blast cabinet to have is someone else's. You can get a small one for $150-$200.

They're useful for cleaning all sorts of things... rusty parts, caked on gunk, etc. They're also handy for paint prep.

They're very messy... the media goes everywhere. Anything you blast must not be greasy/oily. It takes a big air compressor to run it. Edited November 9, 2012 by peejman

[1gewehr]

I just use a nylon brush and Ballistol. Baffles are generally soft aluminum, so I don't use metal brushes. Likewise, I don't use harsh solvents that might react with the aluminum. And I clean my suppressors when I notice the noise level increasing. For my Gemtech Outback .22 suppressor that seems to be after 3-4 thousand rounds. I think that I cleaned my .223 suppressor once about five years ago.

[STREETROD]

I spoke with YHM recently, asking about the ultrasonic cleaner. Told me it will void the warranty because it can cause hairline cracks. They told me to soak the can in mineral spirits over night let dry, use some compressed air to blow out and oil the surface, that's how they have cleaned theirs for the past several years

[Ramjo]

Good to know.

[Tempest455]

Hot soapy water and a tootbrush.

[leftyk82]

old thread revival!

 

what would be the recommended cleaning method for a Sparrow?  I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner.

[peejman]

old thread revival!

what would be the recommended cleaning method for a Sparrow? I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner.

Media blaster if you have access to one. Otherwise hot soapy water and a toothbrush.

[gr8smiles]

This is what I use. It is absolutely the bomb. Only use on stainless steel or titanium. I have multiple suppressors and throw them all in together and let it spin overnight. They come out like new.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/257907-stainless-steel-media-tumbling-info-guide.html


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[Dolomite_supafly]

What version of the Sparrow? Stainless or aluminum?

[leftyk82]

What version of the Sparrow? Stainless or aluminum?

 

Stainless

[Fourtyfive]

I got my suppressor about 5 months ago and still have not used it , still clean though ..... :(

[leftyk82]

i had heard some people using Carbon Killer by SLIP 2000 with good results; not hazardous/harmful.