Case cleaning question

[gdc2]

I just came across an old can of Parks Brass Refurbisher in my garage and thought I would try it on some dirty brass, with just a quick wipe with some on a rag the cartridge case is perfectly clean and shining like new. It contains MEK which I know is not great to come in contact with or breath but was wondering if I use this outdoors with nitrile gloves and a mask would it be safe, also is there any damage to the brass using this product. Any help is appreciated.

 

[piie]

If it contains ammonia - not a good idea.

 

[Geezedtee]

If it contains ammonia - not a good idea.

Would a light application quickly rubbed off really have an adverse effect?
I ask because I'm in the UK and use Duraglit (I think you may call it Flitz?) on the neck to remove Carbon.

 

[piie]

Would a light application quickly rubbed off really have an adverse effect?
I ask because I'm in the UK and use Duraglit (I think you may call it Flitz?) on the neck to remove Carbon.

That’s a great question, to which I dont have an answer. I’m one of the proverbial sheep who’ve heard the amonia warning enough time to blindly re-preach it without knowing to what extent it would erode the brass. However, in this hobby, if there is something that could be dangerous, and there are plenty other, well proven options or alternatives, then it becomes a no brainer to me. Why risk it: how much money do you have invested in your bottle of Duraglit (which by the way I’m assuming contains amonia)- if steel wool would give you the same result?

 

[Geezedtee]

That’s a great question, to which I dont have an answer. I’m one of the proverbial sheep who’ve heard the amonia warning enough time to blindly re-preach it without knowing to what extent it would erode the brass. However, in this hobby, if there is something that could be dangerous, and there are plenty other, well proven options or alternatives, then it becomes a no brainer to me. Why risk it: how much money do you have invested in your bottle of Duraglit (which by the way I’m assuming contains amonia)- if steel wool would give you the same result?

Thanks for replying. The reason I asked is that I'm not sure which would do more damage. I assume Duraglit/Brasso etc Ammonia content, if applied liberally and left on too long will affect the brass, but to what extent? But surely repeated use of wire wool will wear the brass down? Which is worse, or how many firings/reloads before the case is too damaged?

 

[piie]

Thanks for replying. The reason I asked is that I'm not sure which would do more damage. I assume Duraglit/Brasso etc Ammonia content, if applied liberally and left on too long will affect the brass, but to what extent? But surely repeated use of wire wool will wear the brass down? Which is worse, or how many firings/reloads before the case is too damaged?

Been using fine steelwool on my neck turned Lapua with 5 firings on and I cannot measure a difference. 4 light twists is all it takes for me.

 

[Geezedtee]

Been using fine steelwool on my neck turned Lapua with 5 firings on and I cannot measure a difference. 4 light twists is all it takes for me.

Yes, I 've used that method though it took a few more twists. I'm just interested in why, or how much, ill effect Brasso etc has.

 

[KMart]

I ask because I'm in the UK and use Duraglit (I think you may call it Flitz?) on the neck to remove Carbon.

It at least use to be Duraglit over here. It was sold on military bases in the PX for polishing belt buckles. Not as messy as Brasso
I'm not sure if the military has to polish brass and shine shoes any more.

 

[Geezedtee]

It at least use to be Duraglit over here. It was sold on military bases in the PX for polishing belt buckles. Not as messy as Brasso
I'm not sure if the military has to polish brass and shine shoes any more.

I'm pretty sure nowadays anything shiny is 'staybright'. Though the smell of Brasso still lingers in my nostrils, as does the smell of melting boot polish. Circles, little circles and spit LoL.

 

[gdc2]

The back of the Parks Brass refurbisher list the ingredients as Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Isopropanol, D-Limonene, Aluminum Oxide...no mention of ammonia. I am telling you I have tried a few other methods including tumbling, steel wool etc.. and this takes all the carbon and tarnish off in seconds. Just not sure if there are any chemicals that will harm the brass from a reloading standpoint

 

[Hoot]

The back of the Parks Brass refurbisher list the ingredients as Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Isopropanol, D-Limonene, Aluminum Oxide...no mention of ammonia. I am telling you I have tried a few other methods including tumbling, steel wool etc.. and this takes all the carbon and tarnish off in seconds. Just not sure if there are any chemicals that will harm the brass from a reloading standpoint

That stuff won't hurt brass, especially given the short duration of the contact. sounds like a light abrasive in an oil and solvent carrier. MEK may attack nitrile gloves.

Hoot