What do you use to Clean your Aluminum Baffles?

Ebbsnflows · August 1, 2012, 12:46 PM

I've got a Gemtech OBII with aluminum internals that I want to clean. It only has 175-200 rounds through it and I'm amazed at the level of lead build up that's already present.

I know there are arguments for and against cleaning, but I've commited to cleaning mine...hence the question: Those that clean their aluminum rim-fire baffles, what do you use?

Creeper · August 1, 2012, 03:41 PM

Big can of worms there. Everything from long soaking sessions in WD-40 to Kroll to Easy-Off oven cleaner to all of the former with a wire brush... to bead/soda blasting. Problem is. you've got a carbon/lead mixture that is frequently harder than the aluminum baffle.

Ultrasonic cleaners can actually pit the aluminum baffle if left too long... so there's that.

Propane torch... lead has a lower melting point than aluminum, but as it's a lead/carbon mix, you can't count on that melting point being consistent with pure lead.

Peracetic acid - white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide mixed 1:1, will remove lead quickly... it will also attack aluminum that is not hard anodized. Cracks or pits in the aluminum? Kiss it goodbye.

What I see with people who have tried all the chemicals and scrub brushes, is that they eventually invest in a small blast cabinet.

175-200 rds ain't much... you can (probably) go 5 times that before the suppressor starts to lose it effectiveness. Flip side is, yeah, it will take longer to clean.

Do your research, or send it back to the mfg. for cleaning. AWC used to do it for free, I don't know about Gemtech.

Cheers,
C

Willie Lowman · August 4, 2012, 10:32 AM

The lesson here; don't use aluminum for rimfire cans.

BillM · August 4, 2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

The lesson here; don't use aluminum for rimfire cans.

Yup. Love the Titanium mono-core in my Liberty Kodiak TL.
1000 rds, about 5 minutes at the blast cabinet and all clean
and shiny again.

August 1, 2012, 12:46 PM	#1
Ebbsnflows Member Join Date: February 3, 2012 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 18	What do you use to Clean your Aluminum Baffles? I've got a Gemtech OBII with aluminum internals that I want to clean. It only has 175-200 rounds through it and I'm amazed at the level of lead build up that's already present. I know there are arguments for and against cleaning, but I've commited to cleaning mine...hence the question: Those that clean their aluminum rim-fire baffles, what do you use?

August 1, 2012, 03:41 PM	#2
Creeper Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: Woooooshington Posts: 1,797	Big can of worms there. Everything from long soaking sessions in WD-40 to Kroll to Easy-Off oven cleaner to all of the former with a wire brush... to bead/soda blasting. Problem is. you've got a carbon/lead mixture that is frequently harder than the aluminum baffle. Ultrasonic cleaners can actually pit the aluminum baffle if left too long... so there's that. Propane torch... lead has a lower melting point than aluminum, but as it's a lead/carbon mix, you can't count on that melting point being consistent with pure lead. Peracetic acid - white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide mixed 1:1, will remove lead quickly... it will also attack aluminum that is not hard anodized. Cracks or pits in the aluminum? Kiss it goodbye. What I see with people who have tried all the chemicals and scrub brushes, is that they eventually invest in a small blast cabinet. 175-200 rds ain't much... you can (probably) go 5 times that before the suppressor starts to lose it effectiveness. Flip side is, yeah, it will take longer to clean. Do your research, or send it back to the mfg. for cleaning. AWC used to do it for free, I don't know about Gemtech. Cheers, C __________________ Shoulder Drive Nicholson Club

August 4, 2012, 10:32 AM	#3
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	The lesson here; don't use aluminum for rimfire cans. __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens