Best cleaning practice for frame on 1911 etc

L. Boscoe · December 12, 2022, 04:02 PM

I don't have any problems with the slide and barrel, but the frame
has always been a question mark, when cleaning. Right now I spray the Mil spec stuff on the parts, give them a good brushing with a really narrow brush, and gently blow the parts to see if any
crud comes off.
Seems like I remember a video with a brush that was designed to
mop out the magazine well, which I could not find online, and I suspect there are other methods that the wise ones can share?

jcj54 · December 12, 2022, 05:16 PM

I use an M16 cleaning brush. Looks like a toothbrush on the larger end, the end I use to scrub the mag well. For where the barrel lug and link sit in the frame the small end with short bristles works well.j

**Aguila Blanca** · December 12, 2022, 05:49 PM

I use old toothbrushes. But be careful -- some cleaning solvents attack the toothbrushes.

TunnelRat · December 12, 2022, 06:01 PM

I use nylon brushes. You can use tootbrushes too, but some of the nylon brushes have a side with shorter bristles and I find that useful (that will depend on your toothbrush).

jcj54 · December 12, 2022, 06:37 PM

These are inexpensive, $1-$2, and are resistant to most solvents.

gwpercle · December 12, 2022, 08:04 PM

I spray on whatever cleaning solvent I have on hand ... I like Ed's Red Bore Cleaner in a Windex spray bottle , and scrub every nook and cranny with old tooth brusehes .
I have some with snall heads and they get in the tight places ... wipe everything down and spray with lube of choice . It's not critical when it comes to cleaning frame / rails ... just clean and lube . Grease is good on sliding parts too ... a light film of grease may be best on slide / frame rails .
Gary

Limnophile · December 28, 2022, 04:20 AM

Polymer "dental picks"' are good tools to get into nooks and crannies to scrape built up crud without damaging a gun's finish:

https://www.amazon.com/Tipton-Polyme...s%2C431&sr=8-6

Microfiber-tipped swabs are another nice tool to have:

https://www.amazon.com/MicroFiber-Kn...s%2C222&sr=8-5

Unlike cotton swabs, these don't leave strands of fiber behind. They are also somewhat amenable to being cleaned and reused.

Sgt127 · December 28, 2022, 01:16 PM

https://tandyleather.com/collections...31977239249027

You’re welcome.

December 12, 2022, 04:02 PM	#1
L. Boscoe Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2021 Posts: 285	Best cleaning practice for frame on 1911 etc I don't have any problems with the slide and barrel, but the frame has always been a question mark, when cleaning. Right now I spray the Mil spec stuff on the parts, give them a good brushing with a really narrow brush, and gently blow the parts to see if any crud comes off. Seems like I remember a video with a brush that was designed to mop out the magazine well, which I could not find online, and I suspect there are other methods that the wise ones can share?

December 12, 2022, 05:49 PM	#3
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,457	I use old toothbrushes. But be careful -- some cleaning solvents attack the toothbrushes. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

December 12, 2022, 06:37 PM	#5
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 218	M16 brush These are inexpensive, $1-$2, and are resistant to most solvents.

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December 12, 2022, 05:16 PM	#2
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 218	I use an M16 cleaning brush. Looks like a toothbrush on the larger end, the end I use to scrub the mag well. For where the barrel lug and link sit in the frame the small end with short bristles works well.j

December 12, 2022, 06:01 PM	#4
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,204	I use nylon brushes. You can use tootbrushes too, but some of the nylon brushes have a side with shorter bristles and I find that useful (that will depend on your toothbrush).

December 12, 2022, 08:04 PM	#6
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,748	I spray on whatever cleaning solvent I have on hand ... I like Ed's Red Bore Cleaner in a Windex spray bottle , and scrub every nook and cranny with old tooth brusehes . I have some with snall heads and they get in the tight places ... wipe everything down and spray with lube of choice . It's not critical when it comes to cleaning frame / rails ... just clean and lube . Grease is good on sliding parts too ... a light film of grease may be best on slide / frame rails . Gary

December 28, 2022, 04:20 AM	#7
Limnophile Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2015 Location: Issaquah, Washington Posts: 1,032	Polymer "dental picks"' are good tools to get into nooks and crannies to scrape built up crud without damaging a gun's finish: https://www.amazon.com/Tipton-Polyme...s%2C431&sr=8-6 Microfiber-tipped swabs are another nice tool to have: https://www.amazon.com/MicroFiber-Kn...s%2C222&sr=8-5 Unlike cotton swabs, these don't leave strands of fiber behind. They are also somewhat amenable to being cleaned and reused.

December 28, 2022, 01:16 PM	#8
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Posts: 1,053	https://tandyleather.com/collections...31977239249027 You’re welcome.