Die cleaner

[WRM]

At one time RCBS (I think) made a spray product specifically for cleaning reloading dies, particularly of packing grease. I can't seem to find that anymore. I'd normally just use non chlorinated brake cleaner for virtually anything similar, but I stopped just short of doing that.

Any suggestions for a non damaging cleaner for such items?

 

[ChrisC]

Kroil

 

[WRM]

Kroil

Use the Kroil to remove packing grease?

 

[ChrisC]

yes

 

[BluesBrother]

Would ultrasonic work?

 

[WRM]

yes

I always though it smelled a bit "solventy". I'll give it a whirl. Thanks.

 

[WRM]

Would ultrasonic work?

It might well. Got some related items to clean I'd prefer not to immerse.

 

[BluesBrother]

I always though it smelled a bit "solventy". I'll give it a whirl. Thanks.

I transferred small amount of Kroil to a plastic bottle with long needle nose. It collapsed the plastic in a short time. BTW. Kroil is only sold in a metal container for a reason. It has some kind of strong petroleum base. It says on the front of the can, "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN" "DANGER: CONTAINS PETROLEUM DISTILLATES VAPORS HARMFUL. CAN ENTER LUNGS AND CAUSE DAMAGE."

 

[BluesBrother]

It might well. Got some related items to clean I'd prefer not to immerse.

When I use the ultrasonic on non treated part I use heated water. I don't use a caustic solution. When I remove I don't let the parts air dry. I dry them in the oven 200-250 degrees or with an air drier than re-oil while metal is dry but still warm. I've never had metal oxidation using this method.

 

[Baddog 0302]

Packing grease ? are you talking about new,never used dies ?

Dish washer ?


just use some Dawn , very hot water, and the largest plastic bore brush or cleaning patch jag. and scrub away.
IF this is a Lee die remove the lock down nut with the rubber O ring in it. It serves a very useful purpose

 

[War-Buff]

I guess I'm missing something here. I've been buying dies off and on for some 35 years and I've yet to receive a set 'packed in grease.' Some have had a bit of a brown tacky protectant that's easily removed with a little Hoppes, but packed in grease? ...never seen it on Redding, RCBS, Lyman or Lee dies.

 

[WRM]

I've yet to receive a set 'packed in grease.'

Pardon my shorthand. I didn't say they were in cosmoline.

 

[WRM]

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN" "DANGER: CONTAINS PETROLEUM DISTILLATES VAPORS HARMFUL. CAN ENTER LUNGS AND CAUSE DAMAGE."

That explains why I like it, I suppose.

 

[War-Buff]

Pardon my shorthand. I didn't say they were in cosmoline.

nor did I mention cosmoline

 

[WRM]

nor did I mention cosmoline

And I never said "packed in grease". I said "packing grease". There is a difference.

 

[War-Buff]

And I never said "packed in grease". I said "packing grease". There is a difference.

I never received any dies with packing grease either, but have it your way. Good luck getting the grease off.

 

[WRM]

I never received any dies with packing grease either, but have it your way. Good luck getting the grease off.

Thanks, bud. You'll be the first call if I encounter some exceptional difficulty with it.

 

[War-Buff]

Thanks, bud. You'll be the first call if I encounter some exceptional difficulty with it.

Glad I could be of assistance.

 

[Jester896]

Quick Tip: Clean New Dies The Easy Way – Ultimate Reloader

ultimatereloader.com

 

[WRM]

^ Interesting. I'm starting to think my non chlorinated brake cleaner is probably ok. It's pretty all purpose for me for cleaning anyway.