Compressed gas dusters for cleaning firearms??

[Mic]

So, I have been thinking of using compressed air during cleaning of guns. Then I got to thinking about using one of those cans that they sell for cleaning computers, etc. They often call them dusters.
I would think they would be okay, but they have a chemical added to them. They are okay to use on electronics and aren't supposed to cause corrosion there, so I would think it would be okay?

Has anybody used them for any extended periods of time without issue?
Any concerns anybody can think of in using them?

 

[mikeofcontex]

I've used them on computer "stuff" for years. They've never harmed metal or plastic.

 

[majormadmax]

I've been using the cans of compressed air on all my firearms for a while, so far no problems whatsoever.

I am actually amazed at how well it works!

Cheers! M2

 

[ROGER4314]

I have used compressed air to clean guns for years but I use a compressor. I apply solvent (Hoppes #9) with an "acid" brush (small/cheap brush) work it around for a bit then blow off the solvent until the part is dry. Then I apply oil with another "acid" brush and blow it off with air. What remains is perfect to lubricate a gun. I put a little tape on the oil brush handle so I don't interchange them. Works for me!

The source of the air matters little. The blow cans may be a bit expensive but they should work. Check Harbor Freight or Wally World. A reasonably sized compressor is cheap and it wouldn't take too many cans to pay for a compressor! Every man needs an air compressor....snicker.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION!

Have fun!

Flash

 

[SPCHardin]

I have wondered about that as well. I will have to give it a try!

 

[Charlie]

If you use an air compressor (especiall if it's outside or in the garage) be sure and use a moisture filter on it and drain it regularly.

 

[TheDan]

I use them a bunch... Works great for blowing excess oil and debris out of those little nooks and crannies.

 

[Mic]

Thank folks! I'm going to go ahead and use it going forward.

 

[rigjumpr]

Just to add, if you find that buying the dusters get expensive, if you have a shop Vac. (one side sucks and the other side blows) with a homemade adapter you will have a gentle air source for cleaning, drying of whatever.
Note: I have mine reduced down to a 3/8” tubing and it works great for me. Just say’n

 

[IXLR8]

The "dusters" lose pressure as you use them (they get cold). Since they changed to an eco-friendly formula they have a greatly reduced pressure. Read warnings about using them in an enclosed area, since the will displace your breathable air.
If you have a compressor available, it would be more effective. Aerosol gun solvent works well for me getting nooks and crannies clean.

 

[Angered_Kabar]

Those dusters also have a very bitter chemical added to them to try to discourage junkies from sucking the contents from the can.

 

[jake75]

I used the canned air a couple of times and it didn't seem to have enough pressure so I went and got a cheapo 4gal electric compressor. I figured I'd end up spending the same or more on those cans sooner or later.

 

[matefrio]

One of these is on my list to get. A friend has one and it's really really powerfull.

Amazon.com: Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 0.75-HP Electric Duster: Home Improvement

 

[majormadmax]

One of these is on my list to get. A friend has one and it's really really powerfull.

Amazon.com: Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 0.75-HP Electric Duster: Home Improvement

Thanks for the tip, just placed my order for one. I can think of a number of way in which this could be handy, although maybe I should've checked Harbor Freight before ordering as they usually have these kind of things in stock at a decent price...

 

[yosimitesam92]

my dad and I use it to clean guns just dont turn it upside down when cleaning your springs. turning it upside down release the freezing chemical in the can and this instant cold on your springs shortens the life significantly.

 

[Wolfwood]

^also it can really really hurt.

 

[majormadmax]

One of these is on my list to get. A friend has one and it's really really powerfull.

Amazon.com: Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 0.75-HP Electric Duster: Home Improvement

Got mine last week, it's really cool for those of us without someplace to put a larger compressors.

But be forewarned, the temptation to use it everywhere is almost too much to resist. My wife wasn't very happy when I demonstrated how much dust there was on the wooden blinds in the house...

Cheers! M2

 

[Skip]

Got mine last week, it's really cool for those of us without someplace to put a larger compressors.

But be forewarned, the temptation to use it everywhere is almost too much to resist. My wife wasn't very happy when I demonstrated how much dust there was on the wooden blinds in the house...

Cheers! M2

LOL!!!!

 

[Roscoe]

I've used canned air to assist in cleaning my guns with no problems. In Iraq we had an air compressor set up in the cleaning shack to help
get the moon dust off/out of weapons when cleaning. I have a small compressor in my work shop that I use when cleaning my guns.

 

[lonestardiver]

Or you can do it the Northern tool way... clamp the item to be cleaned and dried in a vice use your 2200 PSI pressure washer to clean it and then fire up your 2HP electric leaf blower to dry it.