Hey guys, do you think you can gain the same result by using brake cleaner instead of lighter fluid when soaking your bearings? I know that some different types of lighter fluid or acetone type alcohols are often recommended for this task. I'm not a smoker so don't have a need for lighter fluid sitting around the house. I do however use a ton of brake cleaner for cleaning weapons and lots of other use's that it's good for and have good supply of it all the time.

 

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences and opinions...

To soak, acetone or lighter fluid. To spay out quick after soak, brake clean.

Yeah, you can use brake cleaner.  I use starting fluid because it's the most volatile fluid and so penetrates and dissolves old lubricant faster.  Whatever you like, as long as its will not damage stainless steel.  If your bearings contain any other material, you'll have to adjust accordingly.  For example, some Quantum hybrid bearings contain plastic that could be damaged by harsh solvent.

Thank you for your replies...

BrakeFree CLP is an excellent lubricating cleaner for reels in general and bearings. Avoid using keystone based solvents like acetone. Your best bet is to change out the original bearings with ABEC 05 grade bearings.

Tom

BrakeFree CLP is an excellent lubricating cleaner for reels in general and bearings. Avoid using keystone based solvents like acetone. Your best bet is to change out the original bearings with ABEC 05 grade bearings.

Tom

Why do you recommend avoiding acetone to clean SS bearings?

I am convinced that Gun Scrubber is the best bearing cleaner out there. It is basically the same formula that Reel Scrubber used to be with a slight increase in 1 of the 2 solvents used according to the MSDS sheet. I usually spray a small amount in a shot glass and soak the bearings. I have better success with it than with acetone. 

Why do you recommend avoiding acetone to clean SS bearings?

Keystone base solvents my attack any plastic or composite reel parts. If the bearings are not sealed type and you remove them to clean, then MEK or Acetone will not affect metal parts.

Tom

Keystone base solvents my attack any plastic or composite reel parts. If the bearings are not sealed type and you remove them to clean, then MEK or Acetone will not affect metal parts.

Tom

I see, is it common to clean bearings while they are still installed in the reel?

I see, is it common to clean bearings while they are still installed in the reel?

 

I had a feeling this comment was coming, lol.

Keystone base solvents my attack any plastic or composite reel parts. If the bearings are not sealed type and you remove them to clean, then MEK or Acetone will not affect metal parts.

Tom

 

I use acetone to clean the roller bearings, which are incased in a plastic type material, and have never had a problem with them.