For as long as I’ve owned firearms, I’ve stuck to the tried-and-true gun cleaning products—CLP, Hoppes No. 9, gun scrubbers, and all the other specialized solvents made specifically for firearms. But every time I walk through an auto parts store, I see cans of brake cleaner selling for a fraction of the price of gun cleaners, and I’ve always wondered: Could this work just as well?
Some people swear by it, claiming it strips away grime better than anything else. Others warn that it will eat plastic, destroy finishes, and leave your gun vulnerable to rust. With so many mixed opinions, I had to find out for myself. So, I grabbed a can, picked a few different firearms for testing, and put brake cleaner to the test. What I found was both promising and a little concerning – because while it definitely works, there’s a major catch.
Why Even Consider Brake Cleaner?
Brake cleaner is designed to remove grime, oil, and debris from vehicle brake components. It evaporates quickly, leaving behind a clean, dry surface. In theory, that sounds perfect for cleaning guns, since a good gun cleaner should strip away carbon buildup and oil residue. But the concern is whether brake cleaner is too aggressive – could it damage metal finishes, eat away at plastic components, or cause rust?
The Firearms Used in the Test
To get a good idea of how brake cleaner interacts with different materials and finishes, I tested it on three different firearms:
- A Beretta 92 – A full-metal handgun with a military-style finish.
- A Taurus PT 1911 – A more budget-friendly, all-metal pistol.
- A Glock 23 – A polymer-framed pistol with metal slide components.
These three guns represent a broad spectrum of firearm designs, allowing me to see how brake cleaner reacts to different surfaces.
Plastic and Brake Cleaner: A Risky Combination?
One of the most common warnings about using brake cleaner on firearms is that it can melt plastic parts. To play it safe, I removed the grip panels from the Beretta before testing, as they were over 30 years old and possibly more brittle than newer plastics.
For the Glock, I took extra care when spraying near the polymer frame. While I didn’t notice any immediate softening or melting, I didn’t want to take any risks. Instead of soaking the entire frame, I carefully wiped off any excess cleaner after spraying the metal components.
Stripping Down to Bare Metal
The first thing I noticed when using brake cleaner was just how aggressively it stripped away everything – including not just carbon buildup and grime, but every bit of protective oil or lubrication on the firearm. The Beretta, after being fully sprayed down, looked completely raw. Every trace of oil was gone, leaving the metal exposed.
This is where the catch comes in: if you don’t immediately re-oil the firearm, rust can form incredibly fast – especially in humid environments.
Rust is the Real Danger
Because brake cleaner removes all traces of protective oil, any gun cleaned with it must be immediately and thoroughly oiled to prevent rust. I live in a humid environment, so I knew I had to act fast. I applied a layer of gun grease and wiped down every single metal surface. If I had skipped this step, I’m almost certain rust would have appeared within a day or two.
If you’re using brake cleaner to clean your gun and then putting it away without oiling it, you’re practically inviting rust to form.
Long-Term Effects: What Happens Weeks Later?
To test for any delayed effects, I stored the cleaned firearms in my safe for a few weeks and then rechecked them. There were no signs of damage, corrosion, or wear. The metal finishes remained intact, and the plastic components didn’t appear to have suffered at all.
However, that’s because I immediately applied protective oil after cleaning. If I had just left them dry, it might have been a different story.
What About Nickel-Plated or Stainless Steel Guns?
I didn’t test brake cleaner on nickel-plated or stainless steel firearms, and I wouldn’t recommend doing so without caution. Nickel finishes can be delicate, and stainless steel has different chemical properties than blued steel. Brake cleaner could interact differently with these materials, possibly discoloring or damaging them. For those types of guns, I’d stick with traditional gun cleaning solvents.
Brake Cleaner vs. Traditional Gun Cleaners
Now, the big question: Is brake cleaner better than regular gun cleaners?
Pros:
- It’s cheap and easy to find.
- It removes carbon buildup and grime instantly.
- It evaporates quickly, leaving a dry surface.
Cons:
- It removes all oil and lubrication, requiring immediate reapplication.
- It can be harsh on plastic parts if not used carefully.
- It may not be safe for all firearm finishes.
How to Use Brake Cleaner Safely on Firearms
If you decide to use brake cleaner on your guns, follow these steps to avoid potential issues:
- Disassemble the firearm – Remove any plastic grips or sensitive parts if possible.
- Use non-chlorinated brake cleaner – It’s generally less harsh than chlorinated versions.
- Avoid excessive spraying on plastic components – If any cleaner gets on plastic, wipe it off immediately.
- Let the cleaner evaporate completely – It dries fast, but make sure no residue remains.
- Apply a rust preventative oil – This is the most critical step. Wipe down the entire gun with oil or grease to protect against corrosion.
- Store the gun properly – Keep it in a dry place, and check it periodically for any signs of rust.
Final Verdict: Does Brake Cleaner Work?
Yes, brake cleaner works for cleaning guns, but with precautions. It’s effective at removing grime and oil, but it’s not a direct replacement for dedicated gun cleaning products. If you’re on a budget or need to clean a particularly filthy firearm, brake cleaner can be a good option – but only if you immediately reapply oil to protect the metal.
For routine gun maintenance, I’d still recommend traditional gun cleaners, simply because they’re formulated specifically for firearms and don’t pose the same risks to finishes and plastics. But for those who don’t mind the extra step of re-oiling, brake cleaner is a cheap, effective, and surprisingly safe option – as long as you use it wisely.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.