Cleaning guns with an air compressor

5169 Views 26 Replies 20 Participants Last post by kschilk, Jun 27, 2021

propellerhead

Discussion Starter · Feb 24, 2007

I finally broke down and got myself an air compressor. I have wanted one for a long time for working on my car. I knew I could also use it for other purposes. Well, today was the first time I cleaned my guns and used compressed air to blow stuff out. After a good scrubbing of Hoppes #9, I used the compressed air to blow it all out. After a good oiling, I used the compressed air to blow out any excess. I didn't have to use a dozen Q-tips to wipe it up. I don't have any pics to show this but if you have hesitated on getting an air compressor, this is one good reason to go ahead and get one.

Reactions: 1

1 - 20 of 27 Posts

frostyeyes

· #2 · Feb 25, 2007

Yes I like the compressed air thing I ran a line into the basement from the garage and installed a pressure regulater so I could cut the PSI down to about 25 it works great and now you can spray oil into the firing pin channel and blow out the excess without worry.

Flyer

· #3 · Feb 25, 2007

Hmmm .... good idea. I have one sitting in my spare room (soon to be the babys room), maybe I should get it out and actually USE it.

Steelheart

· #4 · Feb 25, 2007

I'd never thought of that. We use air to clean out parts of the machinery at work. When/if I ever get a work bench set up I'll have to see what I can come up with.

Steelheart

propellerhead

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 27, 2007

It works better than 100 Q-tips.

Flyer

· #6 · Feb 27, 2007

I think anything would beat all the Qtips I use.

KaiGywer

· #7 · Feb 27, 2007

Sounds like a plan. Anything to make it easier

Steelheart

· #8 · Feb 27, 2007

One thing that I've heard for when you're using the compressed air. The noise from the air is very hard on your hearing so you probably should keep a set of muffs near by. I haven't confirmed this but I believe it and why take the risk.

Steelheart

Reactions: 4

Flyer

· #9 · Feb 28, 2007

I don't think the average air gun @ 90psi is going to do any damge to your ears unless your blowing it IN your ears. It really isn't that loud.

Now if you were using an industrial compressor and a rather LARGE air gun, then that may be an issue.

propellerhead

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 28, 2007

I use 30 psi for blowing out stuff like this. Same if I'm dusting my car's dashboard. When I was active duty USAF, we were allowed to use up to 30 psi without safety goggles. Anything above that, we had to wear eye protection. 30 psi is sufficient for cleaning guns. Don't risk your eyesight by using 90 psi.

Reactions: 1

Thunderhawk88

· #11 · Apr 15, 2007

I have 2 compressors, a 4gal. tank comp. for the truck tires, etc... and a 40gal tank compressor for airbrushing model aircraft, cleaning guns, and blowing out all our computers every few months. Thirty psi works great for this, but be sure to have a moisture trap inline on it.

Reactions: 1

acerman

· #12 · Jun 10, 2007

Thunderhawk88 said:
I have 2 compressors, a 4gal. tank comp. for the truck tires, etc... and a 40gal tank compressor for airbrushing model aircraft, cleaning guns, and blowing out all our computers every few months. Thirty psi works great for this, but be sure to have a moisture trap inline on it.

That is a great idea.There is going to be a new addition to the cleaning bench.... a small 4 gal. compressor.

Reactions: 1

kc516

· #13 · Oct 3, 2007

I use the canned dusters made for computers and electronics. Works well for me!!

Reactions: 1

kingofwylietx

· #14 · Oct 23, 2007

I've used canned air, but not my compressor. If I had a moisture trap or dryer on the compressor, I would use it.

Reactions: 1

texas shooter

· #15 · Oct 23, 2007

It does work great, allot cheaper than the pressurized canned cleaners. If you have a Habor Freight tools or a Northern Tools buy you a cheap Filter-Dyer combo to get the water out and it's even better. You will find allot of uses for the air gents around the home.

Reactions: 1

Bill DeShivs

· #16 · Oct 26, 2007

Regardless, use eye protection! You can blow oil or solvents and dirt into your eyes.
Bill

Reactions: 3

thunderjohn

· #17 · Oct 28, 2007

Texas Shooter hit it right with the water thing. Moisture is always in air tanks. And moist air blown into small gun crevices is bad.

Get a dryer or filter. It really does work great!

Reactions: 1

embalmer883

· #18 · Nov 8, 2007

I knew a fellow officer that cleaned his gun with a shop cleaner. Then he decided to dry it with the air compressor. He realized that if you held it just right it would make the cylinder spin and make a really cool sound. That is until he fliped it shut while it was spining. He was so imbarassed that he carried it on duty for a week, unloaded and the cylinder froze before he went to the armoror. It was a S&W 686, I don't think any gun would have stood up to that test.

Reactions: 1

dbsoundguy

· #19 · Nov 10, 2007

I use a shop vac that has a reverseble inlet/outlet...i bought some adapters that are made to hook up to it,they are used to clean computers or small stuff...works great..just enough air to blow all the oil and cleaning stuff out...i have used a air compressor but on a low psi.. i was cleaning my 1022 one day with one on a high setting and blew a spring out of it(lesson learned...low pressure..Duh

)..it sure does work though.. ;D I was tired of Q-tips too

Reactions: 1

texas shooter

· #20 · Nov 10, 2007

Got a add yesterday from Harbor Freight Tools, they have a drier, filter and regulator all in one for $19.99 you can't beat that, this will work guys also if you ever want to put a spray gun on your air, etc.

Reactions: 1

1 - 20 of 27 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.