Brake fluid?

[G. McCormack]

It is commonly used by AK-47 enthusiasts to clean their rifles. It does the trick, but I find it is really gross and will strip/stain white any wood and some synthetics. I'd minimize exposure to it. Good luck

[machinist]

When I took an auto repair class the teacher said that brake fluid had the ability to absorb atmospheric moisture so I would be careful with it and not use any from an old dusty previously opened can.
Of course he did tell stories so I dunno if it is true.

[katana]

Originally Posted by machinist

When I took an auto repair class the teacher said that brake fluid had the ability to absorb atmospheric moisture so I would be careful with it and not use any from an old dusty previously opened can.
Of course he did tell stories so I dunno if it is true.

Hi Machinist,
welcome to the forum....your teacher is correct. Brake fluid is hygroscopic....which means it will absorb water/moisture....this is one of the reasons that brake fluid (in a vehicle) should be changed every 2 years or so.

Regards David

[fernando]

Welcome to the forum, Machinist

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by machinist

When I took an auto repair class the teacher said that brake fluid had the ability to absorb atmospheric moisture so I would be careful with it and not use any from an old dusty previously opened can.
Of course he did tell stories so I dunno if it is true.

Welcome Machinist,

This is of course very true if it is left to sit but even if it has been sitting on the shelf.
If I remember correctly from my tech classes as a teenager, the moisture absorbed accounts for rust found in some braking systems and also loss of some pedal as water compresses more under pressure?? It has been a long time since these classes.

You can use it though, it still will complete the task at hand and as suggested in the post, once part of the task is completed, move to part two, the WD wonderful application and disperse all of the concerns and of course then let it all dry.
After following suggestions in the thread provided, I have also gone through the scabbard again after this with a pull through and oiled flannel cloth to ensure all is ok.

Gav

[machinist]

Thanks for the welcome guys.
I am often here but often quiet.

[celtan]

Thank you guys, I used WD40 after the BF, to flush it off. The subsequent air blast is an interesting addition. Any remaining WD40 will evaporate, and we then can spray inside some Ballistol

BTW, I could always use some fine-tip surgical aspirators to get to the depth of the scabbard. Alas, same thing cannot be done withs swords, too long!

BR

M