Brake fluid?

[celtan]

Hi Guys,

I was in the process of cleaning the interior of a very gunky metallic bayonet scabbard, and remembered some advice about using brake fluid. Which I did, and it worked rather well. Then, I began thinking about any unintended deleterious effects.

Any thoughts on the matter?

Regards

Manolo

[Matchlock]

Hi Manolo,

Interesting idea.

I don't drive and consequently know nothing about brake fluids and their possible collateral damages, though.

Best,
Michael

[katana]

Brake fluid is well known for it's paint removal capabilities

Regards David

[celtan]

The most common effect is when you don't have any brake fluid while driving...and a rather common ploy to solve intramarital problems, often used by wiveys now-a-days.

: )

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Hi Manolo,

Interesting idea.

I don't drive and consequently know nothing about brake fluids and their possible collateral damages, though.

Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

Thank you so much, guys, for enlightening me!

I supposed it had something to do with lubrication...

m

[celtan]

Probably the reason why, as a solvent, it can remove caked grease from within scabbards?

TG, this scabbard was already missing its bluing. I used a pistol's barrel copper-brush plus the fluid, and removed lots of crap from its innards. Then cleaned it all with penetrating oil.

Not bad...

Best

M

Originally Posted by katana

Brake fluid is well known for it's paint removal capabilities

Regards David

[fernando]

I recall people telling me to handle brake fluid with care, due to its corrosion capacity. I have also read that its composition includes corrosion inhibitors, which loose their property with time; i suppose this is one of the reasons for replacing brake fluid from braking pumps periodicaly.
I don't know if it is a good idea using this thing for purposes other than braking systems .

[Matchlock]

I definitely share your opinion, 'Nando,

And it should not be forgotten that any kind of lubricate will irreversibly soil leather and textiles.

Best,
Michael

[celtan]

And yet, we spend all sorts of money on lubricants such as Pecard and Leather care products, based on animal grease.

Or do you mean the seepage out of the cleaned scabbard? That is utterly true, it does become a rusty dye.

Originally Posted by Matchlock

I definitely share your opinion, 'Nando,

And it should not be forgotten that any kind of lubricate will irreversibly soil leather and textiles.

Best,
Michael

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by celtan

Hi Guys,

I was in the process of cleaning the interior of a very gunky metallic bayonet scabbard, and remembered some advice about using brake fluid. Which I did, and it worked rather well. Then, I began thinking about any unintended deleterious effects.

Any thoughts on the matter?

Regards

Manolo

Manolo,

I had the same questions some time back, see here;

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...brake+scabbard

Gav

[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.

[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

[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.