best degreaser for small parts

GreensvilleJay

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BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
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Greensville,Ontario,Canada
FWIW....I never had any paint really bond good to aluminum, so always anodized them.
When assembling, use flat washers under all bolts and nuts, to keep them from scratching the paint off when tightening them.
 
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dlsmith

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BX2230, LA211
Nov 15, 2018
1,235
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Goshen, IN
Mineral Spirits is what I use in my parts cleaner. It lasts a long time, does a good job and is much less flammable than certain other products.
That's what I have used in my big parts cleaner for the last 30 years.
 
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Flintknapper

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L2350DT
May 3, 2022
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Deep East Texas
That's what I have used in my big parts cleaner for the last 30 years.
100% Mineral Spirits.

It can last for years....doesn't evaporate much (with a lid) and cleans parts pretty well.

If a part needs to be painted.....you'll want to give it a quick blast of brake cleaner or wipe it down with acetone or denatured alcohol after cleaning with M/S.

It is all I use in my parts cleaner as well.

I also have a bead blaster (cabinet) and use it for small parts with rust. Makes them look brand new.
 
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skeets

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BX 2360 /B2601
Oct 2, 2009
14,558
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SW Pa
I dont know how small parts you mean, but a tumbler with cat litter or corn will clean most everything off, or a vibrating tumbler though a lot nosier, or a cheap ultrasonic unit like from HF. I used one for years on gun parts up to and including the frames,, always came out clean
 

ctfjr

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L3800HST
Dec 7, 2009
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central ct
Thanks Skeets. I am usually working with metal pieces to be used as brackets or supports. Nothing longer than 6-8 inches. They need to be cleaned before painting.
 
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dlsmith

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Lifetime Member

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BX2230, LA211
Nov 15, 2018
1,235
789
113
Goshen, IN
100% Mineral Spirits.

It can last for years....doesn't evaporate much (with a lid) and cleans parts pretty well.

If a part needs to be painted.....you'll want to give it a quick blast of brake cleaner or wipe it down with acetone or denatured alcohol after cleaning with M/S.

It is all I use in my parts cleaner as well.

I also have a bead blaster (cabinet) and use it for small parts with rust. Makes them look brand new.
Yep, I have a Skat Blast cabinet with #80 glass beads that is one of my most used pieces of equipment. Just Friday I blasted a 80s Schwinn 16" bicycle frame, chain guard and front fork that I'm restoring for a friend. A couple of other friends use it a lot too. Would be lost without it.
 
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mikester

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M59 TLB
Oct 21, 2017
3,554
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Canada
www.divergentstuff.ca
Non-lubricating carburetor cleaner spray works good
Toluene works well but is nasty stuff
If you do a lot of small parts look at an ultrasonic cleaner
 
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