Mercedes Mullins
Diesel fuel is a popular choice for cleaning guns, especially for those looking for a cheaper alternative to traditional solvents. Its effectiveness as a cleaning agent is comparable to other solvents, such as kerosene, and it is also less flammable than gasoline. However, diesel contains several additives and toxic chemicals, such as benzene, which can be harmful to health. As such, it is recommended to wear gloves and wash any exposed skin when using diesel as a cleaner. While diesel may be effective at removing grime and old oil, it is important to consider the potential health risks associated with its use.
Characteristics and values of using diesel fuel for cleaning guns
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Very effective at cleaning grimey oil off metal |
| Safety | Contains Benzene, a known carcinogen; wear thick butyl gloves to protect skin |
| Smell | Very unpleasant; strong fuel odour |
| Ease of use | Can be used for soaking gun parts |
| Protection | Leaves a thin film of rust-protecting lubricant on parts |
| Cost | Cheaper than other solvents |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel is an effective cleaner for metal
One user on a firearm forum shared that they were thinking of immersing their shotgun receiver in diesel fuel for several days to loosen the gunk. They were confident that diesel would not damage the finish, which was still about 80% good blue. Another user on the same forum mentioned that they had used diesel to soak all their firearms, a technique they had learned from their grandfather and father. They found diesel to be a good solvent and also appreciated its low cost relative to other cleaning solvents.
A marine mechanic also commented that diesel is excellent at cleaning grimy oil off metal. They also mentioned that diesel has a distinctive smell that some people might find unpleasant. This is a common concern among gun owners, who worry about the strong smell of diesel fuel in their homes or shops.
While diesel is an effective cleaner, some users have expressed concerns about its potential health risks. One user, who identifies themselves as a fuels specialist, warns that diesel contains some "nasty stuff" and recommends using rubber gloves and washing immediately if it comes into contact with the skin. They also suggest getting checked for Benzine poisoning if exposed regularly. Additionally, diesel is a known carcinogen, so it is important to take precautions to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Overall, diesel is a powerful cleaner for metal, but it is essential to take the necessary safety precautions when using it. It is also important to note that there are alternative cleaning options available, such as kerosene, brake cleaner, and gun cleaning products specifically designed for metal gun parts.
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Diesel is cheaper than other solvents
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are a type of internal combustion engine. Before diesel fuel was standardised, diesel engines typically ran on cheap fuel oils. In the United States, these cheap fuel oils were distilled from petroleum, whereas in Europe, coal-tar creosote oil was used. Some diesel engines were even fuelled with mixtures of fuels, such as petrol, kerosene, rapeseed oil, or lubricating oil, which were cheaper because they were not taxed.
Today, diesel fuel is still cheaper than other solvents. In the United States, biodiesel taxes vary between states. Some states, such as Texas, have no tax on biodiesel, while other states have a reduced tax on biodiesel blends. In India, taxes on diesel fuel are lower than on petrol. In Europe, the United States, and Canada, taxes on diesel fuel are higher than on heating oil due to fuel tax. However, "untaxed" diesel is available in some countries for use in agricultural applications. This fuel may have sulfur levels that exceed the limits for road use in certain countries.
The low cost of diesel fuel makes it a tempting choice as a solvent. In fact, it has been used as an asphalt solvent or asphalt release by many people working in construction. However, this method is not approved by the DEC and can result in serious safety risks and fines for violations. The EPA can fine users up to $180,000 for using diesel fuel on a job, and users can even be barred from obtaining contracts in some places.
Despite the risks and potential fines, some people continue to use diesel as a solvent for cleaning guns. In one forum, a user wrote that their mounted detachment used to clean their machine guns with diesel. They would pour the diesel into a can, let the parts soak, scrub with brushes, and then air-dry in the desert. Another user commented that they primarily use diesel as a cleaning solvent at one of the ranges they frequent.
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Diesel is less flammable than gasoline
While diesel is a good cleaning agent for guns, it is not without its drawbacks. One of its advantages over other cleaning agents is its safety profile. Diesel is less flammable than gasoline, which makes it a safer option for cleaning guns.
The difference in flammability between diesel and gasoline lies in their chemical composition and ignition requirements. Gasoline has a much lower flashpoint, the temperature at which it releases vapors that can ignite and fuel a fire. Gasoline's flashpoint is -49°F (-45°C), while diesel's flashpoint is significantly higher at around 125°F (52°C). This means that unless you are in extremely cold conditions, gasoline is constantly releasing flammable vapors, whereas diesel fuel does not produce these vapors as easily.
The ignition process also differs between the two fuels. Gasoline requires a spark to ignite, which can come from a small source like a spark plug or static electricity, making it highly flammable. On the other hand, diesel fuel uses compression to ignite and is, therefore, harder to accidentally ignite. This is why diesel engines do not need spark plugs.
The relative safety of diesel fuel in terms of flammability is further demonstrated by its classification as a Class II combustible liquid by the NFPA, whereas gasoline is a Class I flammable liquid. This classification is based on the flashpoint of the substance, with Class I liquids having a flashpoint below 100°F (37.8°C).
Despite diesel's lower flammability, it is important to note that it is still combustible and can pose a risk if not handled properly. Additionally, diesel contains benzene, a known carcinogen, which raises health concerns for those regularly exposed to it. Therefore, while diesel may be a good option for cleaning guns due to its effectiveness and lower flammability compared to gasoline, it is important to take the necessary precautions when using it, such as wearing thick butyl gloves and ensuring adequate ventilation.
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Diesel is a carcinogen
Several sources suggest that diesel is an effective cleaning agent for guns. One user on a forum writes that their mounted detachment used to use diesel all the time to clean their machine guns. They would pour the diesel into a can, let the parts soak, scrub with brushes, and then air-dry. Another user recommends using Kleenbore #10 as a cleaner, but they also mention that they primarily use diesel as a cleaning solvent at one of the ranges they frequent.
However, diesel fuel is not the same as diesel exhaust, which has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In 2012, IARC, which is part of the World Health Organization, classified diesel exhaust as a "definite carcinogen," putting it in its highest category (Category 1). This classification was based on evidence from epidemiologic studies of occupational diesel exhaust exposures among nonmetal miners and truck drivers. These studies found that diesel exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution in most urban areas and that it may cause cancer in various sites in the body, including the lungs, urinary bladder, larynx, and colon.
The carcinogenicity of diesel exhaust is further supported by animal studies that have shown tumorigenic responses in rats and mice exposed to whole diesel exhaust. Additionally, high working life exposure to diesel fumes has been found to be more carcinogenic than 20 years of 4 hours per day of passive smoking.
While diesel may be an effective cleaner for guns, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with its use. Users should take precautions to minimize exposure to diesel fumes and consult with experts to determine safe levels of exposure and implement control measures to reduce carcinogenic risks.
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Diesel can cause skin irritation
Several online forums discuss the use of diesel as a cleaning solvent for guns. Some users attest to its effectiveness, while others express concerns about its potential health risks. One user who works as a marine mechanic says that diesel is an excellent cleaner for removing grimy oil from metal. Another user describes how their mounted detachment used diesel to clean machine guns by pouring diesel into a can, letting the parts soak, scrubbing them with brushes, and then air-drying them.
However, diesel fuel can indeed cause skin irritation. Health professionals advise that if diesel comes into contact with the skin, it should be washed off with soap and cool water for at least 20 minutes. If skin irritation occurs, over-the-counter remedies designed for sunburns, such as aloe vera lotion, can be used. If the irritation is severe or becomes infected, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
The potential health risks associated with diesel fuel exposure are not limited to skin irritation. Short-term exposure to diesel vapors can lead to nausea, eye irritation, increased blood pressure, headaches, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, poor coordination, and concentration difficulties. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust has been linked to more severe health issues, including lung and bladder cancer, asthma, kidney damage, and cardiovascular problems.
Due to these health concerns, some forum users recommend alternative cleaning products such as Slip 2000 Carbon Killer, MPro7, and MPro7 bore gel, which are non-toxic and odorless. Others suggest using Kroil, alcohol, or specific motor oils for cleaning guns, followed by a brake cleaner or lacquer thinner for paint jobs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel is safe to use for cleaning your gun. It is a very good cleaner for many metal things and is particularly effective at removing grime and sticky oil residue. However, diesel contains Benzene, a known carcinogen, so it is recommended to wear thick butyl gloves when handling it.
Diesel fuel is a cheap and effective solvent for removing old oil and grease. It is also far less flammable than other solvents such as gasoline. Additionally, some gun owners have observed that diesel leaves a thin film of rust-protecting lubricant on gun parts.
Diesel fuel has a strong and unpleasant smell. It also contains potentially harmful additives that can be dangerous if they come into contact with skin. Some gun owners have also expressed concerns about the long-term effects of using diesel fuel for cleaning their guns.
