Ultrasonic brass cleaning

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TaiRM

Well-Known Member
Hello all,

Going to buy all my reloading stuff tomorrow, which is exciting.

After loads of time thinking and asking people I know, I'm going to go ultrasonic cleaning. I've found a seemingly good looking cleaner, on ebay.

Just putting the feelers out for the best recommended cleaning products, so what do people recommend?

Also, do people know how long the brass will take to dry if I just air dry?

Thank you
 
I recommend a salad spinner off Amazon to help shake the water off wet cases. I found a drop of dish washing liquid and half teaspoon of citric acid works fine. Dry in the oven (I do mine when oven on anyway to save cost) or on top of a radiator.
 
JockStalk said:
I recommend a salad spinner off Amazon to help shake the water off wet cases. I found a drop of dish washing liquid and half teaspoon of citric acid works fine. Dry in the oven (I do mine when oven on anyway to save cost) or on top of a radiator.
Click to expand...
Agree 100% - I use a liquid citric acid from work plus a drop of Fairy - you don't need much and you can always add a bit more or increase the timer on the cleaner & I always use fairly hot water too.
I also put my cases on a tray in the oven on a very low heat (when SWMBO'd is out of course!) to gently dry them. 👍
 
@JockStalk @Dodder thank you both. Is it better to premix the citric acid and fairy before putting it into the ultrasonic tub?
I've also seen a few people post about neutralising the acid, is that worth doing? Or no need if I rinse properly?
 
TaiRM said:
@JockStalk @Dodder thank you both. Is it better to premix the citric acid and fairy before putting it into the ultrasonic tub?
I've also seen a few people post about neutralising the acid, is that worth doing? Or no need if I rinse properly?
Click to expand...
I have taken to adding a splash of dishwasher rinse aid to my rinsing water, seems to alleviate the spotting of the brass.
 
I tend to fill the ultrasonic bath with hot water, pour in a little citric acid and add the Fairy - then just chuck in the cases making sure I get all the air out and turn it on for about 3 minutes. Often I'll open the lid and give the basket a little shake to make sure all of the cases get cleaned. Thats usually all it takes and you will see the water blackening. We have a softener on our hot water, so I then use more hot water to rinse, empty and rinse again. I then give each case a good shake (usually 3 or 4 at a time) and pop them in the low oven - simples!
 
Using water that has been boiled in the kettle is a good idea. It knocks air bubbles out and means the ultrasonic doesn't have to so it works quicker. I dry my cases after rinsing by shaking them about in an old towel then they go in the airing cupboard
 
Thanks. I guess it doesn't need to be a specific brand of citric acid or washing up liquid and any will do the job?
 
JockStalk said:
I recommend a salad spinner off Amazon to help shake the water off wet cases. I found a drop of dish washing liquid and half teaspoon of citric acid works fine. Dry in the oven (I do mine when oven on anyway to save cost) or on top of a radiator.
Click to expand...

The salad spinner is a cracking idea 👍

I use the Lyman additive .
 
TaiRM said:
Also,
This is the cleaner I'm going to go for, does it look okay?
Seems to do everything I need it to do

www.ebay.co.uk

2.5L Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner Ultra Sonic Jewellery Cleaning Tank Timer | eBay UK

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2.5L Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner Ultra Sonic Jewellery Cleaning Tank Timer at the best online prices at eBay UK! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk
Click to expand...

This buy will be like buying a gun cabinet.
Wish I'd bought a bigger one. Go for the 6ltr one :)
 
No ,,

You WILL find something that NEEDS to go in the ultrasonic cleaner. And guess what???
It too big.

Moderators, more brass, all sorts.
 
jb1 said:
No ,,

You WILL find something that NEEDS to go in the ultrasonic cleaner. And guess what???
It too big.

Moderators, more brass, all sorts.
Click to expand...
Hahaha, I'll give it a go then! You done your mods in your ultra sonic?
 
TaiRM said:
Hahaha, I'll give it a go then! You done your mods in your ultra sonic?
Click to expand...

The timer and heater are a bonus.
Yes i will chuck the odd mod in not overly fussed about cleaning them really, makes no improvement on either longevity or performance. (be wary on chemical used and coating on mods) I use SeaClean for brass and everything else.
 
Bigger is better 👍

It‘s worth using the search function for previous threads on “ultrasonic cleaning” as there’s a lot of good advice in those… eg this one…

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

Brass cleaning ... what am I doing wrong

Good evening everyone, need a little bit of advice. After totally screwing up my last brass, between to much citric acid and trimming to short. I purchased some more once fired brass. I did some reading and did the following so I de-primmed the cases, cleaned the primer pockets and the necks...
www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

cheers

fizz
 
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