12 replies to this topic

[Paladin]

Hi!

I have purchased some XXX round magazines which appear to be in great shape. However, question is, how does one check for presence of cosmoline within the magzine body? If found, then, how does one clean up the cosmoline?

I will sincerely appreciate any help in this matter.

Thanks!

[catnipman]

Do a search on "cosmoline". There were two extensive threads just a few weeks ago regarding cleaning cosmoline from magazines.

[Hawkeye_Joe]

Go to the local AutoZone or any auto parts store and pick up a can of spray carb cleaner..any brand, and large zip lock bags (HD) from the grocery store. Disassemble the mags and spray inside and out and place in the bags let them soak and take an old toothbrush and scrub and then clean with a dry cloth. If there is heavy accumulation or hardness of the cosmoline spray again and scrub harder. Re-assemble and oil them up.. I find this is the easiest way to do a bunch of mags at once.

[LIONHART]

I use a Hand Held Steamer. Works great. Melts the Crap right out. Available at the Home Depot for less than $40.00 Lot's of uses too.

[TSMGguy]

Disassemble, then work with a toothbrush and kerosene, turpentine, or any other solvent.

Gasoline is dangerous as fumes are heavier than air and any ignition source or spark will ignite them. Every year we get a flamer or two when someone here tries to clean something in their basement with gasoline and the hot water heater pilot gets involved. (I'm off my soapbox, now!)

If you have several mags or the cosmo has really hardened on, you can let them soak overnight in a solvent filled baking pan.

Lots of way to do this; some are more labor intensive than others!

[John Jr]

Heat them in the oven for a while (have a couple of beers). Be sure to put a pan under them (hang the mag bodies upright and put the parts in a seperate container that will catch the grease). Then use Slip 2000 gun degreaser. Then oil with your favorite oil and your done!

Have fun

[JimFromFL]

A pot of boiling water works great.

[full auto 45]

If it's not bad, use the kerosine in a plastic pan and let them sit for a couple hours. Then wash them around and use a toothbrush to get the left overs off. Worked on mine.

[p51]

Just use some "Goo Gone," the orange-scented stuff. Works great and your hands don't smell like gasoline all day afterwards!
I took two Tommy mags and had them completely clean within 5 minutes using the stuff. It didn't harm the finish at all.
It also works good on price tag stickers on those neat gun show finds as well!

[Grey Crow]

I used the oven method, just warm enough to melt the grease.
Placed them in a disposable meatloaf pan. It did the job quick, then wipe the exterior clean and oil. The process left a very thin coating of grease inside without any harm or noticeable mess to the loaded cartridges.

Tip: do not over heat.

I'll have to try the Goo-Gone method next time. Sounds like a plan!

[Paladin]

Thanks guys!!!

This plethora of ideas will keep me busy!

"Checkmate king four, this is white rook, over."

[fred]

Hot water and Simple Green. The mags will smell nice afterwards too.

[45fan]

Rubber gloves + really hot water + soap + old toothbrush to scrub inside mag body. As if you didn't have enough suggestions already but it does work!