Cleaning test on Dead Air Mask

[John from MD]

I just finished the second cleaning of a test I did with the Dead Air Mask. I was testing to see what cleaner works better between Simple Green and CLR in my ultrasonic cleaner.

In both cases, the can was shot with 1000 rounds of .22 Long Rifle, mostly CCI Standard Velocity but also with some Mini Mag. The baffles were coated with red grease prior to each firing.

The cleaning solution consisted of 50/50 distilled water / Simple Green or 50/50 distilled water / CLR.

When cleaning with the Simple Green solution, I cleaned for three 20 minute periods and still had residual lead on the inside surfaces that had to be hand scrubbed out.

When cleaning with the CLR solution, I cleaned for two 20 minute periods and they were as clean as new.

In both cases I had the temp set at 35*C and it rose to 40 degrees during cleaning.

I'm sold on the CLR method for sure.

 

[alucard0822]

I just finished the second cleaning of a test I did with the Dead Air Mask. I was testing to see what cleaner works better between Simple Green and CLR in my ultrasonic cleaner.

In both cases, the can was shot with 1000 rounds of .22 Long Rifle, mostly CCI Standard Velocity but also with some Mini Mag. The baffles were coated with red grease prior to each firing.

The cleaning solution consisted of 50/50 distilled water / Simple Green or 50/50 distilled water / CLR.

When cleaning with the Simple Green solution, I cleaned for three 20 minute periods and still had residual lead on the inside surfaces that had to be hand scrubbed out.

When cleaning with the CLR solution, I cleaned for two 20 minute periods and they were as clean as new.

In both cases I had the temp set at 35*C and it rose to 40 degrees during cleaning.

I'm sold on the CLR method for sure.

CLR is definitely a MUCH better cleaner than simple green. Instead of filling the tank with a 50-50 mix, I add baffles in a plastic bag with 100% CLR, and put it in a tank filled with clean water. That way the ultrasonic stays clean, you use less CLR and more concentrated to clean faster. I also don't use any silicone or grease in my cans, and they still come out spotless, but no messy cloud of goo when you shoot

 

[John from MD]

CLR is definitely a MUCH better cleaner than simple green. Instead of filling the tank with a 50-50 mix, I add baffles in a plastic bag with 100% CLR, and put it in a tank filled with clean water. That way the ultrasonic stays clean, you use less CLR and more concentrated to clean faster. I also don't use any silicone or grease in my cans, and they still come out spotless, but no messy cloud of goo when you shoot

I use the plastic bag process, same as you. Maybe I will try to run them dry and see if I get the same level of cleanliness.

 

[Overboost44]

Good tips. I will try this CLR with my Sparrow to see if I get similar results.

 

[John from MD]

Good tips. I will try this CLR with my Sparrow to see if I get similar results.

Report back when you do.

 

[teratos]

I clean my stainless baffles in my wet tumbler. Works great.

 

[Overboost44]

Report back when you do.

Actually, I think since I already have the Lyman steel parts cleaner chemical, I will try that first. I will report back.

 

[Overboost44]

I clean my stainless baffles in my wet tumbler. Works great.

Do you do that with stainless steel pins? I have a tumbler and an ultrasonic to choose from.

 

[Sticky]

Wet tumbling with SST pins would work great on baffles other than aluminum. I have done my aluminum ones for a brief tumble, but the pins tend to pit them up a bit, so I don't do this.

I actually just got some two part cleaning solution from Bore Tech to try out. I'll see how it works, though they want you to use a special nozzle and a pressure washer to clean the can fully assembled. I am going to explore other methods besides a 2000 psi pressure washer (tho I do have one).

I would not hesitate to tumble harder materials, heck, I tumble brass all day long and it's fine, like brand new after a good hour or two in the wet tumbler.

I have also tried wet tumbling with plastic pellets, but the results were mediocre at best. I did not use any solvent of any type, just soap and pellets.

 

[teratos]

Do you do that with stainless steel pins? I have a tumbler and an ultrasonic to choose from.

Yessir.

They come out perfectly clean. As Sticky mentioned, I wouldn’t do it with aluminum baffles.

 

[Mondial]

Wet tumbling with the SS pins works great for my cans. Water and a dishwasher pod does the job. I do spray the parts with Si spray before reassembly which I believe helps.

 

[Overboost44]

Yessir.

They come out perfectly clean. As Sticky mentioned, I wouldn’t do it with aluminum baffles.

Thanks. Read the manual and it just states that it is a monolithic core and can be cleaned with solvents. I haven't taken it apart yet to see if it is aluminum or what it is made of. You would think they would be a little more specific. YT will probably tell me.

 

[John from MD]

Thanks. Read the manual and it just states that it is a monolithic core and can be cleaned with solvents. I haven't taken it apart yet to see if it is aluminum or what it is made of. You would think they would be a little more specific. YT will probably tell me.

The Sparrow is all stainless.

"If you're looking for a silencer that is simple to use and provides long-lasting durability, the SilencerCo Sparrow 22 is a .22 suppressor designed with you in mind. The Sparrow silencer is machined from stainless steel and lightweight, at only 6.1 oz and measuring 5 inches in length. The Sparrow 22 is a versatile suppressor across multiple calibers (22lr, 17HMR, 22WMR, and 5.7x28) and full-auto rated in .22LR."

 

[tjiann]

I just finished the second cleaning of a test I did with the Dead Air Mask. I was testing to see what cleaner works better between Simple Green and CLR in my ultrasonic cleaner.

In both cases, the can was shot with 1000 rounds of .22 Long Rifle, mostly CCI Standard Velocity but also with some Mini Mag. The baffles were coated with red grease prior to each firing.

The cleaning solution consisted of 50/50 distilled water / Simple Green or 50/50 distilled water / CLR.

When cleaning with the Simple Green solution, I cleaned for three 20 minute periods and still had residual lead on the inside surfaces that had to be hand scrubbed out.

When cleaning with the CLR solution, I cleaned for two 20 minute periods and they were as clean as new.

In both cases I had the temp set at 35*C and it rose to 40 degrees during cleaning.

I'm sold on the CLR method for sure.

Filing this one away for when mine gets released. Thanks for the test info.

 

[outrider58]

I'm going to try the CLR. I've been wet tumbling with pins. It does OK, but I'm always looking for something better for cleaning inconel baffles.

 

[John from MD]

I'm going to try the CLR. I've been wet tumbling with pins. It does OK, but I'm always looking for something better for cleaning inconel baffles.

I was pretty impressed considering that the Simple Green did a pretty good job. Remember, I let this go to 1000 rounds ( probably more though) before cleaning. Since it is so simple to throw the baffles in the cleaner, I will definitely start cleaning at 500 rounds which should be faster yet.

 

[Neutron]

I've just been using Hopes #9 and finishing with Ballistol. The Ballistol seems to help it come clean for the next cleaning. My baffles are aluminum so I guess I'm stuck doing the cleaning by hand with a rag and paper towels.

 

[Overboost44]

The Sparrow is all stainless.

"If you're looking for a silencer that is simple to use and provides long-lasting durability, the SilencerCo Sparrow 22 is a .22 suppressor designed with you in mind. The Sparrow silencer is machined from stainless steel and lightweight, at only 6.1 oz and measuring 5 inches in length. The Sparrow 22 is a versatile suppressor across multiple calibers (22lr, 17HMR, 22WMR, and 5.7x28) and full-auto rated in .22LR."

Thanks John. I wasn't sure if that included the baffles when I read it but I have since found that to be the case. I watched some YT videos and feel comfortable. To anyone cleaning their suppressors, make sure you remove the O-rings before the chemicals.

 

[The Saint]

I've just used a plain Ultrasonic with hot water for my Sparrow for a few years alongside a steel brush. I leave some lead coating in there...it's been quieter with it, honestly. Only thing on the Sparrow you DON'T ultrasonic is the sleeve...but every other part is fair game.

 

[Overboost44]

I've just used a plain Ultrasonic with hot water for my Sparrow for a few years alongside a steel brush. I leave some lead coating in there...it's been quieter with it, honestly. Only thing on the Sparrow you DON'T ultrasonic is the sleeve...but every other part is fair game.

Interesting. Thanks for that info.