Parts cleaner

[30-9]

Gentlemen - happy holidays!

I’m looking to purchase a parts cleaner. I want one that stands on its own ( not table top). I see one at harbor frieght for $100. While that’s about my price range, I wanted to solicit opinions here.

Anyone have this unit?
Anyone suggest another’s better one online?

[TomT/Williamsburg]

I have the Harbor Freight unit. The switch gave out early on but that was a simple fix. It's fine for my purposes ....

[Tim Ayers]

Hey Tom:

What are you using for cleaning solution? I've switched to water-based Oil Eater. Jury is still out, but I don't think I have the ratio right just yet.

Mine is a 30 gallon base and I'm thinking of ordering one of the barrel warmers from Northern Tool.

[corvette8n]

Also looking at the one from HF, biggest complaint is the pump motor, I'm still on the fence about purchase.

[Tim Ayers]

The pump motor can be replaced fairly easily. I hear you though for it seems like they break when you need it the most.

I have a Saf-T-Clean that has lasted me 25 years and I put it used so who knows how old it really is.

[big job]

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We have a H/Freight all I can say no problems. I don't like the on off switch with that
rubber over it hard to turn on and off with wet hands. We bought solution from Napa
that is green - it rules, smells good , excellent on hands (clean hands) . I got rid of the
metal flex, replaced with rubber hose with a flow thru brush works for me perfectly.
Oh put ya seat belt on for the solution; its bucks, but worth it- it lasts and lasts.....
way better than back in the days / bucket of gas & dried and cracked skin oh ya....

[TomT/Williamsburg]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Hey Tom:

What are you using for cleaning solution? I've switched to water-based Oil Eater. Jury is still out, but I don't think I have the ratio right just yet.

Mine is a 30 gallon base and I'm thinking of ordering one of the barrel warmers from Northern Tool.

Hey, Since I use my unit rather infrequently, I have been using kerosene. It's not the best but I have brushes I use and I usually wear heavy duty latex gloves. I have been searching for a replacement cleaner so let me know how your stuff works out ...

[Clem Clement]

I use a Thumbler's tumbler for small parts. Carbs fit, BUT I use a non-homogenous mixture of small nuts, bolts nails and screws. Small bits will stick in carb apertures.
Liquid is 4 dollops of dishwashing soap. No damage to bolt threads

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

I use the harbor freight unit . Pump just quit but i ahve had it for a few years. We use purple power cleaner from advance auto . works good for what i do the most off.....

[adileo]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Hey Tom:

What are you using for cleaning solution? I've switched to water-based Oil Eater. Jury is still out, but I don't think I have the ratio right just yet.

Mine is a 30 gallon base and I'm thinking of ordering one of the barrel warmers from Northern Tool.

I like oil eater, got some samples at a car show. I have not been able to find it since. Where do you purchase it?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by BUBBAS IGNITION

I use the harbor freight unit . Pump just quit but i ahve had it for a few years. We use purple power cleaner from advance auto . works good for what i do the most off.....

Jim:

I've read that PP isn't good on aluminum, but it sounds like you have no issues. Do you rinse after you clean them? Curious.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by adileo

I like oil eater, got some samples at a car show. I have not been able to find it since. Where do you purchase it?

Believe it not, Home Depot has the best price. It was $59 shipped for a 5 gallon bucket. I think I've added to too much water. According to the company, Tractor Supply sells it by the gallon, so I'm going to go there and get another gallon to add to my mix.

Before careful! It strips the oils from your hands and it takes a few days for it replenish. USE GLOVES!

[mrtexas]

Originally Posted by TomT/Williamsburg

Hey, Since I use my unit rather infrequently, I have been using kerosene. It's not the best but I have brushes I use and I usually wear heavy duty latex gloves. I have been searching for a replacement cleaner so let me know how your stuff works out ...

A cheaper solvent is diesel and more available than kerosene.

[Crankster]

What is the advantage of using a water based product compared with Varsol or mineral spirit? I've always liked using solvent parts washers and figured it's time to move up from a coffee can and an old paintbrush. But I'm only familiar with petroleum based solvent.

[V12Bill]

I use diesel fuel also.

[B-O-B]

checkout your dollar store for citrus cleaner
or sometimes purple power

[Init1]

Try to find a commercial quality washer. Swap meets are a good place to look. Much better quality than HF
Etc.
I use low odor mineral spirits. You can get it at paint stores, Home Depot or chemical distributors.

[flatford8]

I use deisel fuel or kerosene in a H/F unit. I’ve had it 5 yrs and still cleaning dirty stuff.... Mark

[Paul Bennett]

Originally Posted by adileo

I like oil eater, got some samples at a car show. I have not been able to find it since. Where do you purchase it?

O Reilly's - $15/gal

[Ken/Alabama]

I use mineral spirits in mine.