Are There Really Any Differences.

[Lazy Sod]

Are there really any differences between aerosol cans of brake/carb/switch cleaner?

Brake cleaner seems to work in all circumstances for me.

 

[TexelBen]

Are there really any differences between aerosol cans of brake/carb/switch cleaner?

Brake cleaner seems to work in all circumstances for me.

Some of the auto smart ones smell like lynx

 

[Kidds]

I think my repairs guy gives the vehicles a quick squirt of perfume/deodorant when he's done.
I also reckon it is a "marking his territory" kind of thing.

 

[Shutesy]

Are there really any differences between aerosol cans of brake/carb/switch cleaner?

Brake cleaner seems to work in all circumstances for me.

Only difference we've found is the power at which the fluid is sprayed out at, local JD dealer doesn't use JD branded brake cleaner as the alternative they've found (can't remember the name and its also probably cheaper) comes out with much more force which aids cleaning.

 

[Macsky]

Are there really any differences between aerosol cans of brake/carb/switch cleaner?

Brake cleaner seems to work in all circumstances for me.

I think if you were working with more sensitive electrics you’d want switch cleaner as apparently some of the stronger brake cleaners will affect the plastic. I was told this recently when looking for something to clean the IAC valve on the Honda bike

 

[Farmer Roy]

Just be aware that all of them involve some fairly nasty chemicals / solvents . . .


much nastier than most agricultural chemicals

 

[Bobthebuilder]

Got a 20L can from Kramp a while ago and a couple of cheap spray bottles, works out better than buying aerosols

 

[box]

Are there really any differences between aerosol cans of brake/carb/switch cleaner?

Brake cleaner seems to work in all circumstances for me.

Contact and carb cleaners leave an oily/protective residue whereas brake cleaner doesn't

 

[tomlad]

Liquid brake cleaner is one of the liquids that distroy alot of plastic squirty bottles isn't it.
Motor factors have a pump spray bottle labelled brake cleaner, must be resistant to the chemicals i guess

 

[TripleSix]

Brake cleaner tends to be fairly safe on most materials.

I've found carb cleaner will usually destroy plastics and paint.

 

[tomlad]

Am i thinking of engine degreaser
I have both in clear liquid
Obe will scratch clear visor

 

[Dry Rot]

Electronic switch cleaner is my 'go to' problem solver for electronics. Switches on my cheap secondhand microwave stopped working, switch cleaner revived it. My expensive digital camcorder got a squirt this morning, coincidentally!

WD-40 is good for removing decals on plastic, various adhesives, and as a lubricant/de-moistoriser, but not much else.

Plusgas is great for easing seized parts. Give a squirt a day and try shifting a stuck part again, with some heat, after a week.

Not much experience of brake cleaner if the above don't work.

 

[Farmer_Joe]

i got a wruth brake cleaner dispenser years ago (kind of like small garden sprayer) then just buy who ever is selling it bulk in 5l can off ebay to refill, if you pump it up loads fair shoots out!

loads cheaper than cans and much better.

 

[Barleymow]

Have used brake cleaner to start engines

 

[Wisconsonian]

If it's flammable, it's mostly acetone and other quick drying solvents. If it's non flammable, it's chlorinated solvents, perchloroethane or something like that, and you don't want to breathe it long term, or burn or weld it ever.

 

[DrWazzock]

If you use eiectrical contact cleaner be very careful. We had a starter enclosure explode after such use. Bits of cast aluminium went everywhere including stuck in the ceiling. A miracle nobody was hurt.
I wouldn’t use it in any sort of confined space again. It was the proper stuff as well. I’m surprised there wasn’t a warning on the tin to this effect.

 

[clbarclay]

That goes for most solvents?

 

[DrWazzock]

That goes for most solvents?

Trichloroethane? Dad used to wash his hands in it when he was in the RAF. Didn’t seem to suffer from it.

 

[TheTallGuy]

Trichloroethane? Dad used to wash his hands in it when he was in the RAF. Didn’t seem to suffer from it.

Used to wash circuit boards in the stuff to clean the flux off - used to end up with cardboard hands from it!

 

[ACEngineering]

Are there really any differences between aerosol cans of brake/carb/switch cleaner?

Brake cleaner seems to work in all circumstances for me.

I can 100% say brake cleaner and switch cleaner or electrical cleaner are not the same thing, Brake cleaner tends to set on fire if you use it for electrics lol