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NON-chlorinated brake cleaner OK for TIG?

17K views 18 replies 15 participants last post by  'Stang  
#1 ·
I know chlorinated brake cleaner is a no-no for cleaning metal before welding because it creates toxic fumes, but what about NON-chlorinated brake cleaner?
 
#5 ·
One of the ingredients of non-chlorinated brake cleaners is acetone (typically 5-10%) which has it's own by-product issues when burned. The key is to make sure all liquid remnants of any cleaning agent used are gone (evaporated) prior to welding. I use straight acetone (found in the painting supplies) as most do but have used non-chlorinated brake cleaner on many occasions as well.
 
#7 ·
OK, thanks. I've been using lacquer thinner in the past (seems to cut some things acetone doesn't) but this non-chlor BF just really seems to cut through EVERYTHING fast.

Better safe than sorry though, I guess. Thanks again.
 
#12 ·
DO NOT BE STUPID, AND END UP DEAD OR WORSE, F'ed UP FOR LIFE!!! DO NOT EVER USE BRAKE OR CARB CLEANER BEFORE WELDING. ONE ACCIDENTAL GRABBING THE WRONG CAN AND IT'S TOO LATE.

It's simple, use acetone, have plenty of ventilation, and wear gloves.
 
#13 ·
I picked up two little oil squirter cans. You know. The small ones with the trigger to apply oil in precision spots, like hinges and whatnot.

Anywho, I use one for acetone applications, like AL cleaning, and the other for WD-40 when I use the carbide burrs on aluminum. Saves a mess, and saves me money, since all my Acetone doesnt evaporate.
 
#15 ·
I have used non-chlorinated brake clean for years. As long as your parts are dry before you start welding you will be fine. Just like acetone, you wouldn't want to start your arc if the cleaning chemical your using is pooled up on your parts or welding table. I only use brake clean because its readily avalible in our shop and I have never had a problem.
 
#17 ·
I always use acetone at home in my shop. in a pinch, I will use lacquer thinner. At work I use electronics cleaner. It works well with no residue. This stuff evaporates quickly. That means you shouldn't have any residue that can interact with your gas or arc! I read the article about the brake cleaner. Be safe!!!