What are you guys using as "parts washers" at home

[Gordo2]

Not sure this is off topic or whatever...

What are you folks using as parts washers (tub with cleaning/degreaser fluids to clean up parts) at home?

-I've seen people mention using dishwashers for some parts - that ain't flyin' in my house.

-I've considered buying a cheap parts washer (Harbor Freight).

-Also considered buying a cheap deep sink to soak parts in.

What's everyone else using to clean up greasy parts?

Thanks, Gordo

[TechnoViking]

I have the cheap HF one. Problem is it can't be used with solvents...only soapy like stuff, (which they are happy to sell you at HF).

But I prefer mineral spirits, etc. so I ended up buying a flat plastic tub with a lid from Wal Mart. Over about 2 years, the mineral spirits have warped the shape of the tub a bit, but it's still in good enough shape to seal up when not in use.

The prevailing wisdom on this board is to buy the "right tool" and I think a parts washer that you can put solvents in would be ideal. But my tray-o-spirits works well enough for me.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I used the HF one with the citrus-based cleaner it's intended for, which is widely available at all big chain auto-parts stores and is cheap. I have to say the HF cleaner was junk, but I only intended to use it for one rebuild.

[berettafan]

i learned the hard way that painted parts cleaners can't take just any liquid.

goofy design if you ask me. a $3 throw away turkey roasting pan from the dollar store works well for some stuff.

[911pcars]

Just wondering. Since citrus-based cleaner is water soluble, what are the long-term effects of it stored in a metal parts tank? Same with moisture in a petroleum-based cleaning tank?

[bob deluke]

I got a 30 gallon Safety-Kleen system with light , pump, screen for free from a friend with brand new Agitene cleaning fluid in a 30 gallon drum. Works like a charm, doesn't ruin your skin and dries off cleaned parts in a few minutes. Its the nuts...

[TT Oversteer]

Don't bother with the Harbor freight one. It's crap. The spigot broke off mine and now I just use it as a table.

[R_Builder]

The is no substitute for lacquer thinner and elbow grease...

[Porsche_monkey]

A varsol based re-circulator type, and a vibratory bowl with ceramic stones.

[3.2 CAB]

I have a free standing, 30gal. unit. It has the solvent pump of course, along with a filtration system, with a sludge sump built into the bottom of the upper section. The lid is about 4'x2' with the cleaning tank area being about 18"deep. You can put a lot of items in it. I also have a portable dishwasher that someone I knew was going to throw away, because they were getting a new built in type washer. That dishwasher has cleaned a lot water safe items. I even use it for cleaning my black powder, stainless steel, Remington 1858 .44 matched set. It makes quick work of the black powder soot and crud, and the parts come out looking like new again. Tony.

[JohnJL]

Don, you got a pic of that FJ60?

[Zef]

Wife

[RoninLB]

diesel fuel and a heavy tin tub that looks like a big heavy duty turkey baster

[gshase]

Maytag 3600, My wife prefers all our appliances are maytag.

[cbush]

I use my large flat oil change tray bucket with gasoline for large, really oil caked parts, and use MEK with steel wool (0000) and a wire brush or shop towel for smaller parts. I like MEK better than laquer thinner because it does not evaporate as fast, and it is great for taking off glues and sealants. Proper ventilation is key!!!

[Fast Corners]

A parts cleaner with Mineral Spirits. You can pick them up pretty cheaply and the mineral spirits I get from Home Depot.

[JeremyD]

Originally Posted by RoninLB

diesel fuel and a heavy tin tub that looks like a big heavy duty turkey baster

What he says - get the concrete mixing tub at Home Depot. Get a collection of cleaning brushes. Big enough to soak parts overnight - scrub with a brush - simple clean, then rinse - you have a clean part...

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

cbush, "proper ventilation" is only a small part of it. MEK, a serious carcinogen, is rapidly absorbed through the skin, and if you've found MEK-impervious work gloves, good on you. If not...

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by RoninLB

diesel fuel and a heavy tin tub that looks like a big heavy duty turkey baster

that is a good solution -- you can easily discard the used fluid at any Haz Waste site - or even filter it and burn it in an old tractor or truck

also, diesel doesn't volatilize too badly and is not nearly as toxic as some cleaning fluids

the next step up would be to rent a Safety Kleen outfit and let them handle the disposal - not needed unless you rebuild several major units in a short time.

MEK is one of the most dangerous things you can use - be sure you have good cancer insurance before using it. Same for your family, who will all be exposed to some degree.

[SpeedracerIndy]

A dish washer. Works great!

Now I just can't figure out why all of our dishes have this strange film on them.

Seriously though, a used dishwasher is probably cheaper than a good parts washer. It is surprising how well it works. The soap can be pretty harsh on aluminum though.