Parts washer fluid

What do you guys use in your parts washer? The last I bought was $50 for 5 gallons but I don't remember what it was. Thought about trying K1. my washer is in my shop where welding, torch cutting, etc is done.
 
I used Mineral Spirits in mine, but you may want something even less voltile in a welding shop. And make sure the lid release mechamism is working, so it can drop and smother the flame if it does catch.

I was wanting Mineral Spirits for paint thinner a few weeks back. At the box store, It was $10 and change for a gallon in a plastic jug, but $60 for a five gallon can. So I guess the metal can was Seven or eight dollars.
 
I learned the hard way. Stay away from that water based. Enviro friendly cleaner. You could end up with a bunch of sludge. I use Varsol.
 
I used to use mineral spirits but it has gotten too expensive. I found parts cleaner at Tractor Supply that smells like MS but only costs $39.00 for 5 gallons. Works well. I pour in a qt. of trans fluid in it so it does not dry out my hands.(I know, wear gloves).
 
Mineral spirits is about as good as it gets for home/workshop use. Expensive, yes.
But, it is low flammability and relatively low odor.
I did some personal testing. The stuff is hard to get to burn, and goes out when heat source is removed. Another possibility is to call Safety-Kleen. I have heard that they will service home cleaning units. Might be expensive. Worth a call.
 
Well, heres my recipe. I use a mix of half diesel fuel half varsol with a quart of ATF in it. The ATF collects any water/moisture, the diesel makes it less harsh on your hands. Varsol alone can dry out your hands and cause skin cracks. MY washer has a lid that closes down on it after you use it and this keeps evapouration low and fumes in the shop low. I can't notice any smell of vapours in my shop. I don't have to top up the fluid as often either.
 
Been using water based cleaners in my parts washer for 25 years. Castrol Super Kleen is just one of many available at auto parts stores and big box stores such as Walmart. More environmentally friendly than the harsher chemicals, but requires heat to do a good job. Some brands are easier on your skin than others.
 
I use Agitene but I believe it may have gotten too expensive . Mt friend tried water based from Eastwood and said it didn't work.
 
At my house when I am playing with my garden tractors just use a 5 gallon bucket with a couple of quarts of gasoline. Cleans really good. Just make sure you apply every safety precaution you can think of. Up at my folks the washer has varsol in it.
 
just filled mine with the stuff from Tractor supply easy on the hands and dose a great job on grease it was like 40+ for 5 gals.high flash point also
 
I use Kerosene, cuts grease & oil well, stops Flash rust on cleaned parts. I weld and plasma cut steel in the shop, but 15-20 feet from the parts washer, plenty far enough away that no sparks will ever get near the parts cleaner.

If I'm assembling an engine or gearbox, everything gets washed before assembly, final wash after parts washer is with clean shop towels with brake cleaner, then machined surfaces have assembly lube applied.
 
We went to hot water/ soap spray cabinet several years ago and it is so much better in many ways. I am no health and safety nark but I dont miss that solvent tank one little bit. No stink in the shop, no fire danger, no headaches after standing over it, no disposal issues. Hot water/soap washing takes some planning, turn it on when you start tearing something apart and its ready to go when your ready with the parts. For little one off things I just use brake cleaner.
Back to your question, when stoddard solvent got stupid expensive we switched to K-1 and was using that when we switched over to hot water.
 
I use varsol and concentrated "Gunk". 1 gal. Gunk to 5 gal. varsol. Works pretty well. I have also used the gunk with the TSC parts cleaner, it also worked well.
 

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