Reel Maintenence: Perfect Solution Warning

[TheMightyQuinn]

So at the suggestions from the forum members here, I have started using Perfect Solution to clean my bearings. It does a great job and I have no complaints so far. I do, however, have a warning. I left some Perfect Solution in a plastic container last week and when I came back today the container was empty. The container had a hole in the bottom. The Perfect Solution appears to have eaten away at the plastic. So, while Perfect Solution is great for cleaning bearings, it may not be wise to use it on plastic.

[BassingNick]

Good to know, it may be half way to the center of the earth by now..

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

That's strange as it comes in a plastic bottle. Any chance of other contaminants? 

[TiNuts]

I'm pretty sure it depends on the type of plastic. I've had acetone eat through some plastics with a quickness, some plastics slowly, and some it didn't seem to bother at all.

[OkobojiEagle]

I'd like to know if you duplicated the situation would you find the same reaction?...

 

I use small glass containers with solvents.

 

 

oe

[daiwaguy]

I'm pretty sure it depends on the type of plastic. I've had acetone eat through some plastics with a quickness, some plastics slowly, and some it didn't seem to bother at all.

This is correct^^^ Some plastics are not made to handle chemicals and others are. The bottle it comes in is made of a plastic with a high chemical resistance. The container you were using may have had a lower rating on this scale or may not have been on the scale at all. But if it was a low resistance rating a rise in temperature could have been the reaseon it took so long to eat its way through. Some plastics on the lower end of the scale have a very limited tolerance and a temp increase can just push it out of range of resistance. I hope that makes sense.

[TheMightyQuinn]

DVT, I originally used the container for Simple Green. To prevent any potential for cross contamination, I washed the container out thoroughly. Ironically, the Simple Green would sit in the container for weeks at a time without any damage.

I have heard that some chemicals can eat through plastic (or deform it) while not causing any damage to other plastics. It does depend on the plastic. As a side note, Quantum reels use plastic cages inside their bearings rather than stainless steel, so Perfect Solution may not be a perfect solution for those bearings. Maybe someone who has used Perfect Solution on Quantum reels will chime in.

[bigbill]

Years ago when I was taught by my dad I was washing car wheel bearings when I was 6 years old he taught me to be aware what solvents I used to wash bearings with. A solvent residue can keep the lube from living the bearing. We would wash the bearings in kerosene instead of gasoline.

My point is watch what cleaner you use. Maybe kroil or pb blaster to flush them.

I would rather flush the bearings with oil.

[J Francho]

Never had that happen in the three years Ive been using it. It in fact excels at cleaning plastic parts. For soaking bearings, I use glass jars because it's easier to visually inspect. What type of plastic container was it? And what were you soaking? Be specific.

[J Francho]

Just put some full strength in a cheap sandwich meat tub, a takeout container and a generic ziplock sandwich bag. I might have a styrofoam container I could try too. I'll let them sit and see what happens. The stuff is just an alkaline detergent - like dish detergent - so I can't see this being a problem. Non caustic, non solvent, no fumes, biodegradable…can't ask for much more harmless than that.

[Maico1]

When I use plastic it is the Rubbermaid ones that are freezer to micro wave safe. They have been used with Lighter fluid,Acetone,Simple Green and Perfect Solution with no issues.

[TheMightyQuinn]

When I soak my bearings, I switch the solution a few times. After the bearings get their last soak, I remove the bearings and leave the solution in the container to serve as a "first rinse" for the next set of bearings. So, to answer the questions in full, nothing but the Perfect Solution was in the container at the time. The container was a clear plastic shower gel container. I have two of these containers and both have been used with other cleaners and never had a problem.

I am not trying to start a huge debate or say don't use Perfect Solution. Actually, quiet the opposite. I have found Perfect Solution to be superior to Simple Green. I am very happy with it, but I was kind of surprised to see the contained damaged like that.

[J Francho]

Nothing yet. I'd think it would eat through the styrofoam or sandwich bag first, if at all. I think you have a leaky container.

[TheMightyQuinn]

It might take a while. As I said, the solution was sitting in the container for about a week. I like Perfect Solution, and find it better than Simple Green, however, I never had Simple Green eat away at this same plastic container.

[J Francho]

I'll let them sit some more. Nothing yet. If anything, we'll find out what does work. Thanks for raising the issue.