Is it safe to use acetone for AR bearing?

[Mike son]

Reading mixed opinions as to whether it is safe to use acetone to flush the AR bearing since there is some plastic in it. I'm going to flush my AR bearing since I put too much grease on it while cleaning my reel and there was some back play upon reassembling my Shimano curado i. Once cleaned I plan to just lightly oil it with bantam oil since that seems to be the most popular method.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Acetone is fine. I use it everyday 

[MickD]

Probably safe for the bearings, but I think there are better options based on the hazards to the person using it.

https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=1

[Mike son]

51 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Acetone is fine. I use it everyday 

Thanks DVT, just wanted the assurance that the acetone wouldn't damage the plastic part of the AR bearing.

 

26 minutes ago, MickD said:

Probably safe for the bearings, but I think there are better options based on the hazards to the person using it.

https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=1

I take care when using the acetone and understand its hazards. I've used simple green in the past because that's what I had handy and is more 'user friendly' to use in my opinion. I've considered seeking out the clear version of simple green since it would make it much easier to tell when you need to change the liquid when doing multiple soakings.

[Preytorien]

I haven't ever had good luck with acetone. Melted some of the plastic on my reel, specifically the component that holds what brakes. Had to order new parts from the manufacturer. When I need something more than Simple Green I use either Mineral Spirits, lighter fluid, or even gasoline. 

[kickerfish1]

I would suggest Contact Cleaner. It won't damage or eat at plastic parts and is readily available and your local hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot.

[Big Bait Fishing]

brake cleaner works very good also

[MickD]

4 hours ago, Big Bait Fishing said:

brake cleaner works very good also

I've read this before, on other forums regarding the degreasing of bearings.  But when I try to find out what the ingredients of "brake cleaner" are, I come up short.  To me, a very important issue is what the risks of using a cleaner are, and this is not easy to determine.  Since we are not dealing with "world peace,"  I will be using the green stuff or something like mineral spirits.  I've used mineral spirits for 60 years, and I'm not brain dead yet.  (no comments on that are needed)

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

4 hours ago, Big Bait Fishing said:

brake cleaner works very good also

 

14 minutes ago, MickD said:

I've read this before, on other forums regarding the degreasing of bearings.  But when I try to find out what the ingredients of "brake cleaner" are, I come up short.  To me, a very important issue is what the risks of using a cleaner are, and this is not easy to determine.  Since we are not dealing with "world peace,"  I will be using the green stuff or something like mineral spirits.  I've used mineral spirits for 60 years, and I'm not brain dead yet.  (no comments on that are needed)

Look on the back of the can. The spray I use CRC Brakleen is Acetone with isomers of heptane & CO2.

 

[Big Bait Fishing]

most all cleaners are harmful if precation is not used , i use the stuff outside and use gloves .

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Take precautions and you'll be fine. Especially just doing the occasional reel of your own. 

[craww]

Acetone works great, just watch what you put it in. Glass baby food jars are great. I used to always put bearings in a little plastic contact case with other products. Used Acetone in it once and won't make that mistake again

[BobP]

I trust DVT but to me, why use acetone when you can be sure that naphtha or mineral spirits will not harm plastics while acetone can in some instances?  I soak all parts in naphtha which works quite well.  It doesn't evaporate as quickly as acetone but works faster and dries faster than water based detergents.  Whatever works for ya.

[MickD]

On 9/19/2016 at 5:16 PM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

 

Look on the back of the can. The spray I use CRC Brakleen is Acetone with isomers of heptane & CO2.

 

Good ide.  If you have the can.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On September 19, 2016 at 11:10 PM, BobP said:

I trust DVT but to me, why use acetone when you can be sure that naphtha or mineral spirits will not harm plastics while acetone can in some instances?  I soak all parts in naphtha which works quite well.  It doesn't evaporate as quickly as acetone but works faster and dries faster than water based detergents.  Whatever works for ya.

Because naphtha is the bigger health risk long term. To do a reel or two it probably doesn't matter much. Just use precautions. 

[kmw59]

I use this on my nail guns and have used it on reels. It's safe on plastic. Paslode cordless tool cleaner.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Main ingredient is naphtha.