We’re all responsible of it, proper? You begin spraying brake cleaner on… properly, the brakes, as a result of that’s what it’s for. However you then discover how properly it appears to make grease and dirt disappear from nearly each floor it touches. You may’t assist your self, so you retain going. A shot on the engine block to scrub up that leaking valve cowl gasket. A blast on the suspension elements to erase all of the greasy residue that one way or the other coats each floor. Earlier than you realize it, you’ve drained an $8 can of cleaner and also you’re tearing aside the storage for an additional one. Worth be damned, these things works on every thing!
Conventional brake cleaner does certainly appear to be a magical elixir, however its shouldn’t be used for each filthy half in your undertaking. Usually a mix of perchloroethylene, methylene chloride, and naphtha petroleum, it’s extremely efficient at dissolving oils, it flashes off shortly, and it’s non-flammable. It’s the primary part – perchloroethylene, also known as PERC or PCE – that does the heavy lifting although. Its means to disperse grease and oil is famous, which is why it’s widespread with dry cleaners as properly.
Efficient however dangerous
However for all its benefits, PERC can also be a extremely poisonous chemical to work with. In December 2022, the US EPA discovered it presents an unreasonable danger to well being underneath its circumstances of use. Publicity to eyes, pores and skin, and the respiratory system can result in most cancers. Maybe that’s why California and New Jersey have already banned its use. And whereas it’s not unusual to see a technician sporting gloves whereas working, hardly ever do you see one sporting respiratory safety or goggles when spraying brake cleaner.
Past the usual well being dangers, chlorinated brake cleaner poses a novel hazard to those that weld. When heated to temperatures required for welding, a chemical response happens that breaks down PERC into hydrogen chloride and phosgene. These two extraordinarily toxic gases can knock an individual down immediately and lead to everlasting respiratory harm. An article on thefabricator.com chronicles the hazards of prepping metallic for welding utilizing brake cleaner. It’s to not be ignored.
Options
In response to the inherent dangers related to chlorinated brake cleaner, safer alternate options have been ultimately developed. These non-chlorinated formulation, typically recognized as ‘low-VOC’ (for “low risky natural compounds”), are sometimes composed of acetone and heptane. Although neither as aggressive as PERC nor inflammable, they’re nonetheless fairly efficient as brake cleansing solvents. They’re additionally much less hazardous with out the presence of chlorine, making them appropriate for welding preparation.
Nevertheless, even non-chlorinated brake cleaner isn’t the end-all, be-all for each cleansing job. A variation on this solvent-based formulation with extra common purposes is chassis cleaner, reminiscent of Eastwood’s Chassis Kleen. That is secure on all chassis elements reminiscent of suspension, drivetrain, and brakes.
Another choice for these methods could be a detergent-based degreaser like Eastwood’s Concours Orange Surge. These work like laundry cleaning soap, breaking down grease extra gently, significantly on some painted surfaces or round delicate electrical elements. A milder detergent cleaner supposed primarily for floor preparation slightly than heavy cleansing is Eastwood’s Pre Inexperienced pre-painting prep. This can be a non-toxic, not flammable therapy that requires no rinsing, making it appropriate for plastics in addition to naked metallic. It additionally is useful ready-to-use wipes.
For many different gentle floor degreasing, our standby is at all times Eastwood’s Pre portray prep in both unique or low-VOC method. Both will be sprayed or wiped onto work earlier than portray. We favor the low-VOC method for welding prep because it flashes off quicker, permitting you to work nearly instantly.
So carry on utilizing your trusty brake cleaner to scrub these brake elements. However perhaps give a second thought earlier than you spray it on every thing else. And positively don’t use the old-school chlorinated stuff in your welding undertaking, particularly if you wish to end it.
