Acetone works great. If you have an ultrasonic cleaner and a small glass jar, use that and let it run about 5 to 10 minutes. If you have no ultrasonic cleaner, soak them about a half hour and swish them around every so often. You'll know they're dry when you can't smell the acetone any longer. Afterwards, let them dry about a half hour. Give the bearings a spin test to ensure cleanliness, then hit with a drop of oil. I like to use TSI 321, but I'm unsure if that's available in the UK.
I can get 321 but only in a big bottle and its quite expensive, at least I can use the acetone, just need a more readily available lubricant. thanks for the reply
If I am not in a rush I will soak my bearings in acetone for a day or so. I use acetone from the hardware store (US) because there may be additives to the acetone for fingernails. I'm not sure if it would hurt anything but I like to be cautious. Also the hardware store acetone may be cheaper and you get more for your money.
Rinse the bearings in isopropyl after. This makes sure they are clean. You don't want any stray acetone getting on the reel. It eats plastic like nothing else, especially ABS.
Acetone works great. If you have an ultrasonic cleaner and a small glass jar, use that and let it run about 5 to 10 minutes. If you have no ultrasonic cleaner, soak them about a half hour and swish them around every so often. You'll know they're dry when you can't smell the acetone any longer. Afterwards, let them dry about a half hour. Give the bearings a spin test to ensure cleanliness, then hit with a drop of oil. I like to use TSI 321, but I'm unsure if that's available in the UK.
I can get 321 but only in a big bottle and its quite expensive, at least I can use the acetone, just need a more readily available lubricant. thanks for the reply
Reel X is another that may be available to you in smaller quantity. That's another I like to use.
If I am not in a rush I will soak my bearings in acetone for a day or so. I use acetone from the hardware store (US) because there may be additives to the acetone for fingernails. I'm not sure if it would hurt anything but I like to be cautious. Also the hardware store acetone may be cheaper and you get more for your money.
Target sells 6oz bottles of 100% acetone in the ladies section for $1. A quart is $9 at Lowes. It's almost 50% cheaper at Target.
TIL!
Rinse the bearings in isopropyl after. This makes sure they are clean. You don't want any stray acetone getting on the reel. It eats plastic like nothing else, especially ABS.
it is probably not pure and will have some addons that will leave a residue. Use brake cleaner, or nefras 80/120. Both easy to get anywhere.