Cosmoline removal from a stock

[Maximinus Thrax]

[video=youtube;tToV7ep4NJQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tToV7ep4NJQ[/video]

What say you INGO? I've come across methods that are much more labor intensive to get to a similar product so I'm leery of taking the easy route just because it is easy. Are there any issues that I am not aware of that could arise from using Tilex?

 

[red_zr24x4]

Never heard of using tilex, I've heard of using oven cleaner.
If you look over at M14 Forum - M14 Forum for M14 M1A Rifles ,they have a çouple of guys that strip USGI M14 stocks and they say not to use harsh chemicals.
One method I heard of is to put it in a black trash bag and hang it in the sun. Wipe it off, repete

 

[johntheplinker]

Considering two of the ingredients in Tilex are bleach and lye, don't think its something I'd want to use. The lye will (not may, will) damage the wood and it or the bleach are bound to cause a color change.
What I've used to get cosmo out of a stock is wrap the stock in paper towels or newspaper, stick it in a black plastic bag then put it out in the sun. Repeat as needed. Doesn't harm the original finish either.

 

[Maximinus Thrax]

Considering two of the ingredients in Tilex are bleach and lye, don't think its something I'd want to use. The lye will (not may, will) damage the wood and it or the bleach are bound to cause a color change.
What I've used to get cosmo out of a stock is wrap the stock in paper towels or newspaper, stick it in a black plastic bag then put it out in the sun. Repeat as needed. Doesn't harm the original finish either.

He does say not to use the type with bleach but I wasn't aware of the Lye issue...

It seemed a little too easy for it to be something I tried without first vetting it through folks who know more than I do.

 

[indyjohn]

Mineral Spirits. Do it right the first time & don't be disappointed.Reminds me of this saying:Fast, Good, or Cheap. Choose two.

 

[Maximinus Thrax]

Mineral Spirits. Do it right the first time & don't be disappointed.Reminds me of this saying:Fast, Good, or Cheap. Choose two.

In my case, another popular saying comes into play. "When in doubt, ASK"

 

[indyjohn]

In my case, another popular saying comes into play. "When in doubt, ASK"

And you are a wise man to do so.

I've restored a surplus firearm or two. Early on, this was my guide: Wood Cleaning Article | Civilian Marksmanship Program

 

[mrjarrell]

I've talked with a couple of people who put their stocks in a metal garbage can with a light bulb or spot and put the lid on, (with newspaper in the bottom). Makes enough heat to melt the stuff off and won't damage the stock.

 

[Lee S. Forsberg]

Boil it in Teisodium Phosphate.

 

[Hop]

I have a lot of old mil-surps and never use chems. I have a Shark Steamer. Line a trash can with a bag, hold the stock over the can and steam it all away. The steam will raise some of the bad dings but leave just enough to maintain some character.