What grit do you think toothpaste is?

[louielouie]

Are there any dentists or informed members who might know what grit normal toothpaste might be?

I am thinking of polishing some parts of my AR and wonder if I need to buy a special grit or if I can just give toothpaste a try.

My last issue of Shotgun News had an article that included polishing some parts of the AR to make for smoother operation.

louielouie

 

[Brando]

I dont know the numbers for sure. However, I'm gonna say a little more gritty than mayonnaise and a lot less than what you should actually use.

 

[ol' Huff]

try a ham sandwich. it worked for Carnik Con

 

[ol' Huff]

but seriously folks. i would guess 15K to 20k (?) It seems like its pretty fine.

 

[littletommy]

I've used regular Crest to polish thin plastic parts, as well as headlight covers on one of my trucks. Don't know what grit it is, but it does work. I would say that polishing compound would probably be better for the application you are thinking of, though.

 

[bluewraith]

Polishing compounds generally aren't that much more expensive then a tube of toothpaste is, either.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Polishing compounds generally aren't that much more expensive then a tube of toothpaste is, either.

But then your item doesnt have that minty fresh feeling!

 

[Beardown]

But then your item doesnt have that minty fresh feeling!

And your ar may acquire some cavities

 

[Scutter01]

Fun fact: Toothpaste is minty to cover the taste of the detergent. Toothpaste contains detergent because idiot consumers expect toothpaste to foam when they brush.

 

[24Carat]

Check out J&B polishing compound at Brownells.

 

[sharkey]

I dont know the numbers for sure. However, I'm gonna say a little more gritty than mayonnaise and a lot less than what you should actually use.

How gritty SHOULD your toothpaste be?

 

[IndyGunworks]

I am going to guess around 3000 grit... this is based off of using toothpaste to polish some stainless steel parts, vs. using actual wet dry paper.

This is just a wag I am in no way sure of this, but I wouldn't hesitate to use toothpaste to polish.... it wont hurt anything... the only thing I see happening is that it wont be aggressive enough and you will become frustrated at how long its taking you to do what you intend to do.

 

[Frankingun]

Whitening toothpaste is usually a little rougher than regular toothpaste. And you may need to add a drop of oil as it dries out. I tried it once on some stainless steel. It kinda worked...

 

[looney2ns]

Flitz metal polish will do the job without having to guess.

 

[It'sAllFun&Games]

Interesting question... Take a look here:
Toothpaste Abrasiveness
The numbers given are not the same as sandpaper, but you can see which toothpastes are more abrasive than others.
I have used plain old Colgate when I didn't have any Flitz around. Worked just fine.

 

[louielouie]

Thank you to everyone.

I ordered some jewelry's rouge to use as a polishing agent.

I must admit I have used toothpaste to clean a very dirty bore on pistols.
After about 2 passes the toothpaste begins to dry out and as it does it really pulls the fouling out. I just made sure I got all of the toothpaste off and out of the barrel with a good CLP.

louielouie

 

[JB357Mag]

What's a grit?



Jimmy

 

[billybob44]

Grits are GOOD..

What's a grit?



Jimmy

If you have more than one, they are Grits. A product of corn. Good for breakfast, with some butter, salt+pepper..Bill.