Problems With Basic Components Commonly Found Chemicals In Standard Gun Cleaners
Graphite:
It’s a bit more common to see molybdenum disulfide than graphite, but some dry-lube does use graphite.
Because graphite and molybdenum disulfide behave the same way (except for the fact that graphite breaks down at a lower temperature than molybdenum disulfide)
Molybdenum Disulfide:
A key ingredient in ‘moly grease’, molybdenum disulfide is fairly non-reactive with various metals. It’s also used in some oils. It’s important to note that molybdenum does not protect against corrosion. However, solutions employing moly as a lubricant may employ other anti-corrosive compounds.
Halogenated Hydrocarbons:
One fairly common example of a halogenated hydrocarbon, is chlorinated paraffin – basically chlorinated wax. The problem with all halogenated hydrocarbons is that as they decay, they precipitate acid, which will readily attack the metal which they’re on. The decay tends to occur either over time, or when subjected to physical stress or temperature. It’s worth noting that HH’s activate at a temperature which tempts gun owners to ‘bake’ their guns in order to fully activate them. However, metal-on-metal friction of slides and other components moving against each other create a momentary temperature of 210 degrees at minimum, which is within the activation threshold of the chemicals in question.
Siloxanes:
Siloxanes a family of chemicals which claim to stick to ferrous (i.e. iron bearing, such as iron or steel) metals and create a thin film of lubricant. Like any dry film, they will not flow back into areas where the film has been rubbed off, unlike oil. They are related to silicone, but not the same.
Teflon:
Teflon is a form of Polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also used as a “non-stick coating” for cookware’s.
Precipitation: When suspended in any lubricant, over time it will settle out. This isn’t a big problem; just shake or stir it to re-mix it, then spray or otherwise apply it to your weapon. Evaporation: Starting at 260 degrees, Teflon begins to emit fumes which can kill birds. It is generally marketed as ‘safe for humans’ provided that the temperatures do not exceed 500 degrees. However, at 680 degrees, large volumes of toxic fumes are emitted. Polytetrafluoroethylene poisoning exhibits itself as “flu-like symptoms”… a fever, headache, chills, backache, etc. It is also worth noting that heated Teflon will ‘clump’ at a certain temperature.
Synthetic Esters:
This is frequently encountered in synthetic oils (the other common type of oil is polyalphaolefin). It’s also worth noting that ester oils are water-soluble and, worse, will actually break down to form water over time.