[TheForge] OT - cleaning spray paint can nozzle-buttons

[Bruce .]

I agree that incomplete shaking is probably responsible for many clogs, but
I've even had clogs after using my paint-can shaker.  (A spray paint can
can fit a standard 1-gal paint shaker, if a little padding is used.)

I, too, save the little buttons, but even when I store them in paint
thinner, they do not always soak clean.  That's why the Brakleen was such a
revelation.

When I was a kid, I tried cutting open spray cans for the "marble".  What I
found was a really low-class steel sphere, with one flat side.  Hardly
worth the trouble!

Bruce
NJ

On Sat, Nov 1, 2014 at 12:11 PM, Bob Ehrenberger <eforge at centurytel.net>
wrote:

> Bruce,
>
> What I do, is save the good ones when I empty a can. That way when I have
> one clog on me I just throw it away and get a good one that I have saved.
> If the clog is down in the can, I use an ice pick to push on the valve at
> the top of the can and get things flowing. This can be messy so either wrap
> the end of the can with a rag or be ready to clean your hand up.
>
> I built a spray can shaking machine a few years ago and have had very few
> clogged nozzles since then. I wrote an article about it for the BAM
> newsletter if you are interested in making one.  Go to www.bamsite.org
> and do a search to find it.
>
> I also cut the empty cans in half to get the marble out to give to my
> grand kids. It also lets me smash the can for recycling
>
> --
> Bob Ehrenberger
> Shelbyville, MO
>
>
> ----Original message ------
> Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:18:28 -0400
> From: "Bruce ."<freemab222 at gmail.com>
> To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA<theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [TheForge] OT - cleaning spray paint can nozzle-buttons
>
>
> I've tried soaking those miserable clogged buttons in paint thinner, or,
> with better luck, in Gunk.  But I just discovered that Brakleen (green can,
> non-chlorinated) works a champ on the things.  I think the pressure + the
> small tube are the real key, though the solvent itself isn't bad for the
> job.  This will save me money.
>
> Bruce
> NJ
>
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