Help answer an age old question!

[Dominum]

For years I have been told by other experienced techs never to use any silicone sprays (aerosols) with airsoft guns, because the propellant is corrosive to Orings, buckings, etc. It makes sense, and I have passed on this knowledge. However, this view has been called into question and I am not so sure anymore. I have found conflicting data on the subject. The last thing I want to do is run around telling people things that are wrong. I need to know, once and for all:

What propellants are used in silicone sprays? Are any of them corrosive or harmful to anything in airsoft guns? If so, is it in all silicone sprays, or just some? Are all silicone sprays safe for all things airsoft, some, or none at all? If the second option is the case, what silicone sprays are safe, and what ones are not, and why?

So far I have found that at least some silicone sprays contain acetone and methylene chloride, both of which will corrode many of the plastics and rubbers in airsoft guns. I have also found that some contain butane or propane, which I assume would not cause problems, but I am not sure. I would really appreciate some help in seriously researching these questions, and the 'how' and 'why' behind the answers. That way we will all be more informed and can be confident on the subject.

[Dominum]

So far:
http://www.airsoftforum.com/board/lofiv ... 89274.html
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=14581.0

[SteevoLS]

The petroleum/propellants are destructive towards rubber and silicone. I'm saying that while it certainly does damage things, it does it at such a slow rate that it is not really a issue.

Bear in mind that most of these warnings are coming from the labels on cans, most of which (as I recall) are referring to natural rubbers like latex... not fancy schmancy hopup buckings and such.

[vanevery]

Dom.

No one has ever done an official lab test to know for sure what happens.
You should consider doing this.
It would be fairly cheap and easy to do.

Something like:
Buy three glass jars.
Buy three brand new Buckings.
Use Micro Calipers to measure each Bucking.

Fill each jar with off the shelf silicone spray.
Place a 40 degree Bucking in one jar.
Place a 50 or 60 degree Bucking in the second jar.
Place a 70 or 80 degree Bucking in the third jar.
Close the lids on all three jars.

Wait 12 months.
Open all three jars.
Use Micro Calipers to measure each Bucking.
Publish results.

BTW:
I did use off the shelf silicone spray for cleaning inner barrels, buckings, nubs and O-rings my first two years in working on airsoft guns.
Not once was there ever a problem as a result.

[Star_folder]

I follow the general rule of if it's flammable, then it doesn't go in my gun.

[Dominum]

Dom.

No one has ever done an official lab test to know for sure what happens.
You should consider doing this.
It would be fairly cheap and easy to do.

Something like:
Buy three glass jars.
Buy three brand new Buckings.
Use Micro Calipers to measure each Bucking.

Fill each jar with off the shelf silicone spray.
Place a 40 degree Bucking in one jar.
Place a 50 or 60 degree Bucking in the second jar.
Place a 70 or 80 degree Bucking in the third jar.
Close the lids on all three jars.

Wait 12 months.
Open all three jars.
Use Micro Calipers to measure each Bucking.
Publish results.

BTW:
I did use off the shelf silicone spray for cleaning inner barrels, buckings, nubs and O-rings my first two years in working on airsoft guns.
Not once was there ever a problem as a result.

Except that the propellants evaporate quickly, leaving just the silicon, meaning this test wouldn't help.

Funny you say that Kory, because just a few hours ago I verified that ICS airsoft spray silicone oil has flammable accelerants (petroleum distillates of some kind I have to assume) with a lighter and a giant fireball.

I'm cleaning the thread of all off topic posts.