1911 cleaning lessons learned

[NikatKimber]

I swept the entire garage one day then pulled out a magnet to go over the pile of debris. Finally found the spring for the magazine catch on my old P220. Also did the hands and knees move in my livingroom looking for a spring for my Glock. It was then when I learned the value of a 2 gallon ziplock bag. Really keeps those boing, bing, ting, tick, tick, tick pieces from launching into orbit.

Hanging a towel and aiming whatever springloaded part you're dealing with at it works pretty well too.

 

[338Shooter]

Most small parts and springs are carpet and grass soluble. It sucks.

 

[JMS]

Don't worry, just fire up the lawn mower. You'll find it in no time.

Ya sure. With my luck, it would fly out of the mower and over the fence striking the elderly man across the street. I then go to jail for assault with parts from a deadly weapon and spend 20 in the clink. No thanks! I value my freedom too much, kind sir. :O

 

[druryj]

You know how it seems that everything slows down as you watch the tiny spring that you just launched arch up, up and away and then come down...never to be seen again? And you know it? And you swear that you will use a clear plastic bag next time..but you don't?

 

[beast1989]

Ya sure. With my luck, it would fly out of the mower and over the fence striking the elderly man across the street. I then go to jail for assault with parts from a deadly weapon and spend 20 in the clink...

rofl yall are crazy haha.

 

[oneof79]

You want spring force? Casually pull the buttstock off of an FAL one time.

My son ejected a full clip out of my Garand this weekend while the bolt was back. Thump,,,ohh is what I heard, looked over there and he was holding his face.

 

[pinkhamr]

Large magnet in use here too ........ 'very' helpful ........

 

[Fyrtwuck]

Magnetic parts bowls and retractable magnets are your friend.

 

[_CY_]

another magnet fan .. a neodymium magnet works good... increases odds of finding tiny springs to 50% range vs close to zero for me without magnet.

spare tiny springs and parts are exceeding handy to have around.

 

[RickN]

A magnet is very handy. I have one of those telescoping types so it is easier to just walk around swinging it back and forth.