What is everybody's favorite degreaser that won't attack aluminum?
It depends on what I'm cleaning and how gunked up it is.
I generally use Low Odor Mineral Spirits (aka, less stinky paint thinner).
I'm also fond of WD-40 and a toothbrush. WD-40 is a great solvent and the aerosol gives it some good flushing action. WD-40 has a de-greaser now but it seems just like regular WD-40. Some will scoff at this technique but...when I get an old gunked up reel and I don't have time (or bench space) to do a complete restoration; I take the sideplate off and hit all that old grease (and sand) with WD-40. I flush the bail pivots and rotor cup also and then give it a spin. The WD will loosen the gunk and will also let me feel the bearings and if there are bent or worn parts. This way I know what parts to purchase before a complete service. Then when I do get the opportunity to do the job, the old grease has been marinating and loosening.
Some of the Abu Ambassadeur guys like to soak bearings in lighter fluid. I'll do this sometimes for small jobs or small parts. A teaspoon full in a shot-glass is all it takes.
I also use the lighter fluid or alcohol on a Q-tip for very small detail work or just touching up some external grease residue. Either one are just easier than pouring from a gallon can of Mineral Spirits and they don't have the overspray of WD-40.
I'm sure you will get lots of opinions as we all have our favorites.
-Mike
I am embarrassed to admit how dependent I am on WR-40.
I'm going to add this one...Paslode cleaner. I have never used it but Sal highly recommended so it has to be the best. It's an aerosol and is said to be pure magic in a can...and it's safe for plastic. You can never go wrong with Sal's advice.
https://www.paslode.com/products/accessories/cordless-tool-cleaner
Anybody try this product?
https://www.amazon.com/WD-40-Specialist-Industrial-Strength-Degreaser-Non-Aerosol/dp/B06ZY6JZJK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&hvadid=178131043814&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9016806&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10486827464347472842&hvtargid=kwd-17528323870&hydadcr=2396_9913993&keywords=wd40%2Bdegreaser&qid=1626234524&sr=8-3&th=1
I haven't tried that yet. I'm using the WD-40 - 300281 Specialist Industrial Strength Degreaser. It's an aerosol and it smells just like regular WD but is said to have more solvents in it. It works good but next time I'm going to try Sal's Paslode Cleaner. He really raved about how effective it is.
-Mike
WD40, charcoal lighter fluid, acetone, and denatured alcohol are my preferences. Which one depends on the specifics of what I'm degreasing.
Of the above I think I've had the best results with charcoal lighter fluid, especially with bearings.
For general cleaning of reel parts odorless Mineral Spirits. I still use one of the red parts washers with a plastic bowl inside. The reel parts go into a metal colander so they don't get lost. If a small part gets out of the colander it will be in the plastic bowl.
Passload is good for roller clutches. Spray brake cleaner for bearings. It's not as stinky as carburetor cleaner.
Kerosene. Mostly because I have 10 gallons of it that was here when I bought my house. Bill
VM&P Naphtha.