You don’t need a lot of specialized knowledge to clean a Glock. But you do need to know how to clean a dirty Glock 17 slide—and not just in general, but specifically for your Glock 17.
There are many different variations of the Glock pistol. The standard ones that most people think of have a rough textured finish on the slide, grip, and other components. These guns are so easy to handle and maintain that they are often used by police departments, security companies, and even hunters who want an easily concealable rifle that is easy to load, clear, and reload.
What is the best way to clean a dirty Glock 17 slide?
There are three main methods for cleaning any Glock:
- With a cleaner/solvent like Hoppes.
- With a degreaser like Break Clean.
- With a vinegar/water solution.
The solvents and degreasers are much more aggressive than the vinegar solution, so they will generally do a better job of cleaning the gun. However, they are also much more likely to strip some of the coatings of your Glock. The vinegar solution is less likely to damage the coating, but it’s not as effective at cleaning the gun. So, to summarize: the solvents and degreasers are better at cleaning the gun, and the vinegar is better at protecting the gun.
How to Clean a Dirty Glock 17 Slide with Brake Cleaner
Brake cleaner is a chemical solvent designed to clean off the nasty buildup that can build up on the inside of a car’s engine. It’s pretty rough stuff, but it will clean off a dirty Glock 17 slide pretty well.
When cleaning the slide with brake cleaner, make sure that you cover your hands and any other exposed parts of your body. Remember, if any cleaner gets on your skin, it can cause chemical burns.
First, remove any magazine in the gun and make sure the chamber is clear. Next, pour a small amount of brake cleaner on an old rag. Rub the rag on the slide and other parts of the gun that might have buildup on them. Use a new section of the rag for the frame, the back of the slide, and any other parts that are particularly sensitive to chemicals. You might have to use a toothbrush to scrub the nooks and crannies of the slide.
How to Clean a Glock 17 Slide with Hexane
The solvent hexane is sometimes used to clean parts on a car engine. It’s also a very effective solvent to clean a dirty Glock 17 slide. When cleaning the slide with hexane, make sure you cover your hands and any other parts of your body that are exposed. If any solvents get on your skin, it can cause burns.
First, remove any magazine in the gun and make sure the chamber is clear. Next, pour a small amount of hexane on an old rag. Rub the rag on the slide and other parts of the gun that might have buildup on them. Use a new section of the rag for the frame, the back of the slide, and any other parts that are particularly sensitive to chemicals. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the nooks and crannies of the slide.
How to Clean a Dirty Glock 17 Slide with Gun Solvent
There are many different types of gun solvents. Some are made specifically for cleaning pistols, while others are designed to clean rifles or shotguns. Some of the most common solvents are carbon tetrachloride, methyl ethyl ketone, and trichloroethylene. Depending on the solvent, you may have to wear specialized equipment such as respirators while cleaning your Glock. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your Glock with a solvent like acetone or methyl ethyl ketone.
When cleaning the slide with gun solvent, make sure you cover your hands and any other parts of your body that are exposed.
First, remove any magazine in the gun and make sure the chamber is clear. Next, pour a small amount of solvent on an old rag. Rub the rag on the slide and other parts of the gun that might have buildup on them. Use a new section of the rag for the frame, the back of the slide, and any other parts that are particularly sensitive to chemicals. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the nooks and crannies of the slide.
Final assembly tips for your Glock 17
When you’re finished cleaning your Glock, don’t just put the gun away. It’s a good idea to give the gun a quick inspection and make sure everything is functioning correctly. You can even go so far as to conduct a basic function test, as long as no one is around and you’re not at a range. If you clean the gun thoroughly, there should be no debris in the firing mechanism. However, it’s good to do a quick inspection to make sure nothing is obstructing the firing path.
First, make sure the magazine is removed. Next, rack the slide and watch to see if any dirt or dust flies out of the gun. If there is, you’ll want to find it and remove it before it causes a jam or malfunction.
Final Notes
Cleaning a dirty Glock 17 slide can be daunting if you don’t know how to tackle the job. But with the right cleaning supplies and procedures, it’s not that difficult. You don’t have to clean your Glock every time you use it, but it’s a good idea to do a quick cleaning every couple of months. If you clean your gun on a regular basis, the chances of a significant buildup of grime and gunk are a lot lower, which will help keep your gun in good working order for longer.
