The solvents I use (Hoppe's No. 9 all-purpose, Hoppe's Powder Solvent, Hoppe's Benchrest, and Outer's foaming bore cleaner) are all pretty persistent when they get on stuff. Sure, you can wipe it up, but I can never seem to get things (especially hands) squeaky clean of them because I haven't found anything that dissolves them properly. I go around for hours or even a full day with my hands smelling like Hoppe's after a cleaning session, and I don't like it much. (Wonder if my liver likes it either, but that's another story.)

So what out there really dissolves this stuff? Detergents don't seem to work, and neither does alcohol. Do I need to go straight to laquer thinner or what?

All those solvents mentioned have different makeups. I suspect the Hoppes #9 and the Benchrest are different only in the copper reducing agent which is most likely ammonia. Hoppes definitely has a lubricant in it. The oil probably holds that scent we all know and love and that is why it stays with you. A cover of that strong scent or a neutralizer like scent shield of febreeze may work. Other than that, warm water and soap are the only option.

Most of us like the great smell of Brut,.....I mean Hoppes.

Why not just put the solvent on the patches instead of your hands? I've never had any problems getting the small amount off my hands with just soap and water,usually a soap like Dove which I believe is a detergent. Dish detergent does a good job of getting most things off your hands. I use a large syringe with a flat tipped "needle" to apply hoppes to the patches, you can lay it on it side or however you want and no solvent will come out, keeps the mess to a minimum.

If you are concerned about liver damage from Hoppes, perhaps you should alleviate those fears with a nice glass of Scotch..it'll take your mind off such problems. Chivas Regal seems to work well for me.

If you are concerned about liver damage from Hoppes, perhaps you should alleviate those fears with a nice glass of Scotch..it'll take your mind off such problems. Chivas Regal seems to work well for me.

Svedka's been working well for me. :D I'm not a scotch man (not yet) but the vodka's been buffering my liver most agreeably. Cheers!

Hehe, I read that as "What solves dissent"
Lysdexics untie!

"What solves dissent"

Same answer:

Chivas Regal

Hehe, I read that as "What solves dissent"
Lysdexics untie!

Hahahahahehe! I'm glad my first cup of coffee was gone when I read that. I hate coffee up my nose. A friend of mine has been regarded as a "crackerjack" controls engineer, but he cannot write a letter or email correctly to save his life. Of course, I'm a better engineer. ;) It is an unwritten law that all controls engineers that survive the first 5 years in the business think they are the best engineer around. Just ask any ony of us, we'll tell you. :)

Sorry about the OT diversion.

Live well

Waterless hand cleaner takes it off. Any auto parts store will have half a dozen to choose from. I like Fast Orange.