[nevergore]

I use kerosene to clean parts with....far less volitile than gasoline....

However, I’ve used gas in a pinch.....

But when I do, I make sure I’m outside and away from any ignition source.....If I splash some on my clothes I leave them outside to air out......Any rags used are also left outside.....

Sigh....I bet this guy still runs with sissors....

[Gator113]

I wouldn’t want him riding next to me.

I don’t, won’t and never have had to use gasoline as a solvent. I have one more rule for anyone helping me. Drinking is okay when tearing her down and completely unacceptable while putting her back together. Works for me. ;>)

[Greysard]

I use kerosene to clean parts with....far less volitile than gasoline.... However, I’ve used gas in a pinch

I always used gasoline, and never kerosene - primarily because it's harder to get kerosene. Right now, for example, I have no clue who sells it nearby, but I have a pretty good idea where to get gasoline :-) And I always have about 3 gal of gasoline for my garden tools, so it's easy to access.

But one thing you need to watch for, besides fire, is gasoline poisoning. It enters through skin easily. But it is an excellent solvent for car/motorcycle work, and it is cheap, and it evaporates quickly. I don't smoke, so fire was never a serious danger.

[Free in Texas]

One thing that alot DIYs don’t realize is that any “safe” petroleum based solvent commonly used for parts cleaning can become highly volatile if the temperature of the solvent is raised even a few degrees. I found this out firsthand the hard way on a drilling rig one starry night out in west Texas. Yup.

[Rudolphus]

I am a Firefighter and am in charge of a lot of our public education curriculum including elementary and middle school programs. One of the big things I try to educate on is not using gasoline for lighting fires as it is just too dangerous. Kerosene is a much safer choice. One of the demonstrations I do is dropping a lit match into a beaker of kerosene because it doesn’t start on fire. I also do the same thing with gasoline and it always lights right up. I also happen to keep a gallon of kerosene in my garage for aid in starting campfires and occasionally cleaning mechanical things. Additionally I would like to mention a supply of medical exam type gloves are great to have around to keep your hands free from solvents which always seem to leave residue and smell on unprotected body parts.

[1raider1]

Thanks for using this man’s misfortune to tell us all how intelligent YOU are.