Cleaning Your Weapon Light

Published on May 2, 2021
Duration: 7:35

This guide details how to effectively clean carbon and soot buildup from weapon light lenses without causing damage. It emphasizes avoiding abrasives and harsh chemicals, recommending simple household items like dish soap and toothpaste for stubborn grime. A final step involves applying a thin lubricant film to the lens to prevent future buildup, ensuring optimal performance of your tactical light.

Quick Summary

To clean soot and carbon off a weapon light lens, avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals. For stubborn grime, apply toothpaste, work it in, and rinse. Finally, apply a thin film of lubricant to prevent future buildup, ensuring optimal performance of your tactical light.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Cleaning Weapon Lights
  2. 00:03The Problem: Soot on Your Light
  3. 00:08Why Lights Get Smoky
  4. 00:22Not Ruined: Light Maintenance
  5. 00:26Age-Old Question for New Shooters
  6. 00:33Cleaning Methods & Prevention
  7. 00:41Personal Cleaning Routine
  8. 00:44Streamlight TLR-1 HL Review
  9. 00:51Favorite Pistol Light
  10. 00:56TLR-1 HL: The Do-All Light
  11. 01:03Comparison to X300
  12. 01:09No Problems with TLR-1 HL
  13. 01:14Warning: Avoid Abrasives
  14. 01:17Dulling the Glass
  15. 01:23Headlight Analogy
  16. 01:32Body Finish Damage
  17. 01:41Lubricant Treatment for Lights
  18. 01:44Applying Lubricant
  19. 01:48Initial Cleaning with T-Shirt Tail
  20. 01:53Improved Visibility
  21. 02:01Soot Doesn't Stick as Well
  22. 02:07Getting the Light Clean
  23. 02:13Carbon Buildup Close-up
  24. 02:19Why Avoid Harsh Chemicals
  25. 02:25Chemicals Can Hurt the Lens
  26. 02:31Destroying Finishes
  27. 02:36Applicable to All Lights
  28. 02:40Suggest Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
  29. 02:47Using Dish Soap (Dawn)
  30. 02:55Working Soap with Finger
  31. 03:02Using an Old Toothbrush
  32. 03:08Rinsing with Water
  33. 03:13Reasonably Better Clean
  34. 03:21Still Works, But Can Improve
  35. 03:26Trying Something Else: Toothpaste
  36. 03:27Toothpaste for Cleaning
  37. 03:35Toothpaste with Grit
  38. 03:42Working Toothpaste In
  39. 03:44Toothpaste Working Better Than Soap
  40. 03:55Black and Muddy Residue
  41. 04:09Lens Not Shown Yet
  42. 04:10Black Stuff Removed
  43. 04:15Permanent Damage to Finish
  44. 04:19Over 10,000 Rounds
  45. 04:26Lens Looks Nearly Brand-New
  46. 04:39Final Result: Almost Brand-New
  47. 04:44Cleaning When T-Shirt Isn't Enough
  48. 04:46The 'Secret' Cleaning Method
  49. 04:52Online Questions About Lens Cleaning
  50. 04:57How to Clean Black Crap Off Lens
  51. 05:02Rub Toothpaste, Rinse, Treat
  52. 05:08Treating the Lens with Oil
  53. 05:15Protecting the Lens
  54. 05:18Thanks for Watching
  55. 05:19Call to Action: Like, Share, Subscribe
  56. 05:23Support the Channel
  57. 05:26Share the Video
  58. 05:31Hit the Notification Bell
  59. 05:35We'll Talk Later

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean soot and carbon off a weapon light lens?

To clean soot and carbon off a weapon light lens, avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals. For light buildup, use a t-shirt tail. For stubborn grime, apply toothpaste, work it in, and rinse. Finally, apply a thin film of lubricant to prevent future buildup.

Can I use toothpaste to clean my weapon light?

Yes, toothpaste can be an effective cleaner for stubborn carbon and soot on weapon light lenses. Its mild grit helps lift the residue. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and apply a thin lubricant film to protect the lens.

What should I avoid when cleaning a weapon light lens?

You should avoid using any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals when cleaning a weapon light lens. Abrasives can scratch and permanently dull the glass, while harsh chemicals may damage the lens or the light's finish.

How can I prevent carbon buildup on my weapon light?

After cleaning your weapon light lens, apply a very thin film of firearm lubricant or oil. This creates a barrier that makes it harder for soot and carbon to stick, keeping your lens cleaner for longer.

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