Flatline cleaning myth/help
Printed From: Tippmann Paintball
Category: Paintball Equipment
Forum Name: Gun Maintenace and Repair
Forum Description: Important info for keeping your marker in top shape
URL: http://www.tippmannsports.com/forum/wwf77a/forum_posts.asp?TID=164410
Printed Date: 04 December 2025 at 4:53pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Flatline cleaning myth/help
Posted By: Tippmann_playa
Subject: Flatline cleaning myth/help
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 2:36pm
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I have just purchased a flatline with weaver mount shroud. I have learned that the flatline walls have a type of fine grit sand. The pro shop owner told me that repeatedly using a rubber flexible squeegee would damage the walls, so he told me to put the flatline itself in boiling water. Now I’m not just going to go throw the barrel in boiling water so have any of you ever heard of this? True, false ? Thanks for the help! ------------- Tippmann A-5 APE Rampage 68/3000(remote) Collapsible Carbine Stock JCS Double Finger Flatline w/ Battle Shroud 14' Progressive Rifled Squeeshies Lightning Rod Vortex Mod Sly Profit EMRD |
Replies:
Posted By: phil_stl
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 2:41pm
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I think the guy doesn't know what he's talking about. The rubber
sweegee shouldn't damage the sandblasted internal of the barrel that
much. I was told the barrel should last to around 100 000 shots
before needing to be re-sanblasted and if you did need it to be
re-sandblasted Tippmann would do it for free!! So I say use a sweegee, the fiber one that comes with the barrel is probably the best one to use. |
Posted By: Tippmann_playa
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 2:44pm
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Yea. Because putting a sand blasted item into boiling water didn't make sense. I have only broken 1 ball so far using evil paint (500 rounds) and the squeegee did it's job just fine. Is that still an offer with regards to the free sandblasting? ------------- Tippmann A-5 APE Rampage 68/3000(remote) Collapsible Carbine Stock JCS Double Finger Flatline w/ Battle Shroud 14' Progressive Rifled Squeeshies Lightning Rod Vortex Mod Sly Profit EMRD |
Posted By: phil_stl
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 2:54pm
| Tippmann has the best customer service ever. If their product stops working under normal use they will fix or replace it! |
Posted By: Tippmann_playa
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 2:59pm
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Thanks a lot man very good to know. ------------- Tippmann A-5 APE Rampage 68/3000(remote) Collapsible Carbine Stock JCS Double Finger Flatline w/ Battle Shroud 14' Progressive Rifled Squeeshies Lightning Rod Vortex Mod Sly Profit EMRD |
Posted By: phil_stl
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 4:13pm
| no prob. |
Posted By: Shadowminion
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 7:14pm
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Tippmann also recommends cleaning the Flatline barrel in hot soapy water , which if done and dried properly wont hurt it either . Boiling does seem a bit extreme .
------------- SL68-II , micro honed and polished .688" bore . Tuff Enuf . Widowmaker , under construction |
Posted By: paintballinbill
Date Posted: 13 February 2007 at 8:33pm
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i've always used squeegies when out in the field, but when i get home, i use hot, soapy water. works like a charm... ------------- 98 Custom milled;painted;J&J Ceramic;X-Chamber;R/T;Cyclone. |
Posted By: Bruce A. Frank
Date Posted: 14 February 2007 at 12:38pm
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Because of the bead blasted internal surface texture of the Flatline, paintball shells wear and leave residue that clogs and smooths over the friction surface. Even if you don't break paint, the barrel needs to be cleaned with hot soapy water, while running a squeegee back and forth through it, to keep the barrel functioning correctly. The internal surface is tough and does not quickly wear out. (100,000+ rounds through is a correct number)Tippmann has supplied both rubber squeegees and mop type pull through cleaners with the Flatline. Both work Okay. When I break paint, I like to use the rubber squeegee then follow it with the mop type to clean it best in the field. While actually in play, I use one of the "shove it down the muzzle" mop type. Putting the barrel in boiling water will not hurt it in any way...it will just do a better job of removing ball residue from the bore. Dawn dish detergent is a good soap choice because it leaves no soap residue. -------------  
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Posted By: biohazard420
Date Posted: 15 February 2007 at 1:58am
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use warm water and put some dish washing soap in it. leave it for about 20min . then run the sqegee through it like 10 times and ur set. ------------- UpeR |
Posted By: hardball_67
Date Posted: 18 February 2007 at 7:41pm
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I use soapy water at home and half water and half rubbing alcohol mixed in a spray bottle at the field if needed. |
Posted By: SSOK
Date Posted: 22 February 2007 at 2:30pm
That will more that likely eat your O-Rings if it comes in contact. ------------- 
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hardball_67 wrote:Posted By: Bruce A. Frank
Date Posted: 22 February 2007 at 8:55pm
Alcohol will not harm the "O" rings. -------------
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Posted By: Ken Majors
Date Posted: 23 February 2007 at 12:02am
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Someone on here a long time ago suggested shooting cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol/H20 mix to clean while on the field. Small baggie with them in your pocket....if you break paint, blast a cotton ball through there and dry fire a few times. Back in business.
Probably easier with a 98 than an A-5. I tried it a few times...I still had to squeegee. It worked pretty well at cleaning out the flatline though. Minimize ball breakage by using good paint. ------------- RLTW |
Posted By: hardball_67
Date Posted: 23 February 2007 at 6:49pm
I'm talking taking the flatL off and spraying the mixture in the barrel before you sqygy it. No O rings involved. |