Improvising after SHTF

[GP100]

Was cleaning my gun today and starting thinking, what would I use to keep this clean after SHTF? After supplies run out? What to use for solvent, etc? What do you think?

And then, beyond that, I was figuring a thread for improvising would be a good idea in general. How about improvising for toothpaste, soap, etc. etc. after SHTF supplies run out?

[Anarch]

Improv!!! I love it!

Solvents? Acetone, ...20% vinegar maybe..Pico or TOM would know better then I.

Toothpaste? Brushing is important even with out tooth paste... Soap? Watch fight club make soap!

[pico]

Take a piss down your barrel. Seriously, urine is good stuff. Make vinegar from fermented juice, or if you have the know how, make a still using non lead based solder and have a drink and also another good option for cleaning.

BTW, my wife was a dental assistant for a brief time and learned that simply brushing your teeth is far more important than any toothpaste. Much of the stuff sold as dental hygiene products is a waste of money.

[GP100]

So for a gun cleaner, vinegar and/or urine wouldn't be corrosive / rust the metal (stainless steal) over time?

[pico]

Perhaps over time, but if you are trying to neutralize corrosive residue in some ammo, nothing works better than ammonia. I use windex when cleaning all of my mil surp ammo eating guns. Then I actually run a wet patch down the barrel, and then I run a light coat of oil down the barrel to prevent any corrosion. All of my barrels look great. I would have no problems taking a piss down a barrel, and then washing it off even further with water. I do not have a substitute for gun oil for rust prevention. Oil is oil, though, so if you only have auto oil, then use it. It will not be the best, but it beats nothing, especially if you are in an area with very high humidity like Florida or the Gulf Coast.

[Tsunami]

Toothpaste, cleaning wounds, sore throats, anti-perspirant, eye infection = Salt

Burns, gun cleaning? = Bicarbinate soda.

Antibacterial = Tea tree oil.

Antibiotic = Garlic.

Cleaning infected wounds = Maggots.

Sealing wounds = Ants (country depending).

Pain relief = Poppy seeds.

Sealing cracks = Melted crisp packets, wax.

Shaving = Taught string.

Holes in shoes = Carrier bag between socks and shoes.

Resulting Athletes Foot = Sunlight.

Diarrhoea = Salt water (small amounnt).

Drinking vessel = Crisp packet.

Fever = Submerge in cool water.

Hypothermia = Hugs!

Keeping hair out of face = Knickers.

Keeping trousers up after weightloss = Bandage grips attached to top.

Guard dogs, burglar alarms = Stategic placing of poisonous spider/snake skins.

Fly repulsion = Lavender.

[Ningishiddza]

Was cleaning my gun today and starting thinking, what would I use to keep this clean after SHTF?

I wouldn't worry about it. You can always scavenge. If you can afford it, get a small Faraday Cage and store things like night vision goggles or thermal imagers and such in it. Those things are handy for night-time foraging raids. Always use Backwards Planning for your raids too, unless have experienced people.

[pico]

So ningi, what you are saying is to not make any preps other than those that will enable you to prey on others. That is a lame ass approach, as you are not only hurting others, but also putting yourself in harms way. What happens when you are caught stealing when TSHTF? DO you think people will be tolerant? Are you going to get a fair trial, or will the townsfolk or whoever your potential victim is play prosecutor, jury, and judge, delivering swift justice?

Take some precautions and have yourself supplies in place where you do not need to scavenge and prey on others.

[Tired Old Man]

Was cleaning my gun today and starting thinking, what would I use to keep this clean after SHTF? After supplies run out? What to use for solvent, etc? What do you think?

And then, beyond that, I was figuring a thread for improvising would be a good idea in general. How about improvising for toothpaste, soap, etc. etc. after SHTF supplies run out?

Looks to me like you just started a thread for improvising. I would think plenty of used oil could be found to prevent rust on any hand gun.


Take a piss down your barrel. Seriously, urine is good stuff. Make vinegar from fermented juice, or if you have the know how, make a still using non lead based solder and have a drink and also another good option for cleaning.

BTW, my wife was a dental assistant for a brief time and learned that simply brushing your teeth is far more important than any toothpaste. Much of the stuff sold as dental hygiene products is a waste of money.

It would seem taking a piss is not only a good feeling but has many uses. I've thought about using sand to clean cast iron pans, then rinse with water. I'll save my piss for cleaning guns then oil with any oil I can find.


I wouldn't worry about it. You can always scavenge. If you can afford it, get a small Faraday Cage and store things like night vision goggles or thermal imagers and such in it. Those things are handy for night-time foraging raids. Always use Backwards Planning for your raids too, unless have experienced people.

Pico I agree with you Ning sucks. Sad to say I know a lot of people like him. But he does make a good point. Nothing wrong with scavenging . Stealing is another story. I'm not sure if that was what he was suggesting.
But I'll let him explain it.

[pico]

Any time I hear the word raid, that to me implies theft. Scavenging is fine if the objects have been discarded by their previous owners, or the owners are no longer breathing to claim them as their own... and only the last part when TSHTF. Try that now and you would be a thief stealing from the next of kin.

[oldsoldier]

And then, beyond that, I was figuring a thread for improvising would be a good idea in general. How about improvising for toothpaste, soap, etc. etc. after SHTF supplies run out?

Toothpaste you can use baking soda for one.

Soap yucca root makes a great soap alternative and is good for your hair as well.

upset stomach? try blackberry tea. or even sasafrass tea.

Female problems? Black cohosh and blood root.

Sore muscles and bruises? crushed daisy flowers.

Head ache or tooth ache? Willow bark.

Give me a little time to think and I can give you several more like....

Golden seal is one of the best antibiotics/ cold remedies you'll ever find.