SHOP SWABS

SHOP SWABS Reviews & Ratings

Large, wire-handled, dauber-type swab. Excellent for flooding on cold blues and many other shop applications.


SPECS:
  • .75" (19.0mm) diameter
  • 3.54" (9.0cm) overall
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Reviews Summary
While many users appreciate the versatility and utility of the SHOP SWABS, there are growing concerns about a change in material that affects absorbency and performance. Some reviews highlight their effectiveness for cleaning and applying solutions, but numerous customers express disappointment over lint production and reduced functionality compared to previous versions. Overall, they still find uses in cleaning firearms, albeit with some caveats.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Product Quality
70%
The quality of the SHOP SWABS has come into question, with users reporting a decline in effectiveness due to a change in materials. Many long-time users loved the previous versions, which were absorbent and lint-free, while the newer iterations are criticized for poor absorbency and excess lint.
Versatility
60%
Despite the quality concerns, many reviewers appreciate the swabs' versatility. They find them useful for various applications, from cleaning firearm receivers to applying rust bluing. Users often share creative ways to utilize the swabs beyond their intended purpose, highlighting their adaptability.
Lint Issue
50%
A significant number of reviewers mention that the new swabs leave lint behind during use, which is inconvenient and can complicate the cleaning process. This issue notably detracts from their overall effectiveness, with some users feeling that more follow-up cleaning is required.
Performance for Specific Tasks
40%
Reviewers have varying experiences regarding the swabs' performance for specific tasks like rust bluing. While they can be useful for initial cleaning phases, the lack of absorbency hampers their effectiveness for detailed applications, sometimes necessitating the use of additional tools or products.
User Satisfaction
50%
There is a mix of satisfaction and disappointment among users. Some express unwavering loyalty and continued use of the product, while others voice frustration over the declining standards and quality of the latest swabs, hoping for a return to more effective materials.
1
Material changed from old swabs
The old swabs were absorbent, and fantastic. These are NOT those swabs, unfortunately!! Seems these are a polymer, instead of the natural fiber swabs of years ago. I don't know where to find the old style anymore, and hope Brownells will change suppliers back to the good ones (Please!)
1
Update to earlier review
The last order of these swabs is very disappointing. They are obviously made of a different material than previous orders and have very poor absorbency. They are unusable for rust bluing as they 'wet' only at the point of contact with the solution and the solution remains concentrated in this small area. It was not possible for me to get thin applications of the rust bluing solution. They may be suitable for other purposes but are unsatisfactory for rust bluing.