How do you clean up spilled powder?

[*chris*]

Now that I have been reloading .223 I have a lot more spilled powder due to the Finocchi being hard to seat. How do you clean up the spilled powder on the floor? I have a Fein shop vac that is all plastic and has an anti-static hose, is this an ok approach or am I asked for trouble? It is around 40% rh in my basement and the floor is concrete.

Chris

 

[falcon123]

I just throw a match on it and cleans itself right up.

 

[houdini]

dust pan and broom

 

[Finalygotabeltfed]

If you're concerned about a static spark ignition, lightly mist the floor area as well as the hose and wand of the vacuum with water then vacuum it up. Dump the bag or contents outside away from the house afterwards.

 

[Gadsden]

Just send in the wife with the vacuum cleaner.

 

[Another_David]

I wouldn't use a vac wet or dry. It might not ignite right away but then you've got power residue in the vac.

Ideally use an old fashion hair dust broom. A paint brush would work too. Put in paper bag. Save for BBQ starting

 

[MAGG]

Just send in the wife with the vacuum cleaner.

 

[richc]

 

[marvelshooter]

I have not spilled any on the floor - yet - but when I spill some on the bench I clean it with a paint brush.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I had a shop vac light up on me once when I was vacuuming my reloading area. It had a mix of sawdust, wood shavings, and smokeless powder in it at the time. It was awe inspiring.

Fortunately, I have a walk-out basement. Except it was a run-out basement that day when I dragged the burning shop vac into the yard.. I've been sweeping it up since then.

 

[Fixxah]

I had a shop vac light up on me once when I was vacuuming my reloading area. It had a mix of sawdust, wood shavings, and smokeless powder in it at the time. It was awe inspiring.

Fortunately, I have a walk-out basement. Except it was a run-out basement that day when I dragged the burning shop vac into the yard.. I've been sweeping it up since then.

I would have shipped my pants.

-Trolling via S3.-

 

[swampy]

You guys clean up spilled powder?

 

[xtry51]

Large spills I sweep. General cleanup I vacuum.

 

[wolo]

I would have shipped my pants.

-Trolling via S3.-

I probably would have shipped a brick.

 

[Woodstock]

If it's an ongoing issue, try a small rug (4x6) under the press area. It catches the powder, and you can take it out and shake it clean.

 

[FrugalFannie]

I had a shop vac light up on me once when I was vacuuming my reloading area. It had a mix of sawdust, wood shavings, and smokeless powder in it at the time. It was awe inspiring.

Fortunately, I have a walk-out basement. Except it was a run-out basement that day when I dragged the burning shop vac into the yard.. I've been sweeping it up since then.

 

[jpm]

dust pan and brush then flush it down the sink or toilet

 

[*chris*]

If it's an ongoing issue, try a small rug (4x6) under the press area. It catches the powder, and you can take it out and shake it clean.

No, I am doing fine now, but when I was first setting up the press for .223 there was a lot of spilled powder. Sounds like I should be fine sweeping up the large messes and vacuuming whatever is left.

Chris

 

[MA_Shooter]

If it's an ongoing issue, try a small rug (4x6) under the press area. It catches the powder, and you can take it out and shake it clean.

A plastic mat might be easier to clean up..Home Depot and Lowes sells carpet runners by the foot.

 

[Bendad97]

A match or propane torch will take care of it just fine.

 

[KBCraig]

dust pan and brush then flush it down the sink or toilet

Flush it? That's a waste of good fertilizer. Sprinkle it in your garden or flower beds. It decomposes naturally and is a great source of nitrates.

 

[Fixxah]

No, I am doing fine now, but when I was first setting up the press for .223 there was a lot of spilled powder. Sounds like I should be fine sweeping up the large messes and vacuuming whatever is left.

Chris

Keep a fire extinguisher and exit at the ready.

If it's an ongoing issue, try a small rug (4x6) under the press area. It catches the powder, and you can take it out and shake it clean.

Static is what you want to avoid.

-Trolling via S3.-

 

[jpm]

Flush it? That's a waste of good fertilizer. Sprinkle it in your garden or flower beds. It decomposes naturally and is a great source of nitrates.

Never considered that! Thanks

 

[ksimons]

I had a shop vac light up on me once when I was vacuuming my reloading area. It had a mix of sawdust, wood shavings, and smokeless powder in it at the time. It was awe inspiring.

Fortunately, I have a walk-out basement. Except it was a run-out basement that day when I dragged the burning shop vac into the yard.. I've been sweeping it up since then.

I like this story, I can picture this happening to me.

 

[*chris*]

Keep a fire extinguisher and exit at the ready.



Static is what you want to avoid.

-Trolling via S3.-

I have a walk-out basement as well and a pair of running shoes, I will be vigilant!

Chris

 

[Zappa]

I just sweep it up and burn it off in a coffee can:

 

[browniee]

roll up a dollar bill or a 100 if you have one and then,,,,,,,,,,

 

[dustoff22]

I turn my Roomba loose and leave the area and listen carefully for any strange noises.

 

[Sir_Macadoo]

clean it with fire. seriously.

 

[kilroth]

Sweep large masses, and I get the small stuff with a lint roller.