Where to buy 99% Isopropyl

[Shogun]

I've been using 91% isopropyl for a while now however it leaves behind some impurities which I have clean up after (white film). I've been to Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens but nobody carries 99% nor knows where to get it. I know you can get it online but its hazmat so the shipping jacks the price up. You used to be able to get it everywhere so I'm kind of confused. Did kids start drinking the stuff and they decided to just take it off the shelves or what?

[gtmtnbiker]

Personally, I have used denatured alcohol without any issues.

[AppleQueso]

Have you tried hardware stores and the like?

[Hobie-wan]

If you're cleaning carts and whatnot, just buy electrical contact cleaner instead.

[Anapan]

You could try asking pharmacists for it. I can get 99% off the shelf at most pharmacies/drug stores in BC, but when I asked some pharmacists for stronger hydrogen peroxide for making Retr0bright I had to try 3 different places before one of them actually took a look in his book and offered to order some in for me.

Arctic Silver recommends xylene (contact cleaner) to clean CPU heatsinks before applying their heatsink compound. I have a couple of small bottles of it that came with VHS and cassette tape head cleaners. They reference the cleaning products "Goof Off" and most automotive brake-cleaner sprays as being made of high-purity xylene.

It might be too strong for contact cleaning, but acetone evaporates much faster than isopropyl alcohol and should be 100% volatile (meaning it shouldn't leave any residue). You can get acetone at any autobody/paint supply shop for cheap and it's much stronger than isopropyl alcohol. It'll strip plastic, paint, rubber, glue, and oxidization/corrosion off metal leaving a clean shiny surface.

I've also heard that DeOxit is good. My friend used it on electric guitars when he was repairing them. Don't know anything about it really tho. He got it at the same electronics store he got new potentiometers at.

[Shogun]

I did ask 3 different pharmacists and they just shook their head and said if it isn't on the shelf then they don't have it. Rubbing alcohol is just a good all around cleaner and I try to avoid stuff thats too toxic just in case it wears down anything over time. I'll check out the hardware store next. They probably just carry acetone and denatured alcohol. I have no idea where to get electrical contact cleaner locally.

[Hobie-wan]

I have no idea where to get electrical contact cleaner locally.

Hmm, Rat Shack appears to only carry a ridiculously small and expensive pack. Fry's website doesn't carry any of the stuff that the store carries. There's gotta be somewhere near you that carries electronics components and things that will have some.

[Shogun]

I have no idea where to get electrical contact cleaner locally.

Hmm, Rat Shack appears to only carry a ridiculously small and expensive pack. Fry's website doesn't carry any of the stuff that the store carries. There's gotta be somewhere near you that carries electronics components and things that will have some.

I found 99% Isopropyl on Frys website but it says unavailable.

[Hobie-wan]

I meant contact cleaner, sorry.

[ColKlink]

You can probably obtain electronic contact cleaner from an auto parts store. It will be cheaper and come in a much larger can. I believe CRC makes it.