CLP Break Free vs Hoppes No. 9- Which One to Choose?

Firearms require thorough cleaning and maintenance to function at their optimal level. The longevity of any firearm depends on the care and effort you put into their maintenance.

To help you get the most out of your weapons we will be looking at two popular gun cleaning products, Break Free CLP (Clean, Lubricate and Protect) and Hoppes No. 9. Although both products are meant to clean guns there are differences in their compositions and applications.

In this article, we will compare the CLP’s cleaner and Hoppes and provide an in-depth analysis on both these lubricants.

So, let’s get right to it!

Table of Contents

Overview of the Products

CLP Break Free

CLP’s Break Free is a three-in-one, multi purpose cleaner that combines cleaning, lubricating and protecting into one product. It is one of the most popular choices among firearm owners because of its effectiveness and adaptability.

CLP is a combination of solvents, lubricants and rust/corrosion inhibitors that all work in tandem to safeguard your firearms. The main ingredient of CLP is polyalphaolefin oil and because of its versatility CLP is used by the military to clean all their weapons.

Hoppe’s

Hoppe’s has been one of the most widely used gun cleaners for over a hundred years. Hoppe’s was created in 1903 by Frank Hoppe who was a soldier and understood the importance of a clean hence understood the importance of a well lubricated and clean gun.

Hoppe’s No. 9 is their ever popular and versatile gun cleaner and is a solvent based cleaner designed to remove powder, lead, copper fouling and rust.

There are many other products in the Hoppe’s lineup like Hoppe’s Elite, Hoppe’s Gun Medic and Hoppe’s BoreSnake among others.

Amount of Wear

According to the tests run with multiple gun maintainence products, Hoppes No. 9 consistently beats the CLP’s products (7.72 mm vs. 4.41 mm).

This is perhaps due to the fact that Hoppe’s generally takes a longer time to get viscous and also lower temperatures since it has a wider working temperature range.

The only setup that was able to outperform Hoppe’s No. 9 was their own Hoppe’s 9 Kit, which has a seperate lube and cleaner.

Safety and Performance

CLP Break Free Cleaner

One of the main advantages of CLP cleaners, like the CLP Break Free lube + cleaner, is that it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the metal surfaces of your firearms. It was especially formulated for use on all types of firearms which makes it safe for all types of metal be it blued out or stainless steel. CLP is also safe to use on non metals components of firearms like polymer.

In terms of performance, I was quiet satisfied with the product, even when used alone. The difference in cleaning was not very significant and hard to tell.

However, I think the Hoppe’s No. 9 does a slightly better job at cleaning dirt and debris, but only marginally.

Hoppe’s Gun Cleaner

Like the CLP, Hoppe’s No. 9 is formulated for use in all types of metal components and can also be used on polymer and other non metal surfaces.

Hoppe’s contains premium and safe ingredients which makes it ultra potent and long lasting. It also will not harden and become sticky over time.

Hoppe’s also claims to use products which contain no CFC’s or carcinogens. It is also environmentally friendly and has a pleasant smell which has become iconic among the firearms community.

The cherry on top is that Hoppe’s No. 9 was also slightly better at cleaning, in my opinion, which is what you buy these products for.

Practicality

Certain CLP gun cleaners can work in extreme weather as well, which makes them ideal for use in any condition. It is used by the US military can be used in weather temperatures from -51 to + 71 degree celsius.

Hoppe’s No. 9 has an even wider and more effective temperature range of -54 to 282 degree celsius, which means it ca handle pretty much all sorts of rapid-fire shooting sessions which heat the guns up. Thus, it is as practical as need be.

Corrosion Resistance

Hoppe’s No. 9

Hoppe’s No. 9 takes the lead again, and this time with a huge difference. In the set of tests that are used to determine the corrosion resistance, Hoppe’s No. 9 was second, topped only by their own Hoppe’s 9 Kit, which contains the lube and cleaner in seperate bottles.

CLP Break Free

The CLP Break Free is not good at all, in this regard. Among the nine tested setups, it was the least effective in preventing corrosion.

Price and Value for Money

CLP Break Free lubricant clocks in at around $10 for a 4-ounce squeeze bottle. This is actually quiet expensive and thus, I would not recommend buying it. If you are still interested, you can buy it from Brownells.

Hoppe’s No. 9, on the other hand, is a bit cheaper. It costs $3 for a 2.25-ounce bottle. Thus, it is one of the most economical gun lubricants on the market today and you can have the satisfaction of supporting a small, local U.S. based company. I found the best price on Brownells, even lesser than Amazon. You can click here to buy it.

Conclusion- Which One Should You Buy?

While both gun cleaners are quite good, I would go for the Hoppe’s No. 9, between these two. However, if given an open choice, the Hoppe’s 9 Kit would be the best decision to make, but it costs a bit more at $42, but comes loaded with goodies such as:

Hoppe’s No. 9 Solvent
Lubricating Oil
Patches
3-Piece Brass Cleaning Rod
Four Slotted Tips
Five Phosphor Bronze Brushes (Fits 22 and 30 Caliber Rifles, 38 Caliber Handguns and 20 and 12 Gauge Shotguns)
Rifle/Shotgun Adapter
Handgun Adapter
Silicone Cleaning Cloth
Hoppe’s “Guide to Gun Care” Book

You can click here to buy it, or you can simply go for the Hoppe’s No. 9. You won’t be in the wrong, either way.

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Check out an equally in-depth comparison between two of the most popular gun maintenance brands: