Cleaning the 155

Here is how I clean my Badger 155, step by step.

The first picture shows everything I use to do the job except the waste can.

From left to right, is the 155, a pipe cleaner, a modified clothespin, an interdental brush, a piece of bees wax, a brush,an eyedropper, and some paper towels. In the rear, is a cup with some solvent in it. For me, that means lacquer thinner.

1. The first thing I do is wipe out the cup with a piece of paper towel moistened with solvent.

2. Then I squirt a little solvent in the cup.

3. I spray the solvent into my waste can. I repeat this until the spray comes out clean.

4. I use an old paint brush to clean the front of the nozzle.

5. I remove the cup and clean the spout with a pipe cleaner and solvent. Then I rinse it by squirting solvent through it with the eyedropper.

6. I put some solvent in the bottom of the brush and spray it in my waste can. I pump the solvent in and out as I spray.

7. Then I remove the needle, which can be done with the handle still installed on a 155.

8. I wipe the needle with a little solvent and set it aside.

9. Then I unscrew the head and set it aside. Note, the head does not usually need cleaning. Paint doesn't touch it.

10. I use my modified interdental brush and some solvent to swab out the body of the brush and the paint input port. A pipe cleaner would also work.

11. I squirt some solvent through the body.

12. I pick up the tip with my modified clothespin and swab it out with the interdental brush.

13. Then I squirt some solvent through it.

14. I have a piece of bees wax that I twist lightly in the body. It's a little added insurance against bubbles in the cup.

15. Then I replace the head and tip. I find it easiest to place the tip inside the head first.Note: sometimes the trigger will fall out during the cleaning process. But, it's very easy to put back. Just pull back the rocker and drop it in.

16. Then I reinstall the needle, making sure the trigger is fully in place. I feel for some drag going through the needle bearing, and a firm stop when it touches the tip opening.

17. As a final step, I put the cup back on and spray some clean solvent. And, the job is done.The whole process only takes a few minutes. And, actually, you could probably skip steps 9 through 15. But, I just feel better going through the whole routine.Back to Cleaning Home On to Safety