sproulman.. thanks for the update. I was kind of worried and even stopped using my brake cleaner because I was afraid of causing damage to the bluing. Then without thinking yesterday after shooting my flintlock, I pulled the lock as I usually do, and scrubbed the back side of it in dishsoap and water, then sprayed the back side with brake cleaner. After I did that I thought.. what the heck is wrong with you.. So I washed it down again and dried it with alcohol instead. Glad to know the difference.

I never tried that stuff called Bar Keeper's Friend. Sounds like it might be a good brass cleaner. I will have to stop at Family Dollar and see if they have some next time I make the trip to the big city.