There is no Wizardry or magic craft involved with this little hack, but I have found it to be and economical and effective way to clean hard to reach areas on castings. Total cost for this brush was $1.24 (before tax) and both pieces came from the small local hardware store. A 1 foot length of cable was $0.49 and the roll pin was $0.75.
It is also pretty infinitely adjustable for whatever situation or part you are cleaning. You can make the bristles longer or shorter to suit, as well as choosing different size strands and diameters. The cable that I like to use is 3/16 cable with a quarter inch nylon sheath around it. I cut the sheath back about three quarters of an inch and then twisted the cable loosening up the "bristles". I then inserted the rest of the length of the cable into the roll pin and in a vise clamped it tight around the cable. Chuck it into your drill and viola a cheap customizable wire brush that really does great getting into small spaces. The roll pin isn't necessarily required though it helps you get farther back into places without the cable flexing all over the place.
-Cheers
It is also pretty infinitely adjustable for whatever situation or part you are cleaning. You can make the bristles longer or shorter to suit, as well as choosing different size strands and diameters. The cable that I like to use is 3/16 cable with a quarter inch nylon sheath around it. I cut the sheath back about three quarters of an inch and then twisted the cable loosening up the "bristles". I then inserted the rest of the length of the cable into the roll pin and in a vise clamped it tight around the cable. Chuck it into your drill and viola a cheap customizable wire brush that really does great getting into small spaces. The roll pin isn't necessarily required though it helps you get farther back into places without the cable flexing all over the place.
-Cheers