Brass cleaning is one of those reloading tasks that can feel like a chore. It’s essential for protecting your dies and ensuring smooth operation, but it often involves noisy machines and messy media. The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ aims to streamline this process with a straightforward, no-frills approach. This vibratory case tumbler promises reliable cleaning with a design focused on user convenience and durability, all at a price point that won’t break the bank.
For many reloaders, the choice between wet and dry tumbling is a personal one. The Quick-N-EZ sits firmly in the traditional dry tumbling camp, leveraging corn cob or walnut media to polish cases. Its value proposition is clear: effective cleaning without unnecessary complexity. From my honest perspective, this makes it a compelling option for both beginners setting up their first reloading bench and seasoned shooters who need a dependable workhorse.
What is the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ?
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ is a vibratory case tumbler, a core tool for case prep center operations. It’s designed to remove dirt, carbon, lube, and light oxidation from spent brass casings using abrasive media. This preparation is a critical step in precision reloading, as clean brass feeds more reliably into your reloading press and causes significantly less wear on your expensive sizing dies.
Honestly speaking, the “Quick-N-EZ” name isn’t just marketing. The unit is built for simplicity. It features a clear viewing lid so you can monitor progress without stopping the machine, a safety-minded cord-mounted switch, and a bowl engineered for aggressive brass agitation. It operates on standard 110-volt power and boasts a 13.25-liter capacity, which Frankford Arsenal states can handle up to 600 9mm or 350 .223 cases per load. This capacity strikes a solid balance for most hobbyist volumes.
Key Features & Design Breakdown
Let’s break down what the Quick-N-EZ brings to your workshop. The design prioritizes function and longevity, which is exactly what you want from a tool that will see regular use.
- Unique Bowl Design: The interior shape isn’t just a simple bucket. It’s specifically contoured to increase brass agitation. This means cases and media are tossed more vigorously, leading to faster and more uniform cleaning. This aggressive action is key to its “Quick” claim.
- Clear Viewing Lid: This is a fantastic quality-of-life feature. You can check on your brass’s progress at a glance without exposing yourself to dust or stopping the motor. It eliminates guesswork about whether you need to run the cycle longer.
- Cord-Mount ON/OFF Switch: Safety and convenience are combined here. The switch is located on the power cord itself, making it easy to reach and operate. More importantly, it ensures the tumbler can be completely powered down without being unplugged, a simple but thoughtful safety measure.
- Durable Construction: The unit is built to last. The motor housing and bowl feel robust, designed to withstand the constant vibration that defines its operation. This durability is a hallmark of Frankford Arsenal’s approach to reloading accessories.
- High Capacity: With a 13.25-liter drum, it handles substantial batches. Whether you’re processing a large range pickup session or prepping for a marathon reloading weekend, this capacity reduces the number of loads you need to run.
My honest take is that the feature set is wisely chosen. It focuses on the core aspects that matter for a tumbler: effective cleaning action, user-friendly operation, and built-to-last materials. There are no digital timers or fancy programming, which actually contributes to its reliability and ease of use.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Vibratory Case Tumbler |
| Power | 110 Volts |
| Bowl Capacity | 13.25 Liters |
| Case Capacity (Approx.) | 600 9mm / 350 .223 |
| Key Features | Clear Viewing Lid, Cord-Mount Switch, Agitation Bowl Design |
| Primary Use | Removing lube, dirt, oxidation with corn cob or walnut media |
| Check current price on Amazon |
How It Works & Setup Process
Using the Quick-N-EZ is refreshingly straightforward. If you’re wondering how to use Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ, the process is almost intuitive. You simply fill the bowl with your chosen mediaFrankford Arsenal’s own walnut or corn cob media is a natural pairingadd your decapped brass, secure the clear lid, and plug it in. The cord-mounted switch is your start/stop control.
Run times will vary based on how dirty the brass is and your desired level of shine. For range brass with heavy carbon, you might run it for 2-3 hours. For simply removing case lube after sizing, an hour may suffice. The clear lid lets you make that judgment call easily. Once finished, you separate the brass from the media using a sifter tray (often sold separately) and your cases are ready for the next steps like case trimming or priming.
A critical point for long-term performance, often overlooked in reviews, is maintenance. To keep it running smoothly, occasionally check the motor’s mounting bolts for tightness, as vibration can loosen them over time. A good practice, according to Honest Opinion, is to wipe out the bowl with a dry cloth after use to remove fine dust and media debris. This prevents buildup that could affect balance and vibration. While specific torque specs for the mounting bolts aren’t published, ensuring they are snug (without over-tightening) during your periodic checks will aid longevity.
Performance, Pros, and Cons
So, how does it actually perform on the bench. In my honest opinion, it delivers exactly what it promises: consistent, reliable cleaning. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The aggressive bowl design works as advertised, tumbling brass thoroughly. Clean brass directly translates to extended brass life and reduced wear on your press and dies, which is a major financial benefit over time.
Pros:
- Effective Cleaning: The agitation design removes lube, carbon, and oxidation reliably.
- Great Value: For its price, the build quality and feature set are excellent.
- User-Friendly: The clear lid and easy-access switch make operation simple.
- High Capacity: Handles large batches, improving efficiency for volume reloaders.
- Durable Build: Constructed to endure the repetitive stress of vibration.
Cons:
- Noise: Like all vibratory tumblers, it is not quiet. It’s best used in a garage, basement, or dedicated workshop.
- Media Separation: Requires a separate sifting tray, which is an additional (though small) cost and step.
- Dust: Dry tumbling creates fine dust. Using it in a well-ventilated area or adding a used dryer sheet to the media can help.
Speaking honestly, the cons aren’t unique to this model but are inherent to the vibratory tumbling method itself. The Quick-N-EZ doesn’t solve the fundamental noise or dust issues of dry tumbling, but it executes the method very well. For discussions on alternative cleaning methods, the reloading community on Reddit is a valuable resource for user experiences.
Compatibility & Use Cases
The Quick-N-EZ is a universal tool for metallic cartridge reloading. Its compatibility list is essentially “all common pistol and rifle brass that fits in the bowl.” There’s no caliber-specific setup required. You can mix different calibers in the same load, though for optimal cleaning, it’s best to group similar sizes to ensure consistent agitation.
It’s perfectly suited for the reloader who values a simple, mechanical solution. If you enjoy the classic process of dry tumbling and the bright shine it produces on brass, this is an ideal choice. It’s also a fantastic fit for someone building out their station piece by piece, as it pairs well with any reloading press, be it a single-stage like the RCBS Rock Chucker or a progressive model. For those considering a more integrated case prep center approach, comparing it to a dedicated system like the Lyman Case Prep Xpress is wise, as they serve different functionsone cleans, the other trims and deburrs.
Comparison & Value Proposition: Is the Quick-N-EZ Worth It?
This is the core question for any buyer: is the Quick-N-EZ worth it? To be completely honest, its value is exceptionally strong in the vibratory tumbler category. When you look at the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ vs Hornady or RCBS offerings, you often find similar performance at a notably higher price point.
You’re paying for the core functioncleaning brass effectivelywithout a premium for brand name or superfluous features. The durable construction means it competes with units costing $20-$30 more. For the hobbyist or even the semi-competitive shooter, the savings can be redirected toward other essential tools, like a quality case trimmer or better components.
I honestly believe its biggest competition might be from the wet tumbling crowd, which uses stainless steel pins and water. That method produces brilliantly clean brass inside and out but is more involved. The Quick-N-EZ wins on sheer simplicity and speed of setup. You pour in media, add brass, and go. For a detailed look at how Frankford Arsenal’s other tools perform under expert scrutiny, industry sources like American Rifleman provide in-depth analysis.
Who Should Buy It & Final Verdict
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ is an easy recommendation for specific reloaders. It’s perfect for the beginner seeking a dependable, affordable entry into brass cleaning. It’s equally ideal for the experienced reloader who wants a no-nonsense, high-capacity tumbler as a backup or primary workhorse. If your priority is a simple, mechanical tool that gets the job done without fuss, this is your tumbler.
My honest assessment is that it might not be the best fit if you require ultra-quiet operation (consider a wet tumbler in a sealed container) or if you demand laboratory-level cleanliness inside each case neck and primer pocket. For the vast majority of reloading applications, however, the cleanliness it provides is more than sufficient for safe, reliable ammunition.
The final verdict? The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ delivers outstanding value. It performs its singular taskvibratory brass cleaningwith efficiency, durability, and user-friendly design. It lacks bells and whistles, but that’s the source of its strength and affordability. For anyone building or upgrading their reloading toolkit, it represents a smart investment that will serve reliably for years, protecting your other equipment and ensuring your brass is always ready for the next loading session. In the ecosystem of reloading accessories, it’s a foundational tool that earns its place on the bench.