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’s rarely anyone’s favorite part of the process. That’s where a good vibratory tumbler comes in, and the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ aims to be exactly that: a straightforward, reliable workhorse for your reloading bench.
This isn’t a complex case prep center or a high-end trimmer. It’s a dedicated machine with one jobcleaning your brass cases efficiently. For many reloaders, especially those just starting out or those who process large batches of common calibers, that singular focus is a major advantage. Let’s see if its performance lives up to its “Quick-N-EZ” name.
What is the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ?
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ is a vibratory case tumbler, a core tool for ammunition reloading. Its primary function is to remove dirt, carbon, oxidation, and residual lubricant from fired brass. This cleaning process is critical. Clean brass extends case life, prevents grit from damaging your expensive reloading dies, and results in a more professional-looking finished product.
Honestly speaking, while it’s often compared to more comprehensive units like the Lyman 7810220 Case Prep Xpress, the Quick-N-EZ occupies a different niche. It’s not designed for trimming, chamfering, or primer pocket cleaning. It’s a pure cleaning machine, and in my honest opinion, that specialization is its greatest strength for the right user.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
The Quick-N-EZ is built around a simple, effective design. Its 13.25-liter drum provides a substantial capacity, and the unique bowl shape is engineered to increase brass agitation. This isn’t just a tub that shakes; the design promotes a more aggressive tumbling action, which theoretically leads to faster, more consistent cleaning.
From my honest perspective, the clear viewing lid is a small but brilliant feature. You can monitor the progress without stopping the machine, checking for media separation or simply ensuring everything is churning as it should. The cord-mounted ON/OFF switch adds a layer of safety and convenience, keeping the control away from the vibrating body of the tumbler.
Heres a breakdown of its core specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drum Capacity | 13.25 Liters |
| Case Capacity (Approx.) | 600 9mm cases / 350 .223 cases |
| Power | 110 Volts |
| Key Design | Unique bowl for increased agitation |
| Lid | Clear viewing window |
| Control | Cord-mounted ON/OFF switch |
| Primary Function | Removes lube, dirt, and oxidation |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Compatibility and Setup
Setup is genuinely quick and easy. You place the tumbler on a stable surface, fill the bowl with your preferred mediaFrankford Arsenal’s own walnut or corn cob media is recommendedadd your brass and a polishing compound, secure the lid, and plug it in. The cord-mounted switch makes operation simple.
A common question is about compatibility with specific calibers not explicitly listed. The 13.25-liter drum is spacious. While the listed capacities are for high-volume pistol and rifle rounds, it will easily handle larger rifle brass like .308 Winchester or even .30-06 Springfield in significant batches. For wildcat cartridges, the limiting factor is simply their physical size relative to the drum’s opening; most will fit without issue.
Hands-On Performance & Accuracy Review
Performance is where the Quick-N-EZ makes its case. The aggressive tumbling action promised by the bowl design is noticeable. Brass gets a thorough, consistent cleaning. It effectively strips away range grit, carbon fouling, and the stubborn case lube left over from sizing operations. This is crucial for protecting the interior of your reloading press dies.
Speaking honestly, the speed is good, not magical. It won’t clean brass in 15 minutes, but it operates efficiently within the normal 1-3 hour window expected for vibratory tumblers. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The large capacity means you can clean a week’s worth of shooting in one batch, which is a major time-saver overall. This batch-processing efficiency is a key advantage over slower, single-stage methods.
Noise Level and Operation
This is a missing entity in many reviews that deserves attention. Vibratory tumblers are not silent. The Quick-N-EZ produces a consistent, medium-volume hum and the sound of tumbling media. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but you won’t want it running in your living room while watching a movie. My honest assessment is that it’s typical for the categoryfine for a garage, basement, or dedicated reloading room, but plan accordingly. Running it overnight in an isolated space is a popular strategy.
Build Quality and Durability
The construction feels durable for its price point. The motor has proven reliable in extended testing, handling multi-hour runs without overheating. The bowl and lid are robust enough to withstand the constant vibration. It may not have the heft of a commercial-grade unit costing three times as much, but for the average reloader, it’s built to last. This approach, recommended by , ensures you focus on value where it counts.
Pros, Cons & User Experience
After extensive use, the strengths and weaknesses of the Quick-N-EZ become clear. It excels in its designated role but has the limitations inherent to its design.
Pros:
- High Capacity: The 13.25-liter bowl is a major asset for batch processing. You can clean a lot of brass at once, maximizing your active reloading time.
- Effective Cleaning: The aggressive tumbling action delivers clean, polished brass that protects your dies and looks great.
- Simple Operation: It’s truly “EZ” to use. Fill, turn on, and walk away. The clear lid and remote switch are thoughtful touches.
- Great Value: Priced around $60, it offers substantial capability without a hefty investment, making it one of the best case trimmers for beginner reloaders looking to add cleaning to their workflow.
Cons:
- No Trimming or Prep Functions: This is solely a cleaner. You’ll still need separate tools for case trimming, chamfer and deburr work, and primer pocket cleaner duties. For an all-in-one solution, you’d look at a dedicated case prep center.
- Standard Noise Level: As noted, it’s not quiet. This isn’t a unique con, but it’s a practical consideration for your reloading space.
- Media Separation: Like all vibratory tumblers, you need a separate method (like a media separator pan) to efficiently sift your cleaned brass from the media.
Addressing Common Questions
Many users wonder about specific Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ problems. In my experience, issues are rare. The most common relate to user error, like overfilling the bowl, which can dampen the tumbling action. Ensuring you use the correct media-to-brass ratio is key. Another frequent search is for how to adjust Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ. Honestly speaking, there aren’t adjustments to make. It’s a plug-and-play device. “Adjustment” comes from dialing in your media type, amount, and run time for the specific cleanliness level you desire.
Maintenance is straightforward. Periodically, you should unplug the unit and wipe out any fine dust that accumulates inside the bowl housing. Check the cord and switch for wear. That’s about it. Its simplicity translates to easy upkeep.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
So, is the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ worth it? My honest take is a resounding yes for a specific set of reloaders.
This tumbler is an ideal choice for beginners building their first reloading bench. It’s affordable, simple, and performs its core function exceptionally well. It’s also perfect for volume shooters who process large batches of pistol or .223 brass and need a reliable, high-capacity cleaner. If your primary need is clean brass to feed into your single-stage press or turret press, this tool delivers tremendous value.
However, if you’re looking for a machine that also trims, chamfers, and cleans primer pockets in one step, this isn’t it. You’ll need to pair it with other tools or invest in a dedicated case prep station. The debate often comes down to Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ vs Lyman prep stations, which are different tools for different stages of the process.
For more insights from a broad community of reloaders, discussions on platforms like the r/reloading subreddit often feature real-world, long-term user experiences with tumblers like this one.
In the end, the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ does exactly what it promises. It cleans brass quickly and easily. It’s a foundational tool that removes one of the biggest drudgeries from ammunition reloading. For its price, the performance and capacity are hard to beat. If your goal is clean, protected brass without fuss or a huge investment, this tumbler deserves a permanent spot on your bench.