What to clean with?

[Corpsie]

I could do a search, but I'm trying to stir some activity in the forums.

What do you use to clean your AR? Specifically I'm looking for separate chemicals and not CLP. Why should I settle for an "all in 1" cleaner and lube when I don't have to?

[Epinephrine]

Because it works and its alot simpler! :D

I really dont know my chemicals beyond FP-10 and CLP.

[scottyhipockets]

i use "tetra gun" copper solvent every few cleanings to prevent copper buildup (usually there is none anyway). after this i use my own solvent which is about 40% kerosene, 40% mineral spirits, and 20% ATF.

[Corpsie]

ATF as in automatic trans fluid???

[remy1492]

to newbies, I say CLP, why? cause you cant mess it up, though I have noticed the new CLP isnt like my old bottles, smells different and looks more watery.

but for you sir..................
I first use carb cleaner in the barrel only carefully (why, cause its cheap and efective at getting the initial crap out). Then I use hoppes 9 copper remover on a patch, let it sit a few minutes, use a dry patch, then use FP-10 or CLP on a boresnake (that has that wire brush on it -WalMart), then Break Free citrus cleaner spray (WalMart), that gets the oil and dirt out, Dry wipe it again, then final wipes with lotsa FP-10 and I am set.

This insane cleaning takes maybe 4min total and it offsets the many times I just swab my barrel in CLP and throw the gun back in its case.

If you dont have FP-10 yet I reccomend buying the medium sized bottle, it is great stuff and is less viscous then remoil or other WD40 type of oils. Its a great barrel oil and action lube.

But its not meant to clean like CLP so you need more products in the end.

[Epinephrine]

CLP has never failed me yet. CLP combined with my Otis buttstock kit = spottless. Only thing I dont like CLP is that it attracts dust. I know dust has no affect on how it will shoot, and the dust will just be blown off it anyway, but Im one of these perfectionists when it comes to my expensive toys. :D

[scottyhipockets]

yes, by atf i mean auto trans fluid.

[scalawag]

atf fluid is a very good gun oil by itself. and a hell of a lot cheaper.

[RJ Shooter]

I use Tetra or good ole Hoppes - or a combination of both...

[Corpsie]

RJ,

What do you use for lube?

[RJ Shooter]

TetraGun oil...

It smells, but it's outstanding!

[scalawag]

one thing i like about atf is aluminum floats in it. to me its made for aluminum receivers. i noticed that fact when i was cutting down aluminum door frames the commercial type, with a jigsaw. i used atf as lubricant for the blade. i said hummmm, been using it ever since, dexron, on everything i own. its a damn good rust inhibiter on cast iron tablesaws tables. wont gum up, because your vehicle is under hot temps all the time for a lot of miles as well as cold.

[Corpsie]

Doesn't ATF have a friction additive so that the clutches can work?

[scalawag]

it does have an friction additive. but it doesnt hurt firearms of any type i know of. i thin some out and use it for a medium purpose bore cleaner. works real well for bullet casting too. smokes like hell but the bullets are wonderful from an aluminum mold. you could probably mix it with wax and make some damn good bullet lube. i havent tried that yet.

[N36J]

What do you recommend for cleaning the bolt and bolt carrier? TIA Clif

[scottyhipockets]

an old toothbrush and some solvent

[thedaledoe]

I use Rem oil for hte most part. A friend of mine sent me a box of goodies that the armory didnt "want/need" anymore :D which included a couple bottles of break free. Have used it a little but not much. I will after this bottle of rem oil is empty(soon).

[gunnut1]

I am a big fan of Corrosion X. I have used CLP and quite frankly, I was not impressed. Corrosion X actually bonds with the metal and provides a great protectant and lube. I think there is none better.

Ballistol is a great product also. I works a good a Corrosion X but does'nt bond with the metal and will wear off faster.

[Stomper]

N36J What do you recommend for cleaning the bolt and bolt carrier?

Try Simple Green on your bolt and carrier. Let it dry or blow it out with compressed air. Then I spray WD40 to make sure all the water is gone. Then lube with your favorite oil. I use LPS 2.

Do not, I repeat do not use it on Aluminum

Simple green will cause corrosion where it gets left behind, such as in threads on the buttstock or places where the finish is weak.

I even clean my AK's with it. Wash them with simple green and water, hose them off with WD40 then run them thru my parts washer with Mineral spirits.
BTW I only do this every 5000 rounds or so.

[Mac_Muz]

Dam I thought I had all the uses for ATF, and now comes another one!

As a auto tech of 20+ years, for years I have made "My Blend" of rustproofing for cars... I add roofin cement as needed to get a mix I want for where ever it will go...

Works like this.. Well first off I never saw any signs of rust where ATF leaked ever..

So for preventing rust in cars.. I know off Topic, but still this is a great idea and I didn't think of it...

So in rebuilt doors where you find a pinch weld seam I pour in ATF and stop it with paper towels from draing for as long as I wish. When I get ready to drain it I use wall paper trays which are long and cheap, and so I can re-use what comes out.

Then I add as much roofin cement as I want and paint the mix around..

More tar means it will dry some day.. less means it might never dry....

Now after yer hands are fully minged, before you wash with soap try that ATF first....

So metal being metals, and that ATF can sneak in some pretty tight places and does clean very well, it just got added to my list of gun stuff..

One thing about WD-40.. it is not intended to last for much over 3 days.. if you count on it to stop rust long term it won't.... Mac