AR15 tools and cleaning....Help!

[Gun Oil]

Could you guys with the background please give me a list of the needed tools to do the routine maintenance and cleaning on an AR15? I don't need tools to "Smith" the gun, but want to be sure to have the needed items to do routine work.

Also, cleaning items....I see a number of 'specialty' items that pertain to this category.....I would assume that a bore guide would be beneficial, but what else is required to properly clean these guns.....

Thanks!

PS....If it matters..... I am refering to a RRA NM A2(on order)....I am planing on using it in CMP matches, and an occasional 3 gun match.....

[bgary]

Others far more expert than me can provide more info, but here's a start:

http://www.sinclairintl.com/cgi-bin/catego...PACT&type=store

At the top of my list would be

-- the hold-open link

-- the rod guide (JP's is a great one, too)

-- the lug-recess tool (I was amazed how well that works)

Bruce

[chp5]

I'm lazy about cleaning - that's why I like the bore snake.

[uscbigdawg]

Also, cleaning items....I see a number of 'specialty' items that pertain to this category.....I would assume that a bore guide would be beneficial, but what else is required to properly clean these guns.....

Here's my AR specific cleaning crap:

- AR upper/lower cleaning link doo-dad from Sinclair/Brownells

(if you don't have one of these, you don't know what joy is)

- Dewey coated rod

- JP rod guide

- Sweet's 7.62 bore cleaner (strong stuff!)

- Tons of brushes & patches

- Brass jags (both types)

- Toothbrush and pipe cleaners (for my comp)

- Q-tips (for the innerds of the upper receiver and specifically the barrel nut

- Mark Brown Bolt Carrier Carbon remover

- Other cleaning gorp: J-B Bore Cleaner and Kroil (Hi-power guy suggested it)

Other than that, maybe some brake cleaner (as it auto parts not CLP). A good light lubricant on the bolt carrier and a Boresnake in the bag, for between stages.

Watch for carbon build up on your bolt and bolt carrier and keep the barrel nut and bolt lugs clean and you're good to go.

Rich

[EricW]

A tube of break free and a couple of bore mops to clean the gook out of the chamber and locking lugs occasionally. I used to go crazy about keeping the bolt and carrier absolutely pristine. Fortunately, I got over it and feel much better now.

[John Dunn]

Read Pat's excellent article in the current Front Sight about keeping an AR running. Excellent article, wish I had read it before the ITRC!

[TBF]

Plenty of good advice above.

You NEED a boreguide, a rod, and a brush, solvent and chamber brush, jag and patches, solvent, etc.

You will WANT the cleaning link, bolt lug cleaning doohickey ( Sinclair is fine by me, seems someone said Dewey has an even better one out , but I have not seen it.)

Q tips come in handy too.

Travis F.

[chp5]

What is this cleaning link thingy?

[George]

The Cleaning Link is cool, but I just separate the upper when I clean it.

My list of indispensable AR-15 cleaning tools (now that I have used them they are indispensable):

- Sinclair locking lug cleaning tool & cotton rolls

- Sinclair chamber cleaning tool & mop’s

- JP rod guide

- Dewey coated cleaning rod

- Dewey brass jags

- Sinclair nylon bore brushes

My favorite AR cleaners, lubes & protectants are:

- Kroil (cleaning solvent for bore, chamber & bolt)

- JB Bore Paste (removes copper when it builds up)

- Boeshield T9 (exposed metal parts and areas where you want dry film lube)

- Detergent Motor Oil or JP Lube (lube lugs, bolt & carrier)

- Medium Lithium grease (recoil spring and damper)

--

Regards,