Build up on AR bolt

[Dss21]

I disassembled my AR for cleaning and noticed a very hard build up of carbon/powder residue on the radius of the bolt behind the sealing rings. Is this common? If so what is a good way to remove it? Solvent didnt seem to have much effect. I was wondering about using a ultrasonic cleaner but didnt want to hurt the coating. Any advise?

 

[Cwood]

Yes, that is normal and you will need to scrap the bulk of the build up off.

 

[redneckmedic]

Elbow grease and a bit of time. Don't short cut this with abrasive tools.

 

[OneBadV8]

you have to clean 'em?

 

[junglerogue]

Found this on youtube
We used something smaller. Looked about the size of a key and had angles cut into it to scrape the carbon off the bolt. Here it is, but it's out of stock.

 

[theweakerbrother]

Combat Application Tools, Inc

 

[mertbl]

I don't see how the ultrasonic cleaner would hurt the finish on the bolt. You would probably need to clean the majority of the build up off by hand but the detail/finish work could be handled by the ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[OneBadV8]

Midway has the G&G tool for $30

 

[theweakerbrother]

Midway has the G&G tool for $30

I bet shipping is like 304832904 dollars. I always find decent deals there but shipping kills it.

 

[ssgjason]

Remember, more often than not, more damage is done to rifles from excessive cleaning than shooting. The only time I scraped any part of the BCG was because of the DS's and/or Supply's desire to have a spotless rifle.

 

[shooter521]

Remember, more often than not, more damage is done to rifles from excessive cleaning than shooting. The only time I scraped any part of the BCG was because of the DS's and/or Supply's desire to have a spotless rifle.

The instructors I've trained with have taught that, contrary to conventional military wisdom, the carbon buildup on the bolt tail is basically harmless and that area need not be obsessively kept clean. If you want to do so, however, the easiest method I've found is to soak it in Kroil or some other penetrating oil, and use a "greenie" kitchen scrubbing pad.

The tools made for scraping the bolt tail are what some would refer to as a "transfer device" - i.e. a product made expressly for the purpose of transferring money from your pocket to theirs.

 

[Redemption]

No need to worry about it. First shot re-coats the tail with carbon anyway. Scrape it if it seems unsightly but it ain't hurting anything.

 

[rfontes]

i use dental picks, ordered from online.