Gun Cleaning Mats?

[gregr]

Does anyone use a gun cleaning mat? I`ve always just used a wad of newspaper underneath my gun, but have wondered how the mats do? As far as absorbency? As far as how they store? What does everyone else do?

 

[Indy574]

Typically I use an old towel. Don’t need anything special.

 

[Mgderf]

I tried one once.
My gun sat on it for 5 hours and still needed cleaned.
Figured I got a defective mat.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

Shop towels at Harbor Freight. Not the Red ones the natural colored ones. You get like 50 for 12 bucks and they are great to have on the bench. Good for cleaning guns and soft enough to lay a few out for a cleaning mat. And you can wash and reuse. I've had the same 50 for years

 

[Ballstater98]

I have a cheap, longer mat I throw over the top of these (which is great for longer rifles/shotguns) on my bench. Had it for years. Think I got it at Bass Pro. It does fine, but I still set things to soak on top of shop paper towels. I can appreciate cushioning and ease to find parts. Best part is the mat stays put with its underside. Towels and newspapers slide around, which is annoying if you are cleaning multiple firearms.

These 2 set out, the longer one I fold up and put in a cabinet. I asked for them as Christmas gifts if someone wanted to add them on if they had a set amount to spend.

 

[gassprint1]

Almost spent the money on an ar15 or specific 1 for a handgun only because of the parts breakdown on the mat was neat, but figured why when an old towel works just fine and after taking the same gun apart a few times...well it wasn't worth the money for the neat factors..

 

[indyblue]

I just use a sheet of blotter paper more than 1/16th” thick and absorbs hoppes and lubricants nicely.

 

[johntheplinker]

I use an absorbent mat designed for use under grills. Big enough to cut in half and have 2, also a little thicker and cushiony in case I drop something important while in use.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Does anyone use a gun cleaning mat? I`ve always just used a wad of newspaper underneath my gun, but have wondered how the mats do? As far as absorbency? As far as how they store? What does everyone else do?

Somehow, I came across an old yoga mat. It's some kind of rubber, and I've not seen any deterioration from cleaning or lubrication chemicals. I just roll it up when I'm done and stick it in a closet.

 

[Magyars]

I have one for handguns, one for long guns. I would be without them when cleaning.

 

[DadSmith]

I use a midway USA cleaning mat.
Inexpensive and works great. Got tired of using newspapers.

MidwayUSA Gun Cleaning Mat Large 20 x 48 Brown

The MidwayUSA Gun Cleaning and Maintenance Mat makes working on your firearms more convenient. The 100% Neoprene material is a great buffer between your...

www.midwayusa.com

Got mine on sale. Several sizes to choose from.

 

[ol' poke]

I was using one with a sewn in magnet in one corner. Was taking apart a bolt when a decent and ball slipped out - who knows where. The wife came in when she heard me cursing. 15 mins later I found the detent bearing sitting right on top of that magnet. I like them!

 

[rosejm]

In the last couple of years, I found something way better than newspaper while working on engines and transmissions - PigMat:

PIG Absorbent Mats & PIG Pads: The #1 Brand in Absorbents – PIG Mat at New Pig

Our customers say, other brands do not measure up to New Pig quality and performance. PIG Absorbent Mats are the most absorbent mat pads in the market.

www.newpig.com

They're a single color so it's harder to lose small parts. Durable and don't fall apart when soaked, though they're not reusable they don't shred up either.

Some have backing, others are specialty absorbers (water not oil, oil not water, surgical fluids).
I like the rolls, because you can tear whatever length you need.

Also sold at home improvement stores, auto parts stores and the old Amazonia.

 

[Bassat]

I use old towels for cleaning mats and old white t-shirts for patches.

 

[Jont22]

Old tshirts and rags. I was thinking about getting one of those large tekmats though to put my mouse and keyboard on.

 

[Hoosier8]

Does anyone use a gun cleaning mat? I`ve always just used a wad of newspaper underneath my gun, but have wondered how the mats do? As far as absorbency? As far as how they store? What does everyone else do?

I use cheap white bath towels. Less of a chance to lose a small part.

 

[actaeon277]

I have a rifle sized one, and a pistol sized one.

Works better than newspapers or towels.
I've used those for decades.
And finally got tired of them.

I'm never going back to them.

 

[DadSmith]

BOOSTEADY Gun Cleaning Mat, Gun Mat https://a.co/d/5VxMUKO

I recently bought one of these. For the price they are decent also.

 

[Brandon]

Got a few as gifts over the years. I used them, they are nice.

A couple years ago I got a deal on the thick rubber matting Rural King sells by the foot. Its about 1/2" thick. Have that on 2 sides of my work bench.

Although I haven't seen my work bench since @lrdudley loaded us up with supplies! Still have it all! Everything except time to do anything.

 

[lrdudley]

Got a few as gifts over the years. I used them, they are nice.

A couple years ago I got a deal on the thick rubber matting Rural King sells by the foot. Its about 1/2" thick. Have that on 2 sides of my work bench.

Although I haven't seen my work bench since @lrdudley loaded us up with supplies! Still have it all! Everything except time to do anything.

I'm really sorry you have not been able to find the top to your work bench. I have been able to find the top of mine.